Stephanie de Montigny
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Stephanie de Montigny
  • Boss Mama Diaries
  • About Stephanie
  • Work With Me
    • Sponsored Content
    • Brand Portraits & Headshots
    • Product Photography
    • Image Subscription Plans
    • Family & Newborn Photography

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February 28, 2020

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WELCOME TO THE BOSS MAMA DIARIES

Discussing the daily wins and struggles of being a work-from-home boss trying to raise a business and a baby at the same time, amidst the family adventures, while also trying to feed a household full of allergies.

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Boss. Wife. Allergy Mama.
Work-From-Home-Mom Life 🇨🇦
Pro 📷 at @purenaturalnewborn & @stephaniedemontignyphotog
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Stephanie de Montigny


To set the scene: we were chatting over dinner abo
To set the scene: we were chatting over dinner about how I was feeling burnt out and at one point I said "I least when you go to work, you only have one job—I've got three." ⠀ ⠀ You see, I run my business out of my home. I also parent a toddler full-time. And due to the pandemic closures, I took on a day-job working from home. Don't ask me why—I truly don't know what I was thinking. So now I have three full-time jobs to do while husband is working outside of the house as an essential worker. ⠀ ⠀ Obviously he heard what he wanted to hear and took my statement to mean that he had it easy at his labourious job. "If you count by as a job then I can too." Ugh. NOPE! Does he have it easy? No. Does he have it easiER? YES! Because when he goes to work, he has ONE job. I stay home and have THREE jobs to do. And yes, I include the baby as a job otherwise she would die (exaggeration, but true). I told him to imagine trying to do his job while watching little miss and he said he couldn't—he wouldn't be able to do half the things he needs to. Exactly! When he is home and on baby-duty while I work, absolutely that is your job—but again, your ONE job (no matter how hard she makes it that day). ⠀ ⠀ The pressure put upon work-from-home parents to simultaneously work the job AND take care of their child(ren) is insane. It is totally doable when you run your own business because you dictate when you work, how often you work, and turnaround times are adjusted accordingly (and I love doing it!). However, when an outside employer is dictating it all, with an impossible level of productivity, it becomes such a heavy burden to carry. Especially now with all of the added stress, anxiety and responsibilities that the pandemic has brought. If you put too much weight on something, no matter how strong, it WILL break. ⠀ ⠀ What job(s) are YOU working from home these days?⠀ ⠀ #momlife #dumbthingshusbandssay #motherhoodquotes #motherhoodthroughletterboards #letterboardquotes #mondayzmhe #mondaze #workfromhomemom #momboss #bossmamadiaries #bossmamacollective #momlife #workfromhomelife ⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com ⠀

I have decided to live life like a toddler plays a
I have decided to live life like a toddler plays a board game. No rules, no expectations, have fun, and try not to break anything. It's only been a couple of days, but I have been my happiest and care-free self in almost a year, and there is no looking back. Enjoy the days with my little girl, work when I want, and slowly forget that the pandemic has taken so much from me. But not my mental freedom; I've taken that back. ⠀ ⠀ If money and guilt were out of the picture, what would you do to make yourself happy?⠀ ⠀ #toddlergames #popit #fidgettoy #sensorytoy #bubblepopit #betterthanbubblewrap #bossmama #bossmamadiaries #workfromhomelife #workfromhomemom #bossmamamindset #happyxmama #happymama #canadianmom #ottawamom ⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com ⠀

ONE YEAR LATER. So many emotions. My baby isn't a
ONE YEAR LATER. So many emotions. My baby isn't a baby anymore. She's this tiny human with a big personality and I love her even more than I ever thought possible, in a way I never knew I could love. The fear and anxiety over her happiness and safety, the joy and immense pleasure of seeing her smile and hearing her laugh, the bliss and comfort of holding her snuggling body in my arms. Magical.⠀ ⠀ This is a recreation of one of the photos I took during her first year to document what day to day life was like: the love and admiration, the fatigue and sleeplessness, the calm in the chaos. It depicted how I felt perfectly and it's still one of my favourites, so I decided to commemorate this moment by recreating a photo that rings true to how much has and has not changed in the past year. Literally; that’s the exact same onesie on little miss! > > S W I P E > > to see last year's portrait! ⠀ ⠀ Do you do annual photos with your baby?⠀ ⠀ #thisismotherhood #momlife #embracethechaos #toddlerlife #normalizerealmotherhood #loveemotherhood #ottawamom #bossmama #momboss #bossmom #bossmamadiaries⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 : @stephaniedemontignyphotog (filter added) --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

