Let me say it plainly: the first year is a blur.

The kind of beautiful, exhausting, emotional blur that no one can fully prepare you for — even if they try. As a photographer, a business owner, and (most importantly) a mom who’s been through it twice, I’ve heard the same confessions over and over from moms at my studio:

“I can’t believe how fast this year went.”
“I thought I had more time.”
“I wish I had done things a little differently…”

If you’re reading this with a baby on your hip or a diaper bag over your shoulder, first of all — you’re doing amazing. And second? I want to share 5 truths that every mom I’ve met (myself included!) wishes they had known before their baby’s first birthday.

💡1. You don’t have to do it all.

It’s easy to fall into the Pinterest trap: homemade purees, milestone photo boards, perfectly themed birthday parties. But let’s be real — keeping a tiny human alive and loved is more than enough. Some of the best memories aren’t planned. They’re found in messy kitchens, midnight snuggles, and baby giggles during a laundry-folding break.

Let go of the pressure. They won’t remember the party theme. But they’ll always feel the love.

💡2. Photos aren’t just for the baby — they’re for you.

Babies change overnight. You think you’ll remember how their hair curled just at the ears, or how they used to crinkle their nose when they smiled. But memory is tricky — it fades faster than you expect.

That’s why portraits matter. Not for social media. Not for relatives. For you. Because one day, you’ll look back and need the reminder of how little they once were… and how strong you’ve become.

💡3. The “lasts” are quieter than the “firsts.”

You’ll know when they take their first steps. But you won’t always notice the last bottle. The last time they sleep in your arms. The last gummy smile before teeth arrive.

No one warns you that the goodbyes happen slowly, and then suddenly. So lean into the now. Soak in the rocking, the cuddling, the chaos. These ordinary days are actually the ones you’ll miss most.

💡4. It’s okay if it’s not your favorite stage.

Not every mom loves the baby phase. That doesn’t make you a bad parent — it makes you human. If you’re counting the minutes to bedtime or feeling like you’re losing yourself, know this: you’re not alone. And this stage, like all stages, is temporary.

Be kind to yourself. You’re not supposed to enjoy every moment — just some. And that’s more than enough.

💡5. You deserve to be in the picture too.

I say this with love: get out from behind the camera. Your child will want to see what you looked like when they were small. They’ll want to see your smile, the way you held them, how proud you were. Even if you hadn’t showered. Even if you were exhausted.

You are part of the story. Be visible in it.

Want to capture what matters before this year slips by?

If you’re approaching that first birthday milestone, this is your sign to celebrate it — not just with cake, but with portraits that tell the story of your first year together.

At Cloud 9 Studios, we create First Birthday sessions that aren’t just photos — they’re a love letter to your baby and the mom you’ve become.

📸 Click here to see our First Birthday experience.

And no matter what stage you’re in, just know: you’re doing better than you think.

— Jeanine ❤️