For February’s blog we spoke with Nickie, who came back to the studio for a cake smash to celebrate the gorgeous Frankie turning one. We talk all about parenting, Breastfeeding, Cake Smashes and chocolate deprivation.
Q: Hi Nickie, You came to us when Frankie was a newborn, we would love to know how you have found this last year.
A: The first year of Frankie has been absolutely amazing. He is just a dream, granted breastfeeding wasn't easy and then having to go dairy free was a challenge but it was one that was 100% worth it.
Q: That’s an amazing achievement, you must be so proud of yourself. How have your other children adapted to another sibling?
A: Our other 2 children have been amazing, They absolutely adore him and him them. Watching their relationship grow as he gets older is just on another level.
Q: You mentioned Frankie’s dairy intolerance. We love how you brought a dairy free cake to the shoot so he could experience a full cake smash. How did Frankie being dairy free change this parenting journey compared to your previous babies?
A: So Frankie’s allergy impacted me more as I was breastfeeding so I had to give up dairy.
Giving up cheese and chocolate is up there with one of the hardest things I have to say. But, I did it and I wouldn't say I struggled as much as I thought I would. I have experience in dairy allergies as our middle child Freddie was the same. However, I wasn't breastfeeding him. The weaning stage I remember well. We had to check every label to be sure. We are now in the milk ladder stage and he has passed step 1 of 6 in reintroducing dairy, so fingers crossed for a quick pass. He absolutely loves food so I can't wait to open his world to more possibilities.
Q: Wow, Nickie well done you, parenting is incredibly hard anyway, and all without cheese and chocolate!!! You’re a superhero. What’s been your highlight of the last year with Frankie?
A: I think the highlight has been reaching 12 months breastfeeding. I wasn't able to feed my other two due to my milk only coming in on one side. I only planned to feed for 6 months and I made it to 12.
I would have carried on but Frankie weaned himself off me and I followed his lead. Breastfeeding is a journey that requires team work and I think we smashed it together.
Q: You absolutely smashed it! 12 months what a fantastic achievement. After 3 children now, you must be full of parenting tips! If you could give one bit of advice to new parents what would it be?
A: For new parents, I would say it's hard being a mum or dad as a lot of times we forget that dad's struggle too, but try to be kind to each other. Those dark nights and days don't last. Especially when your baby isn't sleeping. Always accept help when it’s offered would be another tip. I was a pain for not accepting help.
Q: Great tip!!! It definitely takes a village to raise a family. How was your cake smash? What made you choose our Animal theme?
A: The Cake smash, well wow! Frankie was absolutely fab. It was a slow start but he definitely got into it. The only thing I would have loved, would have been his face in the cake. But we can't have everything. He did amazing. So much better than my other kids! We went with the animal theme as that's pretty much been his theme since before he was born. I've gone very neutral with Frankie. He wears a lot of neutral clothes.
Q: He definitely got stuck in during the cake smash, you could tell he was having a roaring time!! Do you have a favourite photo?
A: I don't have a favourite picture I literally love them all!
Q: We definitely have a few favourites, but his whole shoot is simply brilliant. Finally Nickie, What makes you come back to Art Me?
A: It’s simple, it’s Ian and Sam. They are so welcoming and the pictures that Ian captures are just absolutely stunning. Ian is so chilled and lets the little ones take their time, as let's face it they have no clue what's going on. I wouldn't use anyone else to capture our memories.
Huge thanks to Nickie for taking the time to answer our questions. Here are just a few of our favourite pics of the gorgeous Frankie.
If you are interested in booking a cake smash, we’d love to help you celebrate and capture some fun and happy memories.
