New Season, New Headshots

Life lately… whew. I recently stepped in front of the camera with my favorite photographer — the one and only Ricky Codio — for our “Picture This” headshot enrollment session for the VOICES study. (More on that later.)

But let me tell you… getting to that studio was a whole journey by itself.

This was my first real “outside” moment as a mom of two, and boy, it hit different. Before, heading to the studio was easy as pie (or however the saying goes). With Phoenix being older, getting ready and getting out the door used to be as simple as 1-2-3.

But now?
Now I’ve got a newborn.

Before I could even think about leaving the house, I had to pump… pack the baby bag… grab everything I needed for work… and then deal with the fact that my husband had the car seats in our family car. So here I am, calling my friend who stepped in like the angel she is — which meant removing the car seats, reinstalling them in her car, and getting both kids strapped in safely.

Then there was making sure I had all the VOICES materials for the session and remembering I needed to be at the studio by 10 a.m. for makeup.

When I tell you I was sweating…
FULL. GO. MODE.

But we made it.
And shout-out to my amazing friend — she held me down the entire time. She kept Phoenix entertained, made sure he got something to eat, held Eris so I could work, fed her so I could get my makeup done, and just… stepped in exactly where I needed support. She made it possible for me to show up not just as a mom, but as a leader that day.

Because let’s be real — as much as this was a photo day, it was also work. I still needed to talk to the women attending, guide them through enrollment, and make sure everything ran smoothly before I even stepped in front of the camera myself.

But once I finally did?

Everything shifted.

Once I stepped in front of the camera, something clicked into place — not because I hadn’t seen myself in a while, but because every time I photograph with Ricky, it marks a new chapter.

These new headshots don’t just look like photos — they feel like a breath. A reset. A reminder that I’m still here, still evolving, still growing into someone I’m proud of.

Becoming a mom of two hasn’t made me disappear into motherhood; if anything, it’s strengthened the parts of me that I’ve always led with:
my identity,
my purpose,
my voice,
and my sense of self.

My postpartum journey with Eris has been gentle, beautiful, and affirming. Yes, life is busier — the diaper bags, pumping schedules, car seat gymnastics, and all the logistics that come with two kids. But even in all that movement, I’ve stayed connected to who I am. I’ve always believed I’m a woman first… and motherhood simply adds another layer of depth to that.

So stepping in front of the camera wasn’t about rediscovering myself —
it was about documenting myself.

Documenting this season.
Documenting the strength it took to navigate that morning.
Documenting the joy, the softness, and the confidence I carry with me.
Documenting the woman who is balancing life, love, work, motherhood, and purpose with grace and grit.

These photos hold all of that.

They reflect the version of me who is settling into her power, embracing growth, and unapologetically choosing herself — even while choosing her family and her community.

This is me, fully present.

Life lately.
Life always.
Evolving, glowing, and showing up.

And I’m grateful you’re here with me.