Toddler Photoshoot: Two Under 2!
Capturing memories of your young family doesn’t have to be difficult. We can help you get the little ones looking angelic in a family and toddler photoshoot in Cumbria.
Having been professional newborn and toddler photographers for about seven years now, we've had our fair share of repeat customers. Our amazing clients return year on year to capture their little ones as they grow with newborn sessions, followed by sitter sessions and then our famous cake smash and splash. Following on from the cake smash is a good time to update the family photo album and for this we recommend one of our outdoor family shoots. Amazing scenery acting as the perfect backdrop for that perfect family photoshoot.
Having loyal, returning clients also means that we see clients return for a toddler photoshoot in Cumbria with their second and third child, and quite often the age gap is not that much at all. This month we have had a flurry of repeat bookings which has spurred me on to write a blog on life with two under 2!!
Our Experiences
When I had Bo, Olly was 26 months so technically just over two years old. The same can be said for Victoria with Ethan and Jake. Despite the extra few months, the struggle was still real and there were nappies for man and dog!
Remember those early days of being a new parent and it took half a day to prepare yourself, the baby and a changing bag etc before you could go anywhere?
Well throw in an unruly toddler to the mix! Yes, you thought right. It’s probably just easier not to go anywhere at all unless you can rope in an extra set of hands for moral support. It will feel like this and for a short while you will think 'what on earth have I done', but you will survive.
Survival Tips
We have gathered some helpful advice and survival tips to help you along the way:
- Wine is your friend! Having two under 2 is your undisputed excuse for requiring wine, whatever time of day.
- Friends – despite the fact they will probably want to steer clear from you for at least 12-24 months YOU NEED THEM do not let them get away that easy, coax them round with food and drink, promise that the children are staying out – lie – do whatever you can. You need your friends more now than ever.
- Husband – they will try to claim all the pity for themselves, however they head out the door for a nice easy 8-12 hour shift, child free! So, when they arrive back home it’s their turn – don't even let them get their shoes and coat off! Hand them the baby(s) and go lock yourself in a dark room to recover.
- Grandparents – there is a clue in the title. They have some responsibility here, their title proclaims, so use it – don't even feel bad. I'm sure there have been studies that prove that watching your grandchildren reduces the chance of dementia – you're doing them a favour.
- What to wear! Whatever fits – a good pair of stretchy jeans can withstand at least a couple of weeks of spit up stains before looking like they are going to walk themselves to the washing machine.
- Exercise – despite your assumptions that you will automatically become a size 8 from all the running around, this very rarely happens. With all the chocolate and wine and the fact you barely leave the house, it’s easy to see the scales creep up. So bin the scales; they are not your friend. Invest in a good double buggy. We recommend the out n about nipper – it’s fabulous and can be driven one handed as it’s so light and easy to manoeuvre. Get out walking as much as you can – it will stop you from going insane.
- Managing guilt. Do you remember that feeling you had before baby no 2 arrived? How will I love another baby as much as I love my first? Sharing your heart is the easy bit, it just happens the moment you set eyes on them, however, sharing your time is the hard part. The constant guilt of 'neglecting' your toddler as the new baby needs constant feeding and attention. The lack of energy you have to play like you use to. You are not alone; I think a lot of us experience this. Try to schedule some time in with your toddler – wherever you can to do something you both use to enjoy. It could be bath time, let dad or nana bath baby and you have some splashing fun with your toddler. It will get easier.
- Intimacy – what’s that I hear you cry? It's very easy to let this become the last of your priorities. The stresses of day to day life. Mild resentment that your husband gets to eat in peace, go to the toilet by themselves and still hold an adult conversation. All this can lead to zero action in the bedroom. This is normal but if left to get out of hand can lead to real relationship issues. You need to keep talking, air your feelings, ask for help - a little help and appreciation goes a long way but if they don't know what help you need, you’re very unlikely to get it. And put out once in a while, who knows you might enjoy it and they may let you have a lie in!
- Just the two of you. Spending time with your partner is so important. Plan a date night, get gran to babysit, go to the cinema or out for a meal – anything to remind you why you are together – and that it’s not just to co-parent your mini humans.
Toddler Photoshoot in Cumbria
Ok, so this blog is a bit tongue in cheek but, all jokes aside, there are some real truths in there. For further advice and some actual tips the NCT have produced the following list which is actually really helpful. I’ve also included a link about post-natal depression as 1 in 7 new mums suffer from this, so it’s a useful read to help identify the signs. The most important part of being a good mother is taking care of yourself and your mental health.
https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/behaviour/top-tips-for-parents-two-children-under-two
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/postnatal-depression-pnd
We would also like to point out that we are time-served mothers and have come out the other end singing! In fact, we set up a business amongst all the mayhem. We deserve medals as big bin lids! We keep calm under pressure and know a few handy tricks with those terrible two’s - so please do not hesitate to book your two under 2 in for their newborn and toddler photoshoot. You too could have beautiful photos like these.
With love,
Sam and Vic xx
