Meet Jessica Agee. Jessica shares her experience on the blog today in motherhood and self care. Fun fact: not only did I go to elementary school with Jessica, she is also the face behind a lot of the photos that you see on my blog! She is the owner of Jessica Agee Photography and she captures beautiful moments on film. I hope you enjoy her story.

Tell me a little about yourself (How many children do you have, groups, organizations..etc)

I’m Jessica Agee. I’ve been married for five years.  I have two children Ophelia (3 years) and Della (2 months old). I work in the restaurant industry part time in the evenings and during the day  I’m at home with the girls. I’m a self taught film photographer as well.

How are you feeling? At this particular moment, are you happy?

I’m feeling okay. I’m a little overwhelmed with my daily life on watching two kids and taking care of a household but that was to be expected with baby number two. I’m actually getting a lot of rest and sleep as my baby has been sleeping through the night since she was three weeks old. Overall I am pretty happy. 

Did you experience postpartum depression with your child(ren)? If so, when did you realize you were experiencing it and what steps did you take to heal?

No I did not deal with postpartum depression. I would say more postpartum anxiety but I feel that has a lot to do with just being a busy mom of two. 

What are your five favorite ways to take care of yourself especially during this pandemic?

Sleep and naps! I love to take hot, hot baths. I love to cook a beautiful meal for my family. I can cook just about anything and I love photography! Especially film photography.

What advice would you give a new mom? 

Having a routine and schedule is really important. Always go with your gut.

What advice did you receive when you became a mother?

Sleep when baby sleeps (which is impossible during the day) 

What does self care mean to you?

Doing what makes you happy when you want,  guilt free. 

What is something you remember about giving birth to your child(ren)? How did you feel? How did people around you make you feel? (Whether a doctor, family member, spouse..) 

With my first daughter, birth was great and easy! Ha! I had a scheduled induction that lasted about 12 hours. I ended up getting an epidural and it worked beautifully. I felt nothing after that and only pushed for about 20-30 minutes. With my second daughter, I was also given a scheduled induction. Totally different experience than the first time!!! After I was given Pitocin, I was in labor for about four hours total. Things progressed crazy fast and I eventually got an epidural that unfortunately did not work!!! I felt everything. The ring of fire, crazy contractions, I felt like my body was going to explode into a million pieces. I pushed about three good times and out came my beautiful girl. I couldn’t believe that I had just given birth naturally. I was in no way prepared for that!

I felt everything. The ring of fire, crazy contractions, I felt like

my body was going to explode into a million pieces.

How do you show up for yourself vs how do you show up for your family?

I’m always taking care of someone in my home. I’m a proud homemaker and I actually wish I could do it full time. I probably don’t “show up for myself” as much as I should. 

How do you stay encouraged and inspired ?

I love looking at modern day family photography. With today’s modern age, people are all about hiring photographers to document their most precious life moments. I think it’s really beautiful and a perfect way to document your family and legacy. 

What are your favorite ways to bond with your child(ren)?

Going outside, especially our backyard. We have a beautiful backyard with large trees and great plants and flowers that the previous owners had planted years ago. We see a lot of different wildlife from animals, birds and insects. It’s really magical!

I also love to cuddle with my babies in bed watching movies! 

There are times when our children can teach us so much about ourselves. Can you tell me about a time in which you learned something about yourself while parenting your children?

I’ve really learned how calm I actually can be! Instead of freaking out or getting stressed out, I take each moment with grace with my children. 

You can find Jessica Agee Photography on instagram:

@jessicaageephotography