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Amy ParkerBusiness DevelopmentPhotography by Lauri LevenfeldStory by Lauri LevenfeldOh my gosh what a lovely lady Amy is! I just knew this project would be oh-so fitting for her and she definitely did not disappoint. Amy opened her heart and home to me and shared intimate and fun stories of her son Hudson. I was so honored when I photographed her wedding several years ago (and I just love her hubbie Alan). And now sharing this time with her, made me realize all the milestones we have experienced together. Amy is truly an enchanting woman. She is full of smiles and brings smiles to everyone she encounters. I am so happy to share her story. Oh and by the way, the second woman in the pics is Amy’s sweet angel of a sister Laura, the best Auntie YaYa out there.
I am Amy Parker-mom to Hudson, wife to Alan, ringmaster to my two dogs & two cats and executive director of my crazy and wonderful life.My work life is nuts and very challenging. My company of 12 years, Splendora, was acquired last year and I am now working for our acquirer, Joyus. We are still in start up mode and I head up Business Development. We are on to something amazing, but it’s never been done before and it requires all of my focus when I am working.
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Oh so many! And working on bringing many old passions back into my life. Aside from spending every spare minute with my family, I love to cook, garden, travel, try amazing wine…As a mom, I bring lots to the table…silliness, wonderment, flexibility, ease, and confidence in myself and my ability to be a great mom. I have learned that Hudson is his own being-his own soul. He has his own rhythms and schedule and if I pay attention I can usually figure out what he needs, even if that means just entertaining himself. What was life like for you as a child…Aside from the confusion and stresses of my parents divorcing when I was five, I had an amazing childhood. My parents gave my boundaries, but plenty of flexibility and space within those boundaries to be myself, to be creative and figure things out. And we had a ton of fun-always laughter and love in our house. It was me, my mom, and my sis…we were and always will be the Hudson Girls. I used to be the expert on all things pampering…weekly manis, regular facials and massages. That’s definitely changed since I became a mom and I’m trying to figure out how to make more time for those little personal indulgences. Currently I keep it pretty simple, although I have to keep up appearances for work and I probably take more time on my style and beauty routine during the work week. (Btw, note…Amy swears by Prtty Peaushun above, Jouer Cosmetics’ Luminizing Moisture Tint, and VitaMedica Anti-Anging Skincare Supplements) Alan and I are a team We went into the adoption process and ultimately parenting this amazing little boy as a team…dedicated and fully in it together. Hudson was never physically dependent on me (breast feeding, etc) and because of this, I think it gave Alan a chance to bond with him and be super involved in every moment since Hudson was born. We do not have a pre-set division of duties. We figure it out every single day based on Hudson’s needs. We greet Hudson every morning together, often tripping over one another just to be the one getting to Hud’s door first when he wakes. |
Alan often spends more time with him in the mornings, since I am rushing to the office. He runs his own business so his schedule is more flexible. This is the key for us as my work schedule has gotten crazier and I have started traveling. But because he’s self employed, he’s always ON and I just try to give him the space he needs to focus in and grow.It is always chaotic and we’re both just trying to find the balance. Some days and weeks prove to be a greater struggle, but we manage and get through, usually with a lot of humor involved. Alan is such an incredible daddy and it just melts my heart to see them together. Alan is my rock and he’s our family rock. He has always made us the priority.
I received two pieces of amazing advice. The first was from our Aunt Linda. She said, “Take the help where ever you can get it”. The second from our caseworker to take some time for ourselves alone, as a family, after Hudson was born. We cocooned ourselves for a week and it was the most amazing time to just be together and bond.The most exciting moment and the most humbling moment as a mother are for me one-in-the-same. The moment I became a mother. I held our birth-mother’s hand as she gave birth to Hudson. I watched as he entered this world and the nurse informed us that we had a son, (not the daughter we were expecting!). Our birth-mom looked at us and said “Go to him. He is your son and always has been”. I realized at that moment I was meant to be Hudson’s mom. We were meant to be a family.My advice to other moms…Have as much patience with yourselves, as you try to have with your child. Hudson is madly in love with his animals. He doesn’t know life without a tail wagging in his face, a kitty purring in his ear, or juicy kisses from his pups. He loves his racetrack, his teddy, and his beautiful homemade blankie from Gigi. He’s crazy about books. He loves checking himself out in the mirror. A fun activity we play, Wall Candy Arts. And lastly he loves his Radio Flyer tricycle and his newest toys, A Tarheel Basketball and Hoopset, that hangs on his pack and play…this is of course from SueSue. |
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Right now, our favorite activity is to walk all over the house and chase the animals. We spend a lot of time playing with toys, dancing around, and being silly. We spend hours reading his fave books like Tickle Monster, Guess How Much I Love You (an all time fave), and That’s Not My Train. Mommy and Daddy’s favorite time is morning-when we first wake up and bring him into bed. On weekends, its all about the boys and soccer on the TV. I wish this time could last for hours. We also love our park time up the street. Hudson loves the swing and slide. My day starts at around 6:30am. I like to get started so that I am at least half way ready when Hudson wakes up at 7am. We still bring him into bed with us and hang out for an hour, until his nanny arrives. After that, it is breakfast together and I am off to work. I try to get home by 5pm so that we have a few hours together as a family…dinner, walk the dogs, and playing at the park. No matter what we are doing, its family time. And Hud is off to bed by 7:30pm, and then, we have couple time! |
Clean and simple, with pops of colors, comfortable and not fussy. That said, I am a sucker for the precious, sweet baby clothes, especially for the holidays I’ve got my eye on a darling Easter outfit that is smocked, and while all the ladies in the room will love it, I am sure the men will be rolling their eyes. I am ok with that! I was lucky enough to have my sister, Laura out during the shoot. We call her YaYa and she is the best aunt ever! Hudson adores her and he runs to her to reach for a hug every time he sees her. It’s been such a special treat to have her out for three weeks. She works for Alan’s company and we are working hard to make her a permanent residence. She’s so good with Hudson, a total natural and it makes me happy to watch the two of them together. She’s the best sis, the best aunt, and the best friend a mom could ever have! |
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Love, love, love these images…although I am biased as this is my beautiful family. Laurie, your work is amazing and I am so thrilled we have these to remember this time in our very busy lives. Wish I could have been there to participate.
Thanks so much.
Wow! Way to capture the life of a mom and family in a beautiful way. Adopted or not, family is a family and this family is like glue! And such pretty glue, down to the sister! Thanks for making me smile this morning as I wake up and get going. Great pictures and story!