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.
12203 comments
https://masterpierce.com/blogs/news/zodiac-signs-tattoo-edition?comment=134362267930&page=12&srsltid=AfmBOooa9j7yLwJiFY-oZf1ZZmTGOrO4-ytufnpfsOSDjbmEPY1MfZiB
https://warmfolk.com/blogs/news/review-of-a-new-quilting-book-design-make-quilt-modern?page=2&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6ImNyZWF0ZWRfYXQiLCJzdiI6IjIwMjUtMDUtMTUgMDk6MDY6MjQuMDAwMDAwIiwiZCI6ImYiLCJ1aWQiOjEzMzE2MjQzNDYzOSwibCI6MTAsIm8iOjAsInIiOiJDUyJ9.Yuk6P9EW2JOvPtHuoDZou2XSdKNJ3d2AWDruSutzIV8
https://www.survivalknifeexperts.com/blogs/the-survival-guide-blog/49473732-gerber-lmf-ii-review?comment=128635174961&page=2&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6ImNyZWF0ZWRfYXQiLCJzdiI6IjIwMjUtMDUtMTQgMTk6MDE6MzQuMDAwMDAwIiwiZCI6ImIiLCJ1aWQiOjEyOTI5MjE3MzM2MSwibCI6NSwibyI6MCwiciI6IkNTIn0.nJpccmvD_s1htZSpBE1WZeovjLqJe0nYzpKHNtqgypI#Comments
https://www.allthebabies.co/blogs/news/mom-to-mom-with-valerie?page=9&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6ImNyZWF0ZWRfYXQiLCJzdiI6IjIwMjUtMDUtMTUgMDE6NTY6MTEuMDAwMDAwIiwiZCI6ImIiLCJ1aWQiOjEzNTI0ODc3MzM2MCwibCI6NSwibyI6MCwiciI6IkNTIn0.dtncfPGbInMG_4cBxEMbjZMdgAYDre5Ir0Fe5gYVgcc&srsltid=AfmBOoqeP6_wZi7Wudxo8FL6XXqHoCl6-MemXNZupk4m_4L5cyxltGSh
https://sneakerbinge.com/es/blogs/news/what-are-the-best-sneaker-stores-in-nyc-new-york
https://nominalx.com/blogs/meaningful-accessories/weve-been-featured-on-shopify-masters?srsltid=AfmBOorRJW3xJHj209HkRLN9zJj1M4Wdvmavtqep1MJLiozc4X0pQxBc
https://www.puzzlersjordan.com/blogs/puzzlers-discussion/launching-our-website-we-have-lift-off-new-webiste-launch?comment=128267518129&page=5&srsltid=AfmBOoonBg5jTdJTmGONvatuSWJksSFVkbildg3e46ru6DQ2DtIBX6VZ
https://tagzfoods.com/blogs/news/tagz-why?comment=130688745712&page=7&srsltid=AfmBOorbIjbAPG44Od1LE7oQHR-Hgjw1zR2B2KXGujCTtfMOMjIhSo-L
https://nubanbeauty.com/blogs/blog-post/port-harcourt-and-owerri-makeup-fair?comment=130348122305&page=1&srsltid=AfmBOorWH_4TbSXhidoM9jQ0Sk9nRnajYPelitOsh3_rZiVdVzjSB-7S
https://fantasyguides.com/blogs/articles/denver-broncos
https://eleonorahsiung.com.br/en/blogs/news/o-jardim-das-delicias
https://masterpierce.com/blogs/news/zodiac-signs-tattoo-edition?comment=134362267930&page=12&srsltid=AfmBOooa9j7yLwJiFY-oZf1ZZmTGOrO4-ytufnpfsOSDjbmEPY1MfZiB
https://warmfolk.com/blogs/news/review-of-a-new-quilting-book-design-make-quilt-modern?page=2&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6ImNyZWF0ZWRfYXQiLCJzdiI6IjIwMjUtMDUtMTUgMDk6MDY6MjQuMDAwMDAwIiwiZCI6ImYiLCJ1aWQiOjEzMzE2MjQzNDYzOSwibCI6MTAsIm8iOjAsInIiOiJDUyJ9.Yuk6P9EW2JOvPtHuoDZou2XSdKNJ3d2AWDruSutzIV8
https://www.survivalknifeexperts.com/blogs/the-survival-guide-blog/49473732-gerber-lmf-ii-review?comment=128635174961&page=2&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6ImNyZWF0ZWRfYXQiLCJzdiI6IjIwMjUtMDUtMTQgMTk6MDE6MzQuMDAwMDAwIiwiZCI6ImIiLCJ1aWQiOjEyOTI5MjE3MzM2MSwibCI6NSwibyI6MCwiciI6IkNTIn0.nJpccmvD_s1htZSpBE1WZeovjLqJe0nYzpKHNtqgypI#Comments
