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THE BLOG

When I look back on the journey of bringing my oldest daughter into this world, I can’t help but feel a rush of emotions – from uncertainty and fear to overwhelming gratitude and joy. It’s a story that’s deeply personal yet holds universal truths about the unpredictability of life and the strength we find within […]

Embracing the Unexpected: My Journey to a Homebirth

In the rush of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities. As a working mother, juggling career demands and parental duties often feels like navigating a never-ending marathon. But amidst the chaos, there are precious moments that remind us of what truly matters. One such moment unfolded for […]

Embracing the Magic Moments of Motherhood: A Walk to Remember

Pregnancy is a unique journey full of wonders, challenges, and profound changes, not just for your body but also for your lifestyle and mindset. From the moment you discover you’re pregnant to the day you finally meet your baby, each stage of pregnancy brings its own set of experiences. This guide is designed to walk […]

From First Trimester Troubles to Delivery Day: A Pregnancy Guide

Hello there, fellow moms! I’m so excited to finally unveil the chapters of my life to you. My name is Alyssa from Stickan Photography, and I am a busy mom of three adorable and very busy kids. As a Christian, I always strive to put my family and faith first. However, I have to admit, […]

Steps Into Homesteading – Making Elderberry Gummies

Recently, my amazing daycare provider asked me to go on an adventure. She asked me to take part in a unique underwater maternity photoshoot, I eagerly jumped in—both metaphorically and quite literally! I want to express my immense gratitude for the wonderful person who has made a profound impact on my life and share the […]

Diving into Gratitude: A Look Into an Underwater Maternity Session

In the bustling world of full-time work and parenting, the journey into homemaking takes on a unique flavor for every mom. As a full-time working mother, my quest to create a nurturing home for my family has led me down unexpected paths, from raising goats to crafting homemade yogurt and peanut butter. In this blog, […]

Balancing Act: A Full-Time Working Mom’s Journey into Homemaking

Minneapolis, with its vibrant culture and thriving culinary scene, has become a haven for food enthusiasts seeking diverse and welcoming establishments. For parents with little ones in tow, finding a baby-friendly café or restaurant is a game-changer. We’ve curated a list of establishments in the Twin Cities that not only serve delectable dishes but also […]

Exploring the Heart of Hospitality: Baby-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants in Minneapolis

As photographers, we have the privilege of capturing precious moments and memories for our clients. These photos hold a special place in our hearts and are a testament to our skills and passion. But why let these memories sit in a photo album or a digital folder? Let’s transform them into beautiful pieces of art […]

Transform Your Memories into Art: How to Create a Stunning Gallery Wall

The Timeless Importance of Baby Announcements

The birth of a new baby is a momentous occasion and is something that should be celebrated and shared with family and friends. Baby announcements are a time-honored tradition that are as important now as they have been throughout history. At Stickan Photography, you get birth announcements as a part of your Milestone Membership, creating […]

The Timeless Importance of Baby Announcements

It was a special and unique occasion when we had the chance to photograph two newborn twin boys, their mom, and their older sister for a newborn session. We were so excited to capture the unique bond between the two brothers, as well as the love and support of the whole family. We were absolutely […]

Double the Love: A Twin Boy Newborn Photography Session

three kids snuggling

As a mom of three and newborn photographer in Minnesota, I am well-versed in the world of baby gear. Over the years, I have tried out a lot of different items and discovered what truly works for me and my family. In this post, I will share some of my favorite baby items and baby […]

My favorite baby gear: From a mom of three and newborn photographer in Minnesota

Flowers on belly maternity photo

As a MN maternity photographer, I have the privilege of capturing some of life’s most precious moments through the lens of my camera. One of those moments happened during a maternity session with Marlee and Andrew, a couple that exuded love in every photo. As I snapped away, it was easy to see that this […]

Marlee & Andrew Maternity | MN Maternity Photographer

As a new parent, it can be difficult to decide which type of photographer to hire for your baby’s first photos. In the past, the go-to choice was often the hospital photographer, but today, more and more moms are turning to studio photographers for a more professional, personalized experience. In this blog post, I’ll be […]

Why Hospital Photographers are Out and Studio Photographers are In: A Mom’s Guide

The first year of motherhood can be overwhelming and stressful. Juggling the physical demands of caring for a newborn with the emotional challenges of becoming a parent can be a difficult balancing act. However, with the right support and resources, it is possible to make the transition into motherhood a more positive experience. This blog […]