We were really hoping to be able to get this kid a
We were really hoping to be able to get this kid a play date for her birthday, but with the lock down and stay at home order it had become very clear this isn’t going to happen anytime soon. So we don’t get her hopes up (or mine!) and make sure that she totally loves our family fun dates, even if it means we are confined to the backyard. ☃️⠀ ⠀ It’s especially helpful when we’ve got gear that keeps her warm the entire time from head to town AND a spare set in case she inevitably finds the wet melted ice. ❄️ ⠀ Check out @onekidouterwear for functional and stylish winter gear from snow pants to mittens, and CARSEAT SAFE coats and snowsuits. Yup, I said car seat safe! CPST approved!! Go ahead and use the discount code 10%BOSSMAMA to save on your order and let the products speak for themselves!⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #thedemontignyadventures #babysnowsuit #babysnowpants #babysfirstsnowfun #toddlersnowsuit #toddlersnowpants #onekidouterwear #toddlermittens #roadcoat #roadcoatcuties #carseatsafecoat #carseatsafejacket #ottawamom #canadianmom #snowgear #supportsmallbusinesses #shopsmall #momlife #mamalife_ftw #dadlife #ottawadad ⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

Another day, another cold cup of mom fuel. ⠀
⠀
Another day, another cold cup of mom fuel. ⠀ ⠀ I love my kid, I truly do. What I DON'T love is being expected to stay strong through this entire ordeal all while being spread out thinner than dollar store panties. You see, I have a toddler to take care of (totally cool), and a business to run (yup, still cool, work while she sleeps), and a full-time job (virtual, but holy crap!), and no help with childcare since hubby is frontline worker with unpredictable hours most of the time. ⠀ ⠀ As you probably assumed correctly, the little time I had for myself before is non-existent now, I rarely get to spend quality time with my husband, and our house looks like it's been taken over by gremlins after midnight. ⠀ ⠀ I know it's normal, I know it's common, I know it's nothing to be ashamed of, I know—in theory. But it's really exhausting to need to stay strong all the time and remind myself that the chaos will end soon, because I have been telling myself this for almost a year. ⠀ ⠀ What keeps YOU going these days? We could all use some inspiration (or at least some company in misery!).⠀ ⠀ #momfuel #coldcoffee #momlife #anothercoldcupofcoffee #canadianmom #ottawamom #raedunnmug #hotmessmama #bossmomlife #thisismotherhood #motherhood123 #bossmama #bossmamadiaries #toddlermom ⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

My portrait studio was forced to closed again with
My portrait studio was forced to closed again with this most recent lockdown, so this weekend I took the opportunity to go through all of my props and backdrops and retire anything that hasn't been used since I moved in three years ago. It's a little sad to see things go, but they are going to new homes where people love colour and I get more space so it's a good thing.⠀ ⠀ Do you love to purge? Or are you more of a hoarder? I am someone who must keep everything until the urge strikes and then I sell/donate all the things... ⠀ ⠀ #findthegood #findthesilverlining #workfromhomemom #workfromhomelife #canadianmom #ottawamom #lifeofaphotographer #ottawanewbornphotographer #bossmamadiaries #mondayxmhe #snacktime #toddlersnacks ⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

When given the chance, babies and toddlers almost
When given the chance, babies and toddlers almost always choose the unconventional item over an actual toy: a remote, a set of keys, reading glasses, thermometers, you name it, and let's not overlook the infamous cardboard box. ⠀ ⠀ Why that is I will never truly know, but I think we adults need to take a page from their book and let our imagination and instincts guide us through life every once in a while. If they can imagine they are in a rocket ship gliding through space or that a dry paper box is literally washing their clothes and feel pure joy, why can't we adults even try? Logic is a learned skill, so let's relearn to let go of it when we need to and just embrace the joy that comes with blissful imagination. ⠀ ⠀ Let's pull up a lounge chair, crank the space heater, put on a wave soundtrack, spray our hair with saltwater, put some sunglasses and our bathing suits on, and just lay there for 20 minutes and imagine ourselves to be on the beach we long to visit. Hate the beach? Pick a different scenario and act it out, imagine you are actually there and enjoy that [even if only temporary] JOY. ⠀ ⠀ What is something you miss the most from pre-pandemic days that you would give anything to do again? (other than hugs—those have to wait)⠀ ⠀ #pandemicblues #covidcrazy #imaginationstation #kidsandtheirtoys #toddlertoys #carboardboxtoy #theplacesyouwillgo #liveinthemoment #imaginationmakestheworldgoround #kidsandcardboardboxes #themagicofboxes #ottawamom #canadianmom #momblogger #sundayxfundays #sundayfunday⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

Many of you asked about the beans activity in my s
Many of you asked about the beans activity in my stories recently, so I figured I would take the opportunity to share since it really is so simple. ⠀ ⠀ We use an old muffin tin that would otherwise have been trashed (spent one too many nights soaking in the sink—oops!), a small pack of mixed dried beans from the grocery store, and a set of small wooden spice scoops (you could totally just use regular spoons). ⠀ ⠀ We set her up on the floor, encourage colour and size sorting, counting, and hand-eye-coordination by scooping from one receptacle to the next (they are stored in a small recycled juice container—which doubles as a second activity once they are put away >> SWIPE for the video).⠀ ⠀ They have fun, they learn, and you get 10 minutes to yourself without being climbed upon like a human jungle gym. You still have to supervise because most kids will try to eat them, but if they sneak in a handful over the course of the hour (YES I GOT AN HOUR ONCE!), it's all good because it's taste-safe. Now go enjoy your half-freedom 🙌🏻 ⠀ ⠀ #toddleractivities #toddlerfun #toddlerslearning #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #mombreak #coffeebreak #ottawamom #canadianmom #toddlerbeans #freeplay #beansbeansthemagicalfruit ⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com ⠀

