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.
One thing that makes us unique from a lot of other families is that we both have a lot of body modifications, including visible tattoos, facial piercings, and crazy coloured hair. We have been judged in public, and it’s very hurtful. I think a lot of people assumer that we don’t know what we’re doing, or we’re not attentive, loving or “good” parents. One of our worst fears is that Fynn will make some friends that won’t be allowed over to our house because their parents think we’re too weird or irresponsible. But my experience with motherhood is just like anyone else’s. I cuddle, kiss, hug and play with my son, just like you. I comfort him during tantrums, make his meals, and take care of him just like anyone else. Both me, and my husband, work full time to make our son’ life as perfect as we can. We’re great parents! And just because we may look weird, doesn’t mean we are. (Well, maybe a little!)
What is your biggest challenge or concern as a mother?
My biggest challenge as a mother is one that mothers have been battling with since the dawn of time, self doubt. Constantly wondering “Am I doing this right?” After putting Fynn to bed each night, I often find myself going over various moments of the day wondering if I did the right thing.
How has your experience as a mother shaped the way you experience the world and/or shaped your life?
My experience as a mother has changed my life completely. I have experienced a lot of trauma in my life. For a very long time, the world seemed like a dark, lonely, and painful place. I couldn’t see happiness and beauty in anything. Having Fynn made me feel and see so much light and love in the world. You really don’t know true, unconditional love until you have a child. You don’t really see beauty in the little things until you’re looking through the eyes of someone who is seeing them for the first time. Fynn is so brilliant. He is so curious and happy. He’s one of the only children I know who truly almost always has a smile on his face, and because of that, I always have a smile on my face too. I never thought I’d get to experience being this happy. And I never thought I would appreciate rocks and cars the way I do now, being a mum to a little boy. Being a mother has truly made me feel like I’m getting a second chance at life. And I am so so grateful for that.
What makes you a good mother?
What makes me a good mother is that I try. All you can do is try. If you get through a day, and your little one is fed, tired, loved, and happy, then you have tried your best, and done something right. I just never want Fynn to stop smiling. My dad, who works with troubled youth, always tells me “you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be good enough.” And I will never stop trying to be good enough.
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