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Motherhood: Unfiltered ~ Carmel

In an age where social media and technology provide us with constant opportunities to take and retake photos, add filters, edit flaws and present an often unrealistic image of ourselves and our lives as mothers, we set out to create a series of real-life motherhood moments – without the filters, without the edits, but with all the beauty.


This is Carmel.

YouTube link

In her words:

We have had the lovely posed family photos in the past. However, that is not parenting. That is not every day life. My house is beautiful behind the mess of toys, my children are amazing behind their crying, and I am beyond dedicated to them behind my insane work schedule. I am a self-employed mom, trying to live my dream while not isolating and completely ruining my children! My eldest daughter, Eva (age 5), has Down Syndrome. She is so beautiful and so frustrating at times. As a parent of a special needs child, there is a need to always put on a brave face in public. At home, it is more real, more raw, in both good ways and bad.

What is your biggest challenge or concern as a mother? 
Messing it up. My concern at the moment in our family is that I am working too much and that I will look back years from now and regret not spending more time with my kids. Eva also starts Kindergarten in September- yikes.
How has your experience as a mother shaped the way you experience the world and/or shaped your life?
My girls have become my inspiration. When Eva was born, she was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Having a child with a disability has made me much more patient and comfortable dealing with everyone- especially people with disabilities. I am much softer to the world and yet strong in defending and supporting those who need it. My girls have given me strength and compassion.
What makes you a good mother?
That I am always trying to improve? And I am happy. We have a very happy home life.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
I feel very different then most moms. I feel like the odd one out a lot, like I don’t fit in. I started my own business in November and I am working really hard to make it a success. I am torn between going for my dreams and being a mother- being present for my children. Balancing ambition and responsibility. It is exhausting.
To view a selection of Motherhood: Unfiltered photographs in person, you can visit The Birch Tree in Ladner during their regular office hours.
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