Lauren Lyn Pepe (37), Gracie (6), Sebastian (4), and Miles (2)
Buffalo, NY
Lauren shares -
“{Parenthood} has made me look at my body as both miraculous, and hideous. My body has done some amazing things, and because of this, it now looks like a misshapen, heavily used, little cared for tree with little babies climbing all over it.
I suffered with horrible depression both during and after all of my pregnancies. My pregnancies and births never lived up to my expectations, or hopes. This is the hardest thing I have ever done. Most days, even though it's hard, I couldn't imagine not doing it. But there are moments, because I'm human and because it's hard being a mom, that I dream of a quite room of solitude....all to myself for an hour, or three. If you don't care for yourself, and recognize all of the wonderful mundane things you do for your kids, you will fall so hard and so fast.
{I’m doing this} because my kids deserve to have a picture of them and me. It's something they don't have and I want to see what they see ... love.”