Meet Valerie Metz.
A California beachside based content creator, lifestyle photographer, wife to Zach, and mama to her two kids Hendrix (3) and Rio (9months). I sat down with her (virtually) to hear her authentic truth, her story, her advice, her love. We hope that this conversation either guides you before becoming a mom or inspires you as a mom to know that you aren’t alone. #MomToMom
Q: Please introduce yourself, where you're from, and what you do.
Hi! My name is valerie metz. I live beachside in Costa Mesa, CA and i'm a lifestyle photographer and content creator.
Q: I am inspired by you and your hubby's love and your beautiful family. What's your story?
Thanks so much! My husband and I met when I was 18 and got engaged after FOUR months of dating! We got married really young and waited a few years before we (unexpectedly) added kids to our family. We now have two sweet babes and are in the process of fostering!
Q: What's your birth story? Was it easier with one kid than the other? Seamless all around? Any tips or thoughts you can share?
I had both kids in an amazing hospital with midwives. Both experiences went well- my first one was long and had a few hiccups and scares because it was taking so long to get him out but all went well. My second one was way easier and quicker, I think because my body already knew what it was doing. The best tip I could offer is to listen to your body! I had planned to go as natural as I could. The pain level with contractions was tolerable but I had NO idea I would feel so nauseous and be covered in chills. I was shaking uncontrollably and couldn't get my anxiety down so I ended up getting epidurals both times which calmed my mind and body down.
Q: How old were you when you had Hendrix? And how has the transition been seeing him as an older brother and now seeing yourself as a mommy of two?
I was 24 when I first became a mom! The transition has been really sweet. Hendrix has adjusted amazingly and loves his baby sis so well. He does crave one on one attention and acts naughty to me to get that attention so instead of getting bothered by his behavior, I prioritize quality time with him which always helps!
Q: What's been the most challenging parts of motherhood and the most rewarding parts?
The most challenging part of motherhood for me personally, has been the pressure it comes with. I sometimes romanticize what it would be like to raise kids 2 decades ago before social media. I have to be extra careful with what I allow myself to feel affected by because everyone's opinions will make me anxious and feel like I'm not doing enough. However, it is pretty amazing to have current research on parenting styles and effective discipline. The best parts have been watching my and my husbands personalities in tiny humans develop and it’s also been VERY healing for me to raise kids. There are some parts of my childhood that were rough and being able to learn and grow from those experiences has been redeeming.
Q: Do you feel like motherhood has transformed you in any way?
Yes its taught me (and currently still teaching me) what sacrifice is! I feel like i'm constantly learning to put my selfish and unhealthy aside and be the best version of myself for my family.
Q: What have you learned from your two lil's?
They've taught me to love endlessly!!! Even on bad days, I need to pull myself together and keep loving their pure and innocent souls. such good practice to love on others!
Q: Do you have a specific story or experience you want to share that either challenged you, uplifted you, was a beautiful moment –– anything.
I can’t recall a specific story but everyday is an adventure! (even on hard days) the most life giving moments are when we spend hours at the beach in the sunshine with the waves. our babes love playing there and we are just our happiest there!
Q: Do you have any advice for moms to be, current mamas, or women in general?
The best advice is to ASK FOR HELP! practice and normalize asking for extra hands! It's humbling for our kids to witness that and we take care of ourselves that way. Also listen to your body and your gut- only we know what's best for our families, we are all different!
Q: How do you take care of YOU? Do you have a routine that keeps you grounded?
Oh yes I do! I wake up (almost every morning) before the kids and sacrifice the extra hour of sleep for alone time. I do yoga, sip on some coffee, read, etc. I feel like I can start the day off better that way. My husband is also really good about pushing me to get alone time! I instantly feel refreshed after getting some alone time in or quality time with a close friend! 
all the babies.
