Location: Northern Virginia
Kids: Cambrie (9-year old daughter), John (4-year old son), Julia (2-year old daughter)
While being a full-time mommy of three children, Candice Spiess is also a part-time vet technician and part-time photographer–specializing in natural light photography of children and families in Northern Virginia. Her photos capture sweet and silly candid moments with an aesthetic reminiscent of a vintage children’s fairy tale book. Light rays and dark shadows with her keen artistic eye will make any observer sigh and smile. View more of her work on her Instagram: @candice.spiess
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After having kids, what product can you not live without?
Oh man, can I have multiple products? One item that I always have on-hand is baby wipes… my kids are always into something! I carry a small pouch of wipes in my purse, in the car, diaper bag, or in the stroller. Wipes have been my life-saver since day one.
- What was the best kid-friendly vacation or day trip you’ve been on recently?
I would have to say Leesburg Animal Park in Leesburg, Virginia. They have so many things to keep your family happy and having fun! Pony rides, wagon rides, animal petting and feeding (my kids were in awe of the baby lamb), a great outdoor and indoor play area. They also have some exotic animals that your kids can learn about.
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What is a parent hack that you’ve discovered?
My favorite hack is sneaking in veggies in the main dish without my kids knowing whenever I can. I’m a big fan of Pinterest, so I was looking through it and came across a cauliflower pizza crust. I kid you not…my two littlest didn’t notice at all! My oldest on the other hand–haha!–I got all the gross looks you can imagine. Two out of three, though. I’ll count that as a win!
- What are your kids’ favorite books right now?
We read a lot of books, my oldest, Cambrie just recently started into comic books–specifically, a series called “Amelia Rules!” John loves any type of book that relates to transportation. I bought a ton of really great age-appropriate books through Usborne books and Julia is very much into the “lift-a-flap” books.
- What is your child’s favorite activity right now?
I would have to say it’s either getting out and riding their bikes or playing little games on the trampoline together.
- What’s a really useful product that you don’t see on a lot of registries?
The teething necklaces! I bought one with my littlest when she was teething. She was in so much discomfort that she was extra clingy to me. So when I saw these at the Buy Buy Baby store, I had to get one. The design and colors they offer are cute as well!
- Do you love your stroller and/or baby carrier, and would you recommend it?
I do love my double jogger stroller, It’s called an Expedition–I’m not sure if they still have this particular model. But it was fairly inexpensive compared to other models and it does what I need it to. I mainly use it for our walks to the park and an occasional jog. We’ve had it for over three years now and it is still in great shape.
- What is your kid’s favorite toy right now?
Cambrie loves her Ashton Drake doll she got from her grandmother. It’s life-like and she has really taken great care of it.
John’s favorite toys are cars. He’s been infatuated with them since the age of one…he’s got quite a collection going!
Julia just started really getting into Barbies. It’s cute hearing her role-play.
- What is something about having kids that you didn’t expect you would love?
That’s a good question. I would have to say re-learning and gaining a new appreciation for so many things through my children’s reactions.
- What advice would you give to first-time moms?
Don’t compare yourself to other mommas. As long as you’re trying your best, that’s all that matters.