Essentials for a Stress-Free First Year of Motherhood

For many expecting parents in the Twin Cities, the decision to keep their baby can be a difficult one. Fortunately, there are a number of Christian pregnancy centers in the area that are dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to those facing an unexpected pregnancy. In this blog post, we will look at the […]

Providing Compassionate Care: The Best Christian Pregnancy Centers in the Twin Cities

Sleepless nights are something every parent can relate to. For some, soothing a fussy baby to sleep can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are many simple techniques you can use to get your baby to sleep quickly and peacefully. From counting sheep to setting up a sleep […]

Counting sheep: Simple techniques to soothe your fussy baby to sleep

If you’re looking for a natural solution to diaper rash, you’re in luck! There are now a variety of natural diaper creams available that can help soothe and protect your baby’s delicate skin. From ointments with natural ingredients to gentle oils, these diaper cream options are perfect for parents who want to care for their […]

Say goodbye to diaper rash with these natural diaper cream options

Newborn photography sessions can be a nerve-wracking experience for new parents. It can be difficult to know how to make them feel comfortable and relaxed so that they can enjoy the experience. As a photographer, it is important to create an environment that encourages the parents to be calm and relaxed. In this blog post, […]

How to make new parents feel at ease at their newborn session

Welcome to the wonderful world of Minnesota Newborn Photography! As a Minnesota Newborn Photographer, I am passionate about capturing the precious moments of a family’s newest addition and creating memories that will last a lifetime. There is nothing quite like capturing the innocence of a newborn baby, and I am proud to be a part […]

Creating Lasting Memories: Minnesota Newborn Photography for Your Little One

Do you dream of a rustic wedding surrounded by nature? Then look no further than Erickson Farmstead, a unique wedding venue located in the heart of the countryside. With its picturesque farmhouse, lush gardens, and acres of surrounding farmland, Erickson Farmstead offers a one-of-a-kind experience for couples looking for a special place to exchange their […]

Discover Your Dream Wedding Venue: Erickson Farmstead

As a mom of three, I’m well aware of the effort it takes to breastfeed a child. It’s not always easy and there can be a lot of challenges that come up along the way. But despite all of this, I’m here to tell you that the effort is worth it! Breastfeeding offers an incredible […]

Why Breastfeeding is Worth the Effort: From a Mom of Three

First of all — major trigger warning here. This is a story about loss – unimaginable, gut-wrenching loss. But it’s my story and if there’s a mama out there who needs someone to relate to in their time of need, then I want to be there for you. So here we go… keep reading to […]

All About Infant Loss & Rainbow Babies… My Story

Maternity photos are a wonderful way to capture the beauty and excitement of pregnancy. It’s a time when a mother’s body is changing, and life is about to change in a big way. Including your husband and children in your maternity photos can add even more depth and meaning to your photoshoot. Not only does […]

Growing Together: Tips for Including Your Family in Your Maternity Photoshoot

As parents, summertime can be a tricky season. With the kids home from school, it can be difficult to balance your own work and personal life while also finding ways to keep the kids entertained. Finding ways to thrive during the summer months is essential for families looking to make the most out of this […]

Thriving in the Summer: A Letter to Parents with Kids at Home

Photo of dresses hanging on a rack Prepare for a Successful Newborn Photoshoot

Preparing your newborn for a successful newborn photoshoot can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the help of an experienced newborn photographer and some simple preparation, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free newborn session for both you and your baby. Read below to make sure you can prepare for a successful […]

Preparing Your Baby for a Successful Newborn Photoshoot

Are you a new or expecting mom who is wondering where to purchase a breast pump? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will discuss the various ways and places you can find the perfect breast pump for your needs. From online retailers to insurance coverage, we will provide […]

How and where to purchase a breast pump

Babies may seem like they need a lot of things, with an endless list of products marketed toward new parents. However, when it comes down to it, babies truly only require a few things: shelter, food, and love. In fact, with these three essentials, a baby can thrive and grow happily. First and foremost, shelter […]

What your baby really needs

New parents sit on a couch in a studio while holding their newborn baby

One of the most exciting parts of shopping for baby clothes is getting to look through all the options. Whether your family loves the loud and colorful or leans toward that gorgeous minimalistic aesthetic, there are countless choices. The issue comes when you’re trying to find unique outfits unlike any other. Your little one’s personality […]

Bumbelou Offers Gorgeous, Minimalist Clothing for Babies!