https://www.allthebabies.co/blogs/news/mom-to-mom-with-valerie?page=9&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6ImNyZWF0ZWRfYXQiLCJzdiI6IjIwMjUtMDUtMTUgMDE6NTY6MTEuMDAwMDAwIiwiZCI6ImIiLCJ1aWQiOjEzNTI0ODc3MzM2MCwibCI6NSwibyI6MCwiciI6IkNTIn0.dtncfPGbInMG_4cBxEMbjZMdgAYDre5Ir0Fe5gYVgcc&srsltid=AfmBOoqeP6_wZi7Wudxo8FL6XXqHoCl6-MemXNZupk4m_4L5cyxltGSh
https://sneakerbinge.com/es/blogs/news/what-are-the-best-sneaker-stores-in-nyc-new-york
https://nominalx.com/blogs/meaningful-accessories/weve-been-featured-on-shopify-masters?srsltid=AfmBOorRJW3xJHj209HkRLN9zJj1M4Wdvmavtqep1MJLiozc4X0pQxBc
https://www.puzzlersjordan.com/blogs/puzzlers-discussion/launching-our-website-we-have-lift-off-new-webiste-launch?comment=128267518129&page=5&srsltid=AfmBOoonBg5jTdJTmGONvatuSWJksSFVkbildg3e46ru6DQ2DtIBX6VZ
https://tagzfoods.com/blogs/news/tagz-why?comment=130688745712&page=7&srsltid=AfmBOorbIjbAPG44Od1LE7oQHR-Hgjw1zR2B2KXGujCTtfMOMjIhSo-L
https://nubanbeauty.com/blogs/blog-post/port-harcourt-and-owerri-makeup-fair?comment=130348122305&page=1&srsltid=AfmBOorWH_4TbSXhidoM9jQ0Sk9nRnajYPelitOsh3_rZiVdVzjSB-7S
https://fantasyguides.com/blogs/articles/denver-broncos
https://eleonorahsiung.com.br/en/blogs/news/o-jardim-das-delicias
https://masterpierce.com/blogs/news/zodiac-signs-tattoo-edition?comment=134362267930&page=12&srsltid=AfmBOooa9j7yLwJiFY-oZf1ZZmTGOrO4-ytufnpfsOSDjbmEPY1MfZiB
https://warmfolk.com/blogs/news/review-of-a-new-quilting-book-design-make-quilt-modern?page=2&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6ImNyZWF0ZWRfYXQiLCJzdiI6IjIwMjUtMDUtMTUgMDk6MDY6MjQuMDAwMDAwIiwiZCI6ImYiLCJ1aWQiOjEzMzE2MjQzNDYzOSwibCI6MTAsIm8iOjAsInIiOiJDUyJ9.Yuk6P9EW2JOvPtHuoDZou2XSdKNJ3d2AWDruSutzIV8
https://www.survivalknifeexperts.com/blogs/the-survival-guide-blog/49473732-gerber-lmf-ii-review?comment=128635174961&page=2&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6ImNyZWF0ZWRfYXQiLCJzdiI6IjIwMjUtMDUtMTQgMTk6MDE6MzQuMDAwMDAwIiwiZCI6ImIiLCJ1aWQiOjEyOTI5MjE3MzM2MSwibCI6NSwibyI6MCwiciI6IkNTIn0.nJpccmvD_s1htZSpBE1WZeovjLqJe0nYzpKHNtqgypI#Comments
https://www.allthebabies.co/blogs/news/mom-to-mom-with-valerie?page=9&phcursor=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzayI6ImNyZWF0ZWRfYXQiLCJzdiI6IjIwMjUtMDUtMTUgMDE6NTY6MTEuMDAwMDAwIiwiZCI6ImIiLCJ1aWQiOjEzNTI0ODc3MzM2MCwibCI6NSwibyI6MCwiciI6IkNTIn0.dtncfPGbInMG_4cBxEMbjZMdgAYDre5Ir0Fe5gYVgcc&srsltid=AfmBOoqeP6_wZi7Wudxo8FL6XXqHoCl6-MemXNZupk4m_4L5cyxltGSh
https://sneakerbinge.com/es/blogs/news/what-are-the-best-sneaker-stores-in-nyc-new-york
https://nominalx.com/blogs/meaningful-accessories/weve-been-featured-on-shopify-masters?srsltid=AfmBOorRJW3xJHj209HkRLN9zJj1M4Wdvmavtqep1MJLiozc4X0pQxBc
