I can hardly believe it, but my oldest daughter is going to be eight this weekend. As I reflect on her birthday, my wish for her is to have confidence, know her self worth, have the strength to chase her dreams and to always know how deeply loved she is. Showing her how much she is loved is the easiest part of motherhood; however, nurturing those other qualities can be a bit of a struggle.

If there is anything I have learned in these past eight years of parenting, it is that children learn by example and not by what they are told. I try my best to be very cognizant of how I behave and what I say; of course, I am not perfect, but I do always try to show her that she can do anything that she sets her mind to, as long as she is willing to work and put forth the effort to accomplish those goals. Fortunately, my little firecracker is fierce and determined. She does not shy away from a challenge and if she can’t do something, she keeps trying until she masters it.

For her birthday photos this year, I wanted to highlight her perseverance in a unique way, so I decided that I would do a female empowerment themed birthday session this year. This theme seemed especially appropriate being that we have our first female Vice President elect about to take office. So, I decided to dress her in a wardrobe that is inspired by Rosie the Riveter, the symbol of female empowerment, and I drove out east to a vintage gas station for some fun and unique birthday photos.

Although it was a sunny day, it was absolutely freezing on the day of this session. It was 35 degrees and super windy, but my girl was a trooper and posed for her photos like a champ. She wasn’t going to let a little cold weather ruin her special day. I have wanted to shoot at this particular location and this occasion was the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I am so glad we made the journey because it was the perfect backdrop for the theme of this particular session.

I am so proud of this little girl and I know that she is going to grow into an amazing woman one day. So, as they say, here is to strong women. May we know them, may we be them and may we raise them.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

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