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.
5510 comments
https://www.artstation.com/alles-steht-kopf-2/profile
https://www.artstation.com/alles-steht-kopf-2/profile?gfdg
https://www.artstation.com/alles-steht-kopf-2/profile?gxfg
https://www.artstation.com/alles-steht-kopf-2/profile?gdt4
https://www.artstation.com/alles-steht-kopf-2/profile?hdy3
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/blG3vr
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/elOqvD
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/m8rd41
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YNJ
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/6NA5g5
https://www.artstation.com/korean-uhd-inside-out-2-full-movie-4k/profile
https://www.artstation.com/korean-uhd-inside-out-2-full-movie-4k/profile?fgf
https://www.artstation.com/korean-uhd-inside-out-2-full-movie-4k/profile?jhi
https://www.artstation.com/korean-uhd-inside-out-2-full-movie-4k/profile?dAg
https://www.artstation.com/korean-uhd-inside-out-2-full-movie-4k/profile?gfw
https://www.artstation.com/korean-uhd-inside-out-2-full-movie-4k/profile?swe
https://www.artstation.com/korean-uhd-inside-out-2-full-movie-4k/profile?drt
https://www.artstation.com/korean-uhd-inside-out-2-full-movie-4k/profile?twe
https://www.artstation.com/korean-uhd-inside-out-2-full-movie-4k/profile?qdf
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-fullmovie-free-download-hd/profile?bht=
https://www.artstation.com/the-bikeriders-full-movie-online-hd/profile
https://www.artstation.com/the-exorcism-fullmovie-download-online/profile?ire=
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/qeqRdy
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?ljk
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?gre
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?fde
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?rwe
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?lkf
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?hyf
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?gfd
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?bbf
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?ess
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-2024-fullmovie-free-online/profile?vde
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ev3K80
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?bgt
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?ksl
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?mrh
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?jnk
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?gfr
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?trf
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?rec
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?nhy
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?ews
https://www.artstation.com/watch-bad-boys-ride-or-die-fullmovie-free-online/profile?vfd
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/AlAKLz
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?gte
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?tre
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?res
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?vfr
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?ewq
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?xsw
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?swq
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?saz
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-garfield-movie-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?vrz
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1xAYVL
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1xAYVL?SFS
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1xAYVL?SFSS
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1xAYVL?RTT
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1xAYVL?RTGR
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1xAYVL?GF
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1xAYVL?SERF
https://www.artstation.com/watch-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-2024-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile
https://www.artstation.com/watch-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-2024-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?FGTSER
https://www.artstation.com/watch-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-2024-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?DD
https://www.artstation.com/watch-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-2024-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?THY
https://www.artstation.com/watch-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-2024-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?RTGS
https://www.artstation.com/watch-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-2024-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?GR
https://www.artstation.com/watch-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-2024-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?YHR
https://www.artstation.com/watch-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-2024-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?RETY
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/blG34n
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/blG34n?adr
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/blG34n?sef
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/blG34n?df
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/blG34n?serfs
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/blG34n?dfg
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k-tv-at-home/profile
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k-tv-at-home/profile?ewd
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k-tv-at-home/profile?sef
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k-tv-at-home/profile?trh
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k-tv-at-home/profile?y6
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k-tv-at-home/profile?yi
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k-tv-at-home/profile?ii
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k-tv-at-home/profile?td
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/yDdq55
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/yDdq55?r4et4
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/yDdq55?drr
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/yDdq55?rtr4
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/yDdq55?yutj
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/yDdq55?uuu
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?dee
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?adi
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?dafir
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?sarni
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?eq
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?e3e
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?rrt
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?tt
https://www.artstation.com/watch-the-bikeriders-fullmovie-free-online-4k/profile?yui