https://www.puzzlersjordan.com/blogs/puzzlers-discussion/launching-our-website-we-have-lift-off-new-webiste-launch?comment=128267518129&page=5&srsltid=AfmBOoonBg5jTdJTmGONvatuSWJksSFVkbildg3e46ru6DQ2DtIBX6VZ
https://tagzfoods.com/blogs/news/tagz-why?comment=130688745712&page=7&srsltid=AfmBOorbIjbAPG44Od1LE7oQHR-Hgjw1zR2B2KXGujCTtfMOMjIhSo-L
https://nubanbeauty.com/blogs/blog-post/port-harcourt-and-owerri-makeup-fair?comment=130348122305&page=1&srsltid=AfmBOorWH_4TbSXhidoM9jQ0Sk9nRnajYPelitOsh3_rZiVdVzjSB-7S
https://fantasyguides.com/blogs/articles/denver-broncos
https://eleonorahsiung.com.br/en/blogs/news/o-jardim-das-delicias
https://knowt.com/flashcards/9659c703-2412-4b3e-b2d7-48579168e3a8
https://knowt.com/flashcards/a95d5f9a-8465-4628-b972-709c914c4fb4
https://knowt.com/flashcards/e0529da3-b8ec-4414-9c89-7ad7c5ac1fae
https://knowt.com/flashcards/14c480b7-3637-499b-9d67-09d694ef9729
https://knowt.com/flashcards/f13578ed-f1bf-4ee6-8183-52a0f1c66d3e
https://knowt.com/flashcards/0032f392-7fcf-441a-972e-d34ec92312a8
https://knowt.com/flashcards/adb22d8e-deb2-4bba-81e2-71750be1cd61
https://knowt.com/flashcards/b9663e07-cb68-45a2-a9b4-843fefcaecd9
https://knowt.com/flashcards/a8db9f1d-6eaa-47d1-ad7d-6ec4105c8091
https://knowt.com/flashcards/7d05ba14-e550-4e3c-8764-b5ef6b005ccb
https://knowt.com/flashcards/2bbadcae-a776-4eff-9c09-b5a691a5fc3d
https://knowt.com/flashcards/4a0f039d-b7de-4f82-aaf5-45d3454db19f
https://knowt.com/flashcards/4ad913f8-d1e0-4c48-a987-99da990a425b
https://knowt.com/flashcards/40a2c122-6d8e-4e0e-8353-1b697de0f0ea
https://knowt.com/flashcards/dff1d26d-8352-439b-97b5-9b8a9828fc45
https://knowt.com/flashcards/381eb138-11f7-41ae-8e9d-7b40950ffc2e
https://knowt.com/flashcards/2c849f57-4b36-443c-92db-0349d1dce59a
https://knowt.com/flashcards/1c01a641-a6ca-4a90-a004-e9c3d63c993d
https://knowt.com/flashcards/2f974aa5-adff-48a5-b417-333f0b47eb4b
https://knowt.com/flashcards/5d6a5041-41c9-4d42-a40a-065211274752
https://knowt.com/flashcards/05c7aa68-a17c-413c-8756-a762b9e2f44b
https://knowt.com/flashcards/52f4dff2-bbdd-4855-aa50-ed8949241602
https://knowt.com/flashcards/2ef3470b-69e2-4e53-ab79-ca10b911378f
https://knowt.com/flashcards/a93fbfe8-d922-4aa0-9c67-3db730b90aa7
https://knowt.com/flashcards/7d3ce4e3-2a91-4f44-8e3a-535bdd79069f
https://knowt.com/flashcards/c1245c4e-802e-4c2f-b594-3833a3476b66
https://knowt.com/flashcards/d0d7f3e2-232c-46ff-8b90-636aeef179f5
https://knowt.com/flashcards/d7c34c25-7be4-495c-937a-2a069cee6fdd
https://knowt.com/flashcards/91bdce53-9a30-4c64-b377-76da6f32576d
https://knowt.com/flashcards/ec9e7a28-8fcb-4abe-9d55-8ecaa23a2cc4
https://knowt.com/flashcards/087dbb5e-4beb-4372-b123-9d5eb22048aa
https://knowt.com/flashcards/285e9fcd-0565-45a3-8160-279bd8c179da
https://knowt.com/flashcards/5d38a356-82eb-4869-8bbc-8281bae38cb9
https://knowt.com/flashcards/136773f2-8709-48a0-8b35-bd0548e5d3ec
https://knowt.com/flashcards/4e884346-5a08-4c95-8c77-089715c85f7c
https://knowt.com/flashcards/2c49391f-3631-4922-ab44-5bca014d0372
https://knowt.com/flashcards/e3af7ac9-6466-42bb-a93d-2568e19b0739
https://knowt.com/flashcards/d8970495-dbdb-45ef-8608-3ab444487ec2
https://knowt.com/flashcards/91eb90a7-499e-4f10-a699-9f76b5a72a38
https://knowt.com/flashcards/6d531e2a-e2ba-4ae5-b213-f32b9fbbdde1
https://knowt.com/flashcards/6cf54034-28b5-4d16-82ba-ed5a19f2a7ea
https://knowt.com/flashcards/3eb465b5-e232-4b1c-a48a-715ba90088fb
https://knowt.com/flashcards/64a58532-1d4b-424d-aeb6-0805363367f0
https://knowt.com/flashcards/c9fba687-84ce-4146-8e2d-5c50a19527c7
https://knowt.com/flashcards/67638f51-adf7-4d25-90e5-fea10ec7215e
https://knowt.com/flashcards/98f0bfd4-56db-4718-a868-083297e6d591
https://knowt.com/flashcards/347e0af6-5233-4b64-9862-615925a47d6e
https://knowt.com/flashcards/fc0deaba-1b55-4994-a091-470f2da736b7
https://knowt.com/flashcards/dcb108e6-f68e-4770-8822-b0f0b4e7dfd7
https://knowt.com/flashcards/caea21bc-7543-462f-b35b-897d915dd8b7
https://knowt.com/flashcards/4a18383c-b339-4fbb-a07d-9bc39b42e68c
https://knowt.com/flashcards/9becdccd-86bc-4707-bf70-dc8d6416ddc5
https://knowt.com/flashcards/16bd969f-a35a-41bb-851e-4baab8591461
https://knowt.com/flashcards/3f62d164-8936-4925-919e-05adb347b011
https://knowt.com/flashcards/e3f202e2-7bce-4b9b-8077-62f6a3d22176
https://knowt.com/flashcards/bd04d19a-7a12-4985-b4af-ee8755fbf455
https://knowt.com/flashcards/c2121615-e1ae-4c6c-9bae-3d1fb7436ed6
https://knowt.com/flashcards/3628e19f-d05c-4aaf-a42e-e39e6f78bb28
https://knowt.com/flashcards/9f81ccf8-a3ea-4a1b-a610-0ccb775b04ce
https://knowt.com/flashcards/878f5484-96b9-4209-8df8-9e1d2ca5193f
https://knowt.com/flashcards/c2345aff-d275-4fd8-a99e-854248f2380b
https://knowt.com/flashcards/6249d01c-9b56-40bc-b8e6-7c5c2e3f36c0
https://knowt.com/flashcards/b124c2e7-15c1-405c-b2e4-4697ca5a7e75
https://knowt.com/flashcards/4e320904-8b02-432d-a366-dd0ff1e468fc
https://knowt.com/flashcards/1b766a74-5a9d-48d5-a958-ae3cbe94c841
https://knowt.com/flashcards/afe0feb7-c003-4526-9620-856455e6c0e1
https://knowt.com/flashcards/ccb92f1f-e71a-4d68-8d94-5f90b703cf33
https://knowt.com/flashcards/454c1719-4bcd-4802-8d81-84610106adbc
https://knowt.com/flashcards/feb75dde-ac88-436d-840f-0407df564fda
https://knowt.com/flashcards/c91b4807-1369-46db-9e70-e4559772acd3
https://knowt.com/flashcards/4caedcc1-ac14-4eae-a9fe-2936944b5c48
https://knowt.com/flashcards/44112912-ef0c-4696-8a44-aa4e155a6fab
https://knowt.com/flashcards/ec13ae18-86af-4ca8-8b19-ccfd7527a2fd
https://knowt.com/flashcards/827cd75b-ac0d-4e8b-b2b6-55106ccc97de
https://knowt.com/flashcards/7729e755-ca4d-4387-adf0-5256ca9b523f