Maternity

Archer did something wonderful last year when he entered this world. He made his mark in the belly of a brand new mom. Ashley juggled work, family, college and Covid all while familiarizing herself with a body that was constantly changing. The peaks and valleys of life offered clarity to Ashley as she endured hardships that would strengthen her soul and set fire to the nurturing mother inside.

Allerton Park is a beautiful historic property that was built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900. Allerton park was donated to the University of Illinois in 1946 and contains 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas, a mansion and pond, a 10-acre meadow, sculpture gardens, hiking trails, a café and lodging areas.

Art, nature and history collide in this changing landscape that offers many unique scenes and settings. Free to the public (but accepting donations), it is often referred to as Central Illinois’ “best kept secret”. 

When tasked with picking a location, I chose one equally as magical as motherhood. From seed to Angel Oak, the journey of life is mirrored within the human body much like nature’s living and breathing landscape.

Megan’s skin is bursting with flora, and underneath it sits a set of eyes that have yet to witness the wonders of the world. Pregnancy is an exciting journey filled with trials and tribulations, but the reward at the end of the road is one that is well worth the hike.

Nothing can compare to the love of a mother for her child. I’m not a mom and I never will be, but I once was a kid with the greatest gift of all – a strong and enduring mother who stood by my side from the start. She told me about her pregnancy aches and pains, emotional mood swings, sleep deprivation and a 23-hour labor to top it all off. My first thought – why? I’ve read bad job descriptions but that one takes the cake.

Meet Theresa. Much like my mother, she faced many trials in life due to motherhood. Despite this, she strutted through her pregnancy with 4″ heels and the ferocity of a lioness. When she’s not building her small business or mothering her children, she attributes time to her passion in poetry. She’s even covered her body in art (what a cool mom you have, baby Oliver!). What gives mothers these superhuman abilities?

Unstoppable love.