There’s something beautifully grounding about water — how it mirrors both light and emotion with quiet honesty. For Mandi, expecting twins, this maternity session in the heart of the Texas Hill Country captured that exact sentiment: reflection, peace, and strength.
At 37 weeks pregnant, she moved slowly across the sunlit stones as her reflection danced across the still surface of the river. The moment was one of both surrender and power — a woman at the threshold of meeting her babies, letting the gentle water hold the weight of the two little lives she carried. Just days later, she welcomed them earthside, forever tying this serene morning to the memory of new beginnings.
Captured in luminous film by Becca Allen Photography, this session celebrates the quiet strength of motherhood and the sacredness found in waiting.
“She let the water hold some of the weight of the two little lives she carried.”
What’s your favorite family pastime together?
My story is a more personal journey toward life after loss. My partner has been a patient man through my healing and development. Since we are not married, all four of my babies (ages 3, 2-year-old twins, and 6 months) have my last name, Beck.
I was lucky to be connected to Becca for a photo shoot when I was pregnant with my twins after our rainbow baby. The photos of me looking at my reflection are telling of my favorite pastime which is to reflect on my days and relationships, translate into stories, and share online. My partner shares this pastime, going as far as taking notes on conversations he’s had with friends. We both enjoy writing, meditation, and personal growth. Also, I love working on our home together. He only likes it when we’re done.
Any lessons you learned as a family through the last year?
The last year has brought about the hardest year of our lives. Between leaving work after the birth of my twins and then welcoming a 4th baby, learning to operate on one income has been a challenge. We’re learning the lessons of patience and acceptance for one another. We have very different priorities in this time in life; him focused on his job to pay the bills and me planning birthday parties, family travel, and other ways to spend it and celebrate this precious time in our lives.
Tell us a fun or silly story that happened to your family recently!
I had water bottles filled, lunches packed, and kids strapped into the Vanborghini (aka our Honda Odyssey). It takes me 45 minutes to get ready to get out the door and then a minimum of six trips out to the car and back into the house. I let a movie run while the kids wait for me to put my head on straight. On this particular day, we were going to the pool. So we also needed towels, SPF, and life jackets plus our trusty Vista stroller with every attachment known to child.
I finally slide into the front seat knocking my topknot sideways on the frame of the door. I throw the car into reverse and my son yells, “Mom, I’m not buckled!” I hop out, pop in the back, and buckle him in. Back in the front seat, I back into the street and hear, “Mom, the door!” Those sliding van doors are easy to leave open. I press a button and off we go! We get a few minutes down the road and the same kid says, “Mom, my goggles!” In a moment of panic I thought about telling him to forget it, but we bought the goggles just for the occasion so I found a place to turn around. I happily return to the car, goggles in hand. “Anything else?” We got everything, but “Mom, are you gonna put on a shirt?” I was still in my sports bra and slippers. So while they watched a movie in the air-conditioned van, I ran inside to finally get myself ready for the day.
What does family mean to you?
Family means you’re stuck with me no matter what, so I’m gonna do what I need to do to be the best version of me that I can be for you and our relationship.
Family are the people I check in with before reaching out to others; my sisters, mom, and dad, then my partner’s parents and siblings’ families. Family extends beyond blood to people who have a meaningful impact on those I am related to by blood or on myself; those who stick around through the hard times and reciprocate the love that I give out like candy at a parade.
What have you recently done to put family as a major focus in your life?
Our au pair left so I went full-time SAHM again for my four under four. I’m also preparing for homeschool in our future, so my daily and nightly routine encircles my family. We have a reliable schedule that keeps us happily in rhythm.
What are the best things you’ve learned from each other?
My partner again — I’ve learned discernment, how to ground my beliefs in truth, and communication skills for accuracy to say what I mean and mean what I say.
If you had one piece of advice for other families, what would it be?
Routine is everything for us — another twin couple told us before our twins were born, “Keep them on the same schedule.”
Schedules change and everyone has different ages and activities, but routine outlasts a schedule. It’s high-level enough to be flexible but reliable enough to keep mom and dad’s mental health in check, and the kids can start to participate and take ownership for themselves thanks to consistent expectations. Kids have ancient wisdom that comes out so much more clearly within structure.
Photography / Becca Allen Photography / @beccaallenphotography
Film Lab / Rewind Film Lab / @rewindfilmlab
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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