12306 comments
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6KQxyimHas8Gqgua4wND5W
https://open.spotify.com/show/5jlvjCezRkVBU3Amaq3GkZ
https://open.spotify.com/show/5jlvjCezRkVBU3Amaq3GkZ
https://open.spotify.com/show/5jlvjCezRkVBU3Amaq3GkZ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/58JncSlUP2fMbNcG4V8951
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MdJLhrYkezLbzFuy1oysc
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Wq7KLKEPlg0VFiKaPbAZE
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fQpEMkh9agAzNfSTnwCfg
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hV4iIRi9fPV6agCXaR40l
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vqVZeC6M4i9sKqpGlvNol
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dF6r7bdj5vDelB6tYH2Uc
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NHsn6bLHJVQKIidkENxbT
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HhP1C7ymF5E7qTwckspR6
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4SAbvQTejP3jPaJ0bk0Ir6
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6M4669eUw3ry195hGUVy33
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ETeyUMZoGD8gwSxjBxSQa
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HMMN2XwAZL06wHvXiWsiq
https://open.spotify.com/episode/76F7pFjEFPgWeHucnCO9pT
https://open.spotify.com/episode/51LryNNLrtIcRjW6Y7jM3h
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1tfksvUb4xP1SHanMa4TU9
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RASlTzh5paje1JipMcatv
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3kxbTs3yUPqpdugggb77p3
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4CH5YlBjX5kue08ULuvFQf
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0YKTGvjhqgVme7DSTl7hND
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dXqDF1bQlFPzN7s3FDYlJ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/01dEDje572J2kaEDFVF0tK
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Su32lJqToG5ZPpKO9DiVJ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1lcxHw6zyXcr8cEm5w6yaP
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bj8Wc7yFoKgTHWuXo0Nt4
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tHNO133AQvqxMWXfUquga
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ffJLnrxM8dRHXeOQrNQUu
https://open.spotify.com/episode/25HOB8hqgKm2tZnOVxUrRA
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4WISm1JuXOQeB1QlwssbU4
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0fcgFIBUWKK9XgaRKpTQsj
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ipgkKnX9RQ3bzCAl5ArVQ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1C7ECbFnHbyxhK9oJ2FymB
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3URAu2Xc7gxQyRrPaLR6Bl
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4psyeD72ICsehuR95nfKFi
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gMTQQLakKOAM7ARoQ2mmZ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/43HU9CDCCXqyLCoIBfonuP
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7lYoJS0Qb3Q5HH2ah7d2BP
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nh02nrYqKW659DVNAHhYb
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wuUCXj7O5WwWsjunP1DAL
https://open.spotify.com/episode/05zrgsEdI5991un6L09Kk5
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uP3ThjvWWgz4cYPWULcjW
https://www.facebook.com/events/303481742828462
https://www.facebook.com/events/487531480843121
https://www.facebook.com/events/528617842984804
https://www.facebook.com/events/815412600422074
https://www.facebook.com/events/912578304037689
https://www.facebook.com/events/1032850264880354
https://www.facebook.com/events/8008109272604689
https://www.facebook.com/events/905842844910242
https://www.facebook.com/events/1670050420427502
https://www.facebook.com/events/1873394676498842
https://www.facebook.com/events/875666524458507
https://www.facebook.com/events/886885079962522
https://www.facebook.com/events/1685863715578340
https://www.facebook.com/events/1882379695598552
https://www.facebook.com/events/1882544462228936
https://www.facebook.com/events/1915495212247949
https://www.facebook.com/events/496830109964347
https://www.facebook.com/events/497748516531380
https://www.facebook.com/events/907951728016273
https://www.facebook.com/events/8505643539466453
https://www.facebook.com/events/386779204227093
https://www.facebook.com/events/437145709369924
https://www.facebook.com/events/514217301250467
https://www.facebook.com/events/536982282012822
https://www.facebook.com/events/1014707223453477
https://www.facebook.com/events/1528753761349593
https://www.facebook.com/events/1659023854879144
https://www.facebook.com/events/2254603354879513
https://www.facebook.com/events/356417190867329
https://www.facebook.com/events/533989892399187
https://www.facebook.com/events/357108517455016
https://www.facebook.com/events/534980489057053
https://www.facebook.com/events/906783037932822
https://www.facebook.com/events/1974795052955612
https://www.facebook.com/events/514036921579452
https://www.facebook.com/events/502975312621860
https://www.facebook.com/events/1572280087046466
https://www.facebook.com/events/2384863178525426
https://www.facebook.com/events/465148446512180
https://www.facebook.com/events/440790178985905
https://www.facebook.com/events/1068558078115435
https://www.facebook.com/events/1236756267208473
https://www.facebook.com/events/1844620979395847
https://www.facebook.com/events/1493027127983120
https://www.facebook.com/events/911388474365967
https://www.facebook.com/events/1193065105267042
https://www.facebook.com/events/476716418509073
https://www.facebook.com/events/837151208600893
https://www.facebook.com/events/1244819016942757
https://www.facebook.com/events/8004193996343849
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125711/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125726/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125755/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125761/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125771/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125779/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125789/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125797/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125805/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125814/
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125711/overview
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125726/overview
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125755/overview
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125761/overview
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125771/overview
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125779/overview
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125789/overview
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125797/overview
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125805/overview
https://matcherino.com/tournaments/125814/overview
https://pastelink.net/9bqbz0fe
https://pastelink.net/e70k41vh
https://pastelink.net/v0g5germ
https://pastelink.net/clemfhbk
https://pastelink.net/5atjwnz3
https://pastelink.net/vgn8rd1u
https://pastelink.net/f8tikfx9
https://pastelink.net/yb5kh5iw
https://pastelink.net/9bqbz0fe
https://pastelink.net/e70k41vh
https://pastelink.net/v0g5germ
https://pastelink.net/clemfhbk
https://pastelink.net/5atjwnz3
https://pastelink.net/vgn8rd1u
https://pastelink.net/f8tikfx9
https://pastelink.net/yb5kh5iw