Milestones Matter

I know you have seen those type A moms that are on point with the milestone/monthly photos of their newborns...it's me. I'm that type of mom.

You too can have beautiful momentos with just a little bit of planning. It is going to be a little bit of work, but if you commit you will love the end result and have memories to look back on for a lifetime.

How to plan for those milestones

I usually look a month or two ahead and see what Holidays are coming up and the outfit I would like for the monthly milestone. For example: In April I might choose a spring color like a pastel. In May I might get a little warmer in color or choose a pattern indicative of summer starting. May also has a couple holidays that can be super fun; Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day.

The outfits do not have to be from a boutique. A simple outfit will highlight your little one best. A quick trip to a consignment shop or getting involved with those mom groups on social media can point you to those sales where you can sang some really great things.

Always pick the time of day your little one is most happy. My little girl right now loves her morning routine and gives lots of smiles. Later in the day she is a bit more tired and the smiles are fewer. This time is likely to change as your little one grows.

Find a spot in your home that gets good lighting during the time of day you have selected. Phones can do wonders with editing nowadays, but you still want to make sure the base of the photo is strong so when you edit you have the best photo.

Don't put too much pressure on you and your babe. Even if they end up crying through the photos, you will look back on these photos and smile (quite possibly laugh and shovel on immense guilt to your now adult child..jk).

Mom tip: If you take the pictures a week early or a week late, it is OKAY. Your bundle of joy will not have changed that much and ultimately you will have those monthly photos showing the growth of your little one.

Let's talk props!

The dollar store (now $1.25 store...) is one of my go tos when planning a milestone session. They have seasonal items and you can choose. Even the smallest decoration can add some pop/interest to your photos. You will see this in the St. Patrick's Day and Easter photos below.

Another favorite is Amazon. This is where I look for those pieces that can be used through each session (i.e. accent blanket). And of course there are the classic favorites like Target, Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Make sure to shop the sales to save a buck or two!

Every mom may have a different style you want to see in the monthly photos. Some choose the monthly blanket or a framed chalkboard highlighting the sweet babes weight, height, favorite things, etc. Whatever you choose just make sure to have it ready prior to your babe's arrival.

Mom tip: I would register for a nice blanket or two. I would select a solid color with some texture (white is suggested. It is a universal background that looks good in photos). You will notice I have the same blanket throughout these photos. It creates nice symmetry.

I chose to keep it simple and I have wooden milestone cutouts completed for each month as well as the major holidays I wanted to highlight. I got these cute things from Better Together Laser Artistry (yes she ships and can make so many things!).

Presently I am in the middle of this project and will update photos as my little girl grows. Check back in for updates on this cutie pie!