When there’s a pandemic in full swing (or any other reason to not be in a confined space together), an outdoor newborn session is always a great idea! I had previously photographed Kate and Oscar during their pregnancy and was excited that they were down for doing our newborn session in a beautiful, private, open space in Fort Collins, Colorado. We spent the time wandering the fields of the space and capturing beautiful and dreamy sunset and flowery shots of them taking care of their sweet, little Enzo.

I asked Kate to share her experience on both motherhood and our session below. I’d love for you to leave a comment for Kate to show her how great a job she’s doing as a new mom!

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Who are you, what do you do, and where are you from?

Kate Hernandez, conference and meeting event planner, originally from Virginia but now in Fort Collins. Oscar Hernandez, my husband, is a commercial carpenter, originally from Honduras, but now in Fort Collins.

Who was included in our newborn shoot?

Kate, Oscar and baby Enzo Hernandez.

What did you enjoy most about our photo session?

We loved how comfortable Kate made us feel during the photo session. We also enjoyed her direction. We are not exactly models, so it's hard to know what to do with yourself to not look too stiff. Kate had us talking and comfortable so that the photos turned out so perfect and candid!

What's your favorite item you included in your registry and why?

We had some books on our registry and children's books were some of the favorite things we received. My mom set up a virtual shower for us and asked all of our friends to send us their favorite children's book along with their guess of the baby's due date and their best advice for us as new parents. Since we couldn't be with everyone in person, it was so special to get all of the snail mail and have written records of our friends guesses/advice that we could add to Enzo's scrapbook!

Please define motherhood in your own words.

Motherhood to me is loving something more than yourself, and being in a constant state of awe of the miracle that you created. I think I pinch myself daily! I often look at our baby boy and just imagine that a few short weeks ago he was in my belly and now he's here and growing before our eyes.

What advice can you give to our new or soon-to-be mommy readers?

My best advice "so far" is to not read all of the articles and books. So much of motherhood is following your instinct and following the baby's cues. Reading too much will just fill your head with extra things to worry about. At least, that's how it's been for me!