For our 2nd bundle of joy, we decided to do something a little bit out of Filipino tradition. Rather than having one huge baby shower that included family, friends, coworkers, etc. I opted for it to be split up so that I’d be able to really mingle with all my guests.

A few weekends ago, we had our 3rd baby shower, which was themed Sweet Baby Girl No 2, and inspired by Paris and Chanel.  And luckily for us, we found this sweet gem, Paris In A Cup, in Orange California, that fit the theme perfectly! Something also a little different from our Filipino cultural norm, was the fact that it was an intimate shower limited to about 30 females only. Because of this different setting, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and being able to actually spend time with my guests!

I just wanted to thank my dearest friend, Jalyn for helping immensely with hosting the crafty details. Also a huge thank you to Teresa of Pirouette Photography for coming out to document the action. I’ve never had a photographer come out before and now I don’t know how I ever threw a party without one! Although I hate being “on the other side” of the camera, I was actually excited about these photos because I’m actually in them, and will therefore, be able to look back and treasure these moments!

Lastly, and most importantly, thank you to all the wonderful ladies who took time from their busy schedules to celebrate the arrival of our new bundle! Hope you enjoy the mix of pictures from Pirouette Photography and I!

After Eva was born, I had a rough time not only adjusting, but recovering. Being that I considered myself a “healthy young woman,” I thought recovery would be a breeze and because of the winter holidays (she was a Thanksgiving baby), I had committed to multiple functions and visits rather than taking a few good weeks to allow myself to completely heal. As a result, I tore a stitch and my body punished me for it. What should have been a smooth 6 weeks of proper healing, became a miserable 3 months before finally getting off pain meds.

Then there was nursing. Being that breastfeeding had been my intention from the get go, I was determined to not fail in that department. But I didn’t know how to say “No” when others wanted to hold her or bottle feed her. When it came to a point where the husband and I had gone 4 hours without holding our own infant newborn (who was right in front of us at all times), I knew changes had to be made. We finally decided to take a month off to adjust & rest. It was a month that was not only much needed, but long overdue. Battling between pumping, storing, bottle feeding, and attempting to re-latch a newborn didn’t come easy, but it finally came. And at 3 months of age, Eva was finally on exclusive breastfeeding as intended.

In that same month, I confided in other new moms and I learned that I was not alone. This was probably the biggest life saver for me because I drew a lot of strength from these ladies who too, were trying to define their roles as mothers. Sure, lots of people are “moms”, but everyone’s situation is different… including the time/generation that we’re raising our kids in. Through them, I learned to have thicker skin and I learned that it was okay to say, “No.” More importantly however, after finally getting my newborn to myself, I was finally able to truly bond and fall in love with my baby. Don’t get me wrong, there was definitely love at first sight when Eva was born… but I honestly don’t think it all came together until I got to really know my baby and myself.

As the birth of our 2nd baby girl approaches, I’m hoping that my past experiences have made me a stronger individual when it comes to parenting. And luckily for me, I have a great support system that has my back. With them, I never have to defend the choices I’ve made. Just yesterday my mom told me, “Just always be yourself,” it was something so simple, but something I needed to hear.

And let’s not forget my husband, who’s been an amazing dad throughout it all. I always tell people that he was made to have girls because he exudes a lot of patience and understanding (although let me tell you, he did not come that way, lol! but that’s another story for a another time!) I have no doubt, he’d always be protective of his girls.

In conclusion, I leave you with the top 10 things that I’ve learned in the past 17 months of being a mom…

1. It’s okay if you’re not superwoman and need help. Seek out the right people to be in your support system and listen to your body.
2. Breastfeeding hurts, but only at first. Afterwards, not only is it a huuuge money & time saver (no pesky bottles to wash), but the health benefits for your baby are priceless
3. Take time away for some “me” time. Get a massage or a pedicure. Or both. And along those lines.. take time away for some hubby time as well!
4. Your jeans will fit again.
5. Sleep when baby sleeps and NEVER allow anyone to wake a sleeping baby
6. You’ll never have to defend “No” to those who truly understand
7. A hands-free baby carrier (of any kind, although I prefer the baby wearing kind) is essential
8. Utilize a cleaning lady every once in awhile
9. Loosen up and PLAY. Everything doesn’t need to be by the book. Trust your instincts and be a kid again.
10. Don’t blink. Seriously.

2011 Photo credit: EP Love

There are going to be some changes regarding photo sessions that I currently offer. As some of you may (or may not know), I am expecting Baby #2 this May, so the household is going to get just a tad bit busier. Also, I am currently on “maternity leave” from photo sessions until July. Because this is not my regular full time day job, I’ve been having to outweigh my two passions – NICU nursing and Newborn/Children photography. I’ve had to take a real hard look at my time, commitment to quality, and financial income for supporting my growing family. Since I’ve already had a price increase for 2012, I’ve decided not to do another increase… however, I am going to have to limit the sessions I take on to not only provide realistic turnaround times, but also a commitment to quality images.

For the time being, I will be taking on a limited number of NEWBORN SESSIONS ONLY. Come October, I may be taking on family sessions for the Christmas season, however that decision will be finalized sometime in the later summer–  and another announcement will be sent out via this blog page or on the Kristine Atienza Photography Facebook fanpage.

For those who have inquired about family and/or maternity sessions for the upcoming months, I truly apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, as well as the delay in getting back to you all.

For those who have inquired about newborn sessions, I will be emailing shortly – and terms and conditions for reserving your newborn session will remain the same.

Again, I THANK YOU for your continued support through these past years! Never would I have imagined that my lil’ hobby would amount to this! And I am truly humbled.

Just Me, Kristine

Please be sure to view their slideshow!