Pregnancy is an amazing time for many women, but it can also be quite challenging. It’s important to prioritize your physical health while pregnant, and exercise is one of the best ways to do that. Exercise during pregnancy can help you stay fit and healthy, reduce stress and even make labor easier. With the right […]

Staying Fit While Pregnant: Exercise Ideas for Every Trimester

May is mental health awareness month and I want to do just that. As a mom, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. But it can often be overlooked or put on the back burner as you focus on the needs of your family. Whether you’re a new mom or you’ve […]

Mental Health Matters: Self-Care Tips for Moms

A newborn baby sleeps on the floor on a white fur blanket with his older sister cuddling him

Determining what you need before your baby arrives can be overwhelming. It feels like every nursery is haunted by a section of things parents just never got around to using, and every store tries to sell us a thousand unnecessary items. We don’t need newborn dresses fit for a royal coronation. We need a car […]

Baby Grand Minnesota | High-End Baby Store With Best Brands

Keeping a clean home can seem like an impossible chore, especially as a mom. You’re juggling so much more than ever before and may worry about keeping up while maintaining a non-toxic environment for your littles. Utilizing non-toxic cleaning supplies can put you at ease knowing that what you’re using won’t hurt your loved ones. […]

Cleaning supplies that are EASY and SAFE

My Dearest Elias Richard, As I sit down to write this letter to you, you are only two years old, but I already know that you will grow up to be an amazing man. I want you to know how much I love you and how proud I am to be your mom. At two […]

Letter to My Son

A mother to be in a blue maternity gown and tan hat stands in the white curtains of a window roots community birth center

Finding quality health care that includes patient-focused, gentle, empowering care outside of a hospital can be challenging. All families are welcome at Roots Community Birth Center in Minnesota, regardless of financial status. Roots Community Birth Center offers a variety of prenatal and postnatal services, as well as routine care for children. Families are supported and […]

Roots Community Birth Center for Comprehensive Patient Care

I LOVE being outside…. when it’s warm. This new batch of snow is really a bummer, but it’ll melt before we know it and then it’ll feel like spring again. My family loves being outside – whether its kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, or just hanging out in our yard we absolutely love it. One of […]

Spring Activities to do With Your Kids in the Twin Cities

Pregnant woman in lacey dress looking at belly

Maternity photoshoots are a great way to capture memories of the beautiful journey of motherhood. Whether you’re a first-time mom or already have children, these photos are a perfect way to preserve the special moments of your pregnancy. And of course, what you wear for your maternity photoshoot can make a big difference in how […]

Styles of Maternity Outfits

A newborn baby lays on a tiny pillow with one eye and mouth open with a hand on her chest

One of the most essential aspects of parenting littles is diapering. No matter who or what kind of parent you are, you’re going to use diapers. Whether disposable, compostable, or cloth! This local company wants to make taking care of your littles that much easier! Let me tell you about Do Good Diapers!  About Do […]

Do Good Diapers for a Cloth Diapering Service in Minneapolis!

Dad's hands hold up a newborn as it sleeps in on it's back curled up in a white blanket

The journey to parenthood is exciting and overwhelming – but the journey truly only begins once you hold your new baby in your arms for the first time. Having an extra set of hands around the house to care for you and your baby can be a God send – and that’s why we are […]

Welcome Baby Care for Personalized Doula Services & Support

A sleeping newborn baby sleeps in a studio with hands folded in a white swaddle and bonnet

Shopping for babies and kids is the best. Everything is so tiny and sweet, with fun patterns, styles, and silhouettes. Soft, cozy blankets, adorable plush toys, tender bows, and itty bitty shoes – what’s not to love? Oh Baby in Minneapolis has spent the last three decades curating a collection of high-quality products, reputable brands, […]

Oh Baby Minneapolis for a Darling Children’s Boutique 

Mother to be stands in a studio next to a sarge window in a white maternity gown Blooma minneapolis

Everybody has their opinions on how you should do a pregnancy. Work out but don’t work out too much! Read these seven hundred contradictory books! Use these products only! Oh, wait, there’s been a recall. Try those instead! After a while, so much information can feel less like a blessing and more like a curse. […]

Blooma Minneapolis for Prenatal Yoga & Pregnancy Education

newborn sleeps in a white swaddle with hands sticking out the top minneapolis baby boutiques

Shopping for the babies and kids in your life should be a fun experience! Whether you are planning for a new addition or celebrating the little ones who already brighten your life, browsing clothes, furniture, toys, books, gear, and more can be a truly playful and joyful experience. We are lucky to have several Minneapolis […]