https://www.bankier.pl/forum/temat_refe,66934939.html
https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/427e236f1b21af14db45d0113f6dd831cae9512ae603b509dd0a6f640e342135
https://wiredforwar.org/topic/1702/wew
https://herbalmeds-forum.biolife.com.my/d/82238-erswe
https://click4r.com/posts/g/17173362/sefrswa
https://matters.town/me/drafts/RHJhZnQ6MTA2MjU3Mg
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-full-hd-movie/profile
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-full-hd-movie/profile?xvg
https://www.artstation.com/download-inside-out-2-full-hd-movie/profile?asg
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/rJo54G
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/rJo54G?wfrtse
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/rJo54G?sdfsd
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/rJo54G?sdf
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/rJo54G?sdfgsddf
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?rtghfd
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?dfvdf
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?dfgdf
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?dfgdf
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?wdad
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?aswdsad
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?asd
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?asda
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?asdasd
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?asdas
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?asdaw
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?erewerfwe
https://www.artstation.com/watch-horizon-an-american-saga-chapter-1-2024-fullmovie-free-on/profile?ewrwe
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?frf
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?seg
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?rs
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?tye
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?rhde
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?rggv
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?et
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?e4ete
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?fee3
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?Sdea
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?fgrs
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?fgrs
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?gra
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?rgtg
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?esr
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?sfe
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?dytr
https://www.bankier.pl/forum/temat_xfds,66936513.html
https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/eb0eb43dbae950a7969054cb10ee277bd5cc9e4c20671e0070c41ab719e1b6cc
https://wiredforwar.org/topic/1712/e46t4e
https://herbalmeds-forum.biolife.com.my/d/82286-wer
https://click4r.com/posts/g/17174610/sefrswa
https://matters.town/me/drafts/RHJhZnQ6MTA2Mjc2NQ
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?frf
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?seg
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?rs
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?tye
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?rhde
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?rggv
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?et
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?e4ete
https://www.artstation.com/download-blackwater-lane-full-movie/profile?fee3
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?Sdea
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?fgrs
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?fgrs
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?gra
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?rgtg
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?esr
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?sfe
https://www.artstation.com/watch-blackwater-lane-full-movie-hd/profile?dytr
https://www.bankier.pl/forum/temat_xfds,66936513.html
https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/eb0eb43dbae950a7969054cb10ee277bd5cc9e4c20671e0070c41ab719e1b6cc
https://wiredforwar.org/topic/1712/e46t4e
https://herbalmeds-forum.biolife.com.my/d/82286-wer
https://click4r.com/posts/g/17174610/sefrswa
https://matters.town/me/drafts/RHJhZnQ6MTA2Mjc2NQ
https://www.artstation.com/inside_out_2_teljesfilm_magyarul1/profile
https://www.artstation.com/inside_out_2_teljesfilm_magyarul1/profile?dryh
https://www.artstation.com/inside_out_2_teljesfilm_magyarul1/profile?tfufrtyh
https://www.artstation.com/inside_out_2_teljesfilm_magyarul1/profile?Fgjkh
https://www.artstation.com/inside_out_2_teljesfilm_magyarul1/profile?ghikuhj
https://www.artstation.com/inside_out_2_teljesfilm_magyarul1/profile?dfgjugyh
https://www.artstation.com/inside_out_2_teljesfilm_magyarul1/profile?Fgjugy
https://www.artstation.com/inside_out_2_teljesfilm_magyarul1/profile?GHkij
https://www.artstation.com/inside_out_2_teljesfilm_magyarul1/profile?FTgjikjhul
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?ud
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?gs
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?eg
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?ug
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?rf
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?jh
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?wf
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?yh
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?fg
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?uk
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?tr
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?yu
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?wg
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?ti
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?wq
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?uj
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?td
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?nl
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ny1YVq?me
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?ed
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?yu
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?uo
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?4w
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?hs
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?hh
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?db
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?jf
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?ey
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?wd
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?yr
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?hu
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?wf
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?kl
https://www.artstation.com/w-glowie-sie-nie-miesci-2-2024/profile?wq