Interview with Soon-to-be Mother of Five | Pittsburgh Maternity Photographer

Today I'm excited to introduce my early morning walking buddy, neighbor and friend, Dovey! Dovey, your 4th baby was the first newborn in my studio! He has a special place in my memory! I love seeing the canvases and prints in your house from his newborn session!

When did you meet your husband?

Ha... we meet at a crisis  hotline... we were both volunteering there.

When did you move to Mt. Lebanon?

We moved to Mt. Lebanon in October of 2011, so five years ago.

What does your family enjoy doing together in Pittsburgh?

We love to explore new places and go on hikes.

As a mother of soon-to-be five children, what advice can you share?

Not sure I have any good advice... just love your children, keep them safe and try and make time for yourself 

What parenting advice did you find useful?

That it's ok not to be "perfect." If I need ten minutes to shower... I turn the TV on... its not ideal but you have to survive.

Talk about the transition of moving from corporate America to a stay at home mom. I can't imagine it was easy for you.

It was pretty easy... growing up with a single mom who couldn't attend a lot of my activities because of work or other obligations, I knew if it were possible that I wanted to be a stay at home parent. So when the opportunity presented itself I jumped at it. Most days I don't regret my decision but I do miss the adult interaction.

How have you changed as a family from when you were expecting your first child until now with the coming birth of your fifth child?

Besides our expanding waistlines... we've become more "relaxed". We wouldn't let anyone hold our first without having that person wash their hands. We planned our day around the babies schedule... if she napped at a certain time we made sure we were home so that could happen. Now we may be a bit to relaxed.... life is hectic and the little one seem to adapt taking naps on the go or nursing in a noisy environment... kids are amazing that way... 

What are the ages of your children?

My children are ages 8, 6, 4, 2 and expecting 

What activities do you children enjoy?

My children all seem to love arts and crafts ... there is a never ending stack of recent projects. The older two are into ballet , musical theatre and ice staking. The boys love to swim and just explore outside 

How would you compare raising a family in Pittsburgh verses other places you’ve lived? 

I have come to love the small town feel of Pittsburgh. It hard to go anywhere and not bump into someone you know... it gives a sense of belonging in a way. But... I find it hard here and this has nothing to do with Pittsburgh itself. It's just that we find ourselves alone here... we don't have family here, no grandparent, aunts, uncles, cousins or close friends to lean on. I think living anywhere without a network would be hard. 

I'm excited to photography your newborn baby very soon! 

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Expecting a newborn (or a baby Rooster) this year?
2017 is the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese Zodiac.

If your newborn baby is due in 2017 (before February 16 , 2018 - (the next Chinese New Year) read what personality traits might you expect from your little Rooster!

Hopefully your baby will not wake up at the crack of dawn making lots of noise and waking everyone up!!

According to the Chinese Horoscope, Roosters – the 10th sign in the zodiac – are hard workers. They are very industrious and devoted to their work. They are also said to be punctual (they are nature’s alarm clock after all!), independent and brave.

Your little Rooster’s courage and spirit of adventure might take them traveling one day – or just generally exploring for the time being.

Shen they are not exploring they will be busy thinking – Roosters are said to be deep thinkers, sometimes regarded as eccentric by others.  They are not shy – and won’t hesitate to let others know of their achievements.

Roosters are talkative so expect your little one might be the life of the party – they might have a great sense of humor and enjoy being the center of attention.

Other Rooster years include: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005.

Have your say: Do you have a little rooster? Do these personality traits ring true? What do YOU think? Please comment below!

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Meet Lenna McGraw, the Creator of Ella's Beautiful Tutu Doll

Let me introduce you to someone I deeply admire, Lenna McGraw, the creator of Ella's Tutu doll. Lenna is a creative genius with a heart of gold. She has lived on three continents, teaching English in Europe and studying in Kenya. Lenna is talented, creative, interesting, adventurous and I'm honored to call her a best friend! My children love Lenna and each of them have considered her a best friend at one time or another. I can never thank Lenna enough for making my youngest daughter's dream come true! Lenna's love for life is contagious! Everything that she and her mother make is not just great, it is amazing! 

Tell us about yourself. 

We first met in Prague in 2002! I remember walking into our Teaching English as a Foreign Language class, I thought you were so cool, you had on a beautiful, flower dress and were so full of life! I knew I wanted to become friends with you! What do you remember about how we met?

I remember the first day of class. You were quiet and smiling and I just thought you were my favorite before I even met you. I love that we both have very bohemian spirits, laid back adventurers... in search of sweets!

We have been on so many adventures together and we have found the best food, but we were not always lucky in the food department! I think our first adventure was when we thought it would be a good idea to order "the menu" from a Czech pub without having a clue what we were actually ordering! You earned my respect when you ate that food! I could not do it.

You traveled all over the USA, Europe and Africa. How have you been impacted by the culture of countries you have visited/lived in?

I love learning about and getting to know all kinds of people! I love exploring places, food, languages, family, religion, traditions. We are all so different and yet we are the same. It's easiest to see in children, children are children everywhere.

What's the best advice you ever received?

When you hear something about yourself, whether it's a compliment or a criticism, do not get defensive or flattered, either try to live up to it or prove it wrong.

Who do you admire most? Is it a family member?

Yes, it is a family member! I admire my mom the most, she is the strongest and bravest person I know! She is also my doll making partner. She has encouraged my creativity since I was a child. 

Take a peek into the sewing room.

You are the most creative person I know. How do you get your ideas? Tell us about some of your other creative projects. 

Ideas are always chasing themselves around in my head.... It's getting them out and doing something with them that's hard. Actually we just finished creating a rag tutu for a little girl on her first birthday.

What was your favorite toy as a child?

I had a knock off cabbage patch doll (same plastic face, hand made everything else) with pink yarn hair. I loved that she was all mine and didn't look like anyone else's.... She was punk rock!

How are your dolls unique from other rag dolls? 

My boho rag dolls are customizable, children can chose skin, hair, color and clothes. I also can embroider the child's name on the doll's lower back. Not only are the dolls one of a kind, but the clothes are also. The cloths can reflect the personality of the child, favorite activity or favorite color. For instance, if your child breaks a bone, your child can have a doll with a matching cast.

Walk us through the process of making one of your boho rag dolls.

My mom and I love doing projects together. Honestly, I think of her as a sewing Yoda. We get together in her sewing room, discuss random thoughts and the magic happens. We create all of the dolls together.

What unexpected tools do you find indispensable for creating your beautiful dolls?

Scraps! Okay I guess it's more a supply but I love taking a small seemingly insignificant usually discarded piece of something and combining with other small seemingly insignificant usually discarded pieces and making something unique and beautiful!

Are you located near Pittsburgh? 

I'm not in Pittsburgh but my best friend is and I love to visit.

How can a family order a doll for their child?

The beautiful boho, handmade rag dolls are $99. Mention this blog post and receive 25% off! To order email [email protected].

The doll, Tutu, you made for my daughter has become like a family member! We take her everywhere and she is taken such good care of by Ella! She is loved by everyone in our family! From the first time I saw her, I knew she would become a family heirloom. I can never thank you enough for creating such a lovable friend for my daughter!

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.