Little miss finally has hair! It's not quite to th
Little miss finally has hair! It's not quite to the point where I can put bows or scrunchies in yet, but this leftover braces elastic did the trick for the afternoon ⠀ ⠀ It's the little things that count! What is a highlight from YOUR week?⠀ ⠀ #toddlerhair #toddlerbun #babyhairismagical #toddlersgrowsofast #letthembelittle #bappybabies #happyymamas #raisingkindhumans #ottawamom ⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com ⠀

As much as we have high hopes for 2021, we start i
As much as we have high hopes for 2021, we start it off the same way we finished 2020: in lockdown, trapped in the “safety” of our own home. Small businesses closed while big box stores thrive, parents going insane working from home feeling worked to the bone, children feeling isolated and confused, most of us clinging to hope for dear life waiting for all of this to be over.⠀ ⠀ But have we really stopped to think about what that truly means? OVER. It has been projected that mask-wearing will last into the next two to three years, and honestly I don’t even care if it means that I will be able to see my friends and embrace my family and “go out”, whatever that means anymore. It is so much more than just wanting to go to a conventionally “fun” event or amusement park or whatever, it is about refusing to continuously be deprived of such basic things that I previously took for granted like a play date, a friendly chat over coffee, or an extended family dinner.⠀ ⠀ More than anything I want my daughter to be able to run up to someone she will learn to call a friend without me having to literally hold her back out of fear in the same way I would from an oncoming vehicle. It pains my heart to see her disappointment, even if only for a second, I am even in tears writing about it. She is turning two this month and she literally has no friends, the only family she knows outside of her home is through a tiny screen, and there is nothing I can do about it. ⠀ ⠀ I can live with masks, I can live with small gatherings only, I can even live with the fact that my business will never be the same as it was before, but what I cannot live with is this constant feeling of deprivation and longing. It comes to be too much most days. I like to think I will be fine, but the guilt and fear that keeps piling on makes it more and more difficult to keep convincing myself—but I continue.⠀ ⠀ Keep your chin up, keep your hopes up, and embrace the break downs when they happen—it means you can take time to FEEL all the things and lift yourself up again to keep going, one day at a time.⠀ ⠀ #pandemicblues #covidcrazy #hindsightis2020 #workfromhomemom #unpluggedmummas #bossmamadiaries #canadianmom

This year has been a very long and troublesome yea
This year has been a very long and troublesome year in so many ways, but there were also some amazing things that made 2020 great. I am sharing to not only remind myself of these great things, but also to give you the opportunity to do the same in your own life. ⠀⠀⁠⁠ ​⁣⠀⠀⁠ 👉🏻 I pulled my daughter out of daycare just before she took her first steps so I was able to experience them first hand (and all of the other amazing firsts since!). 👉🏻 While my portrait studio was closed to in-person services, I was able to catapult my mom blog business into profitability (aka not costing me money this year) and keep it something I love doing. 👉🏻 During my downtime from work I was able to capture so many more at-home memories of my daughter and family and actually retouch them in a timely manner. 👉🏻 I was able to visit my grandparents (after negative tests, of course!) and my daughter got to experience where I grew up every summer. 👉🏻 My husband and I made it through a rough year after our baby, only to find ourselves going through a pandemic, and we made it, again, and will continue to do so. 👉🏻 My daughter makes me so soo happy; through all the tantrums I find joy in the way that she says mama, in the way she scrunchy-face smiles just like me, and bitter-sweet joy in how fast she is growing up because I got to experience it all ❤ ⠀⠀⁠⁠ ​⁣⠀⠀⁠ And with that, I wish us all a positive and recovering year ahead. May 2021 bring the joy and we've been lacking (success would help too!). I’ll see you on the other side 😘⠀⠀⁠⁠ ​⁣⠀⠀⁠ #bringon2021 #2021istheyear #2020begone #hindsightis2020 #thedemontignyadventures #choosetobehappy #ittakesavillage #normalizerealmotherhood #marriageishard #ottawafamilyphotos #ottawafamilyphotographer #ottawaholidayminis #wdnzdays #momblogger #ottawamama #ottawamom #canadianmom #ottawamomblogger ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 : @purenaturalfamilies (filter added)

She is growing up so fast! Her new doll furniture
She is growing up so fast! Her new doll furniture has been extremely well used since we gave it to her, and it just goes to show how quickly they learn from watching us. Between the lullubies and blanket wrapping her teddy to sleep, the offering of bottles, and the constant snuggling, my heart is full just watching her.⠀ ⠀ What is something your kiddo does that just completely melts your heart?⠀ ⠀ #toddlersmeltmyhearts #terrifictwos #toddlersarentterrible #toddlersandteddies #toddlerslovetheirdolls #ottawamom #canadianmom #raisingbabiestobegreatparents #raisingfutureparents #mamaslittlegirl #mhewkend #livingfortheweekend⠀ ⠀ ⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com


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