I grew up in the small town of Catahoula, while my husband is originally from Colombia, South America. We started dating in high school, eventually got married, and welcomed our first child. About two and a half years ago, we moved to Sugar Mill Pond—and just as we settled in, we found out we were expecting our second baby!

What do you love most about living in this community, especially as a mother of young children?
One of the things we love most about Sugar Mill Pond is the convenience. We walk everywhere—to the grocery store, for coffee runs at Huya, or to grab dinner. Not a week goes by without us enjoying the outdoors. Whether it’s having a picnic, playing at the park, riding bikes, or strolling by the pond, we love that there’s always plenty of shade, making it easy to spend time outside as a family.

What’s something about motherhood that surprised you the most?
What surprised me most about motherhood is how deeply my love for my people would grow—not just for my babies, but for my husband, my parents, and everyone in our "village." With each new stage of parenthood, my appreciation for them continues to deepen. Raising children has a way of making you incredibly aware of the sacrifices, patience, helping hands, and prayers it takes. I’m often overwhelmed with gratitude when I reflect on the incredible people who have supported us throughout this journey.

I feel incredibly blessed that my passion and hobby have also become my career. As a photographer specializing in weddings and motherhood, having my own babies has made me better at what I do. I now see those special milestones not just from my clients' perspectives but also through the eyes of their loved ones, which brings even more meaning to my work. Being a business owner while raising little ones definitely has its challenges. I don’t think we can ever achieve perfect balance as working moms, but having the flexibility to schedule time off with my kids makes a big difference. And of course, having a strong village—our friends, family, and church family—keeps us grounded and reminds us what truly matters.

What’s your favorite part about being a mom, and what’s the most challenging part?
It’s hard to choose just one favorite thing about motherhood. Waking up each day to their smiling faces and loving these tiny humans more than I ever thought possible brings me endless joy. Our world revolves around them in the best way. Having babies just 14 months apart hasn’t always been easy, but even in the chaos—the cooking, the cleaning, the messes, and the diaper changes—I’m reminded that motherhood is a ministry. Every moment offers a chance to glorify God, and that perspective makes even the hard days feel purposeful.

Are there any traditions or special ways you celebrate Mother’s Day with your family?
My husband helps the kids serve breakfast in bed, and then we attend our Sunday church service. There’s no better place to celebrate being a mom than worshipping the Lord. Last year, we also went to St. Rose Flower Farm in Saint Martinville to pick our own flowers, and we had a blast. That might just become a new tradition!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new or soon-to-be moms?
If I could offer one piece of advice to other moms, it would be to take things in stride. Don’t stress too much about sticking to a perfect schedule or worrying about the distant future. Focus on the present, give yourself plenty of grace, and take lots of walks! Babies love being outside, and it’s just as refreshing for mama too.

What’s one lesson your children have taught you that you didn’t expect?
They’ve taught me how to appreciate the little things and just how quickly time passes. Seeing the world through their eyes reconnects me with my own inner child—it’s healing, freeing, and makes me more present in my relationships and with nature. Pick flowers, watch the birds, be silly and carefree, and dance like no one’s watching. Since having kids, I care a lot less about what others think of me because life’s too short to worry so much. Nothing makes you realize how quickly time moves like celebrating milestones in your children’s lives.

What’s your go-to way to recharge and practice self-care as a busy mom?
Honestly, when I get downtime from a busy work schedule, the first thing I want to do is be fully present with my kids. Taking trips together, even if it’s just a staycation or a day trip, helps me clear my mind and decompress. We are visiting family in Colombia for a few weeks this summer, and we cannot wait! Working out is also a non-negotiable for my mental health—whether it’s strength training or going for a walk, I feel my best when I’m moving. 

Physical health and mental health go hand in hand for me. And of course, lots of coffee from Huya counts as self-care, right?!

If you could go back and give advice to yourself before having kids, what would you say?
Bring. It. To. God. So many parts of parenting are completely out of our control. You’ll find peace in surrendering. Keep God first and your marriage second. Prioritize those two things, and while raising babies will still be hard, it will be a whole lot easier as a team.