For 8 years, this blog was all about me. My fashion choices, my travels, my DIYs. While for a long time it wasn’t a full-time job, it was my full-time side hustle. When I became pregnant, I was hesitant to share the news on my blog and social media for a few reasons. For one, even after trying for a while to get pregnant, I was hesitant on my feelings to truly ‘become a mom’ and so I didn’t want to have to discuss it at length with people who don’t know me deeply. But another key reason, was that I didn’t know what it would mean for my personal fashion choices, my blog, and my future child.
{One week after I announced on social media. Before, billowing dresses and strange poses were my best friend}
Putting my daughter on social media was definitely a concern of Mr. R and ours from the minute we started ’trying’. My niece and nephew weren’t allowed on my social media or blog for awhile, and I completely understand. We are entering a brave new world of not just social media, but of having your images and your antics documented on the internet FOREVER. I can’t even imagine stumbling upon a picture of me somewhere on the internet that I didn’t take, so I would imagine that it would be strange for a parent or child who has no social media presence to have that happen to them.
Once I could no longer hide that I was pregnant (25 weeks in!) I finally announced on my instagram. Of course, positivity rained on us everywhere, and we were very excited. And then came the brand collaborations. Not paid necessarily, but lots of gifted items that we wanted anyway, and so were thrilled to accept. But then became the agreements to post on when the baby was 4 weeks old, 8 weeks old, 6 months old. This was extremely overwhelming and somehow got us into a spiral of having to share photos of Marina consistently, whether we wanted to or not.
{Marina, one week old, lying on a blanket that I made for her}
However, and this is the kicker, we WANTED to. My life had changed so dramatically- less travels and less exciting fashion sure, but wow, look at this thing that I created! I wanted to take and share only pictures of her if I could! And what about the insane engagement rates I was getting with posting baby pictures? It’s addicting for anyone, never mind a postpartum hormonal new mom who doesn’t want to take off her pajamas.
{Marina 6 months old, when we went on a weekend vacation to Carmel}
Eventually I realized that there needed to be a balance, unless I was prepared to transition fully to a ‘mom’ blogger. I realized that I could use being a mom as the lens through which all other activities in my life were filtered. Makeup, skincare, travel, baby gear and especially fashion, got a new focus, that I felt was more relatable to my readers.
So what about Marina? Let’s get back to the point.
Some people feel that social media is a way to exploit their kids. Excuse me, but whether or not I receive compensation or gear for the photo, I would still be sharing photos of my daughter because I am just so dang proud of her. Proud of myself for creating her. There is no exploitation here, just pure, unadulterated adoration.
{Marina wearing a gifted Monica and Andy romper}
What about safety? I do think it’s smart not to post photos of your child posting the location, at the exact time that you are there. There is no need to let people know your exact whereabouts. But then again, when was the last time you heard of a blogger’s child being kidnapped? Not saying it couldn’t happen, but I have so many other things so think about with her safety, that instagram right now is not one of them.
And when Marina grows up? Frankly, I feel that the world has just changed, and there is no going back. There will be more children on social media than there will be not, and hopefully it won’t be a taboo subject or something she becomes obsessed with, as it will be just a regular part of her daily life, checking in with family, and connecting with friends. I also think she will enjoy having endless photos and videos of her as a child, which who knows, may prepare her to be a better parent than me someday.
I feel like putting my daughter on social media has been a cathartic way for me to connect with other moms, discover new toys, food brands and things to make her life better and my life easier, and plus, it’s fun. I don’t want to live my life being scared of what might happen in the future, and I don’t want Marina to feel that way either. Instead I hope to enjoy the beautiful/silly/goofy/sweet moments and be able to share them out which brings even more joy to my family, friends, and yes, my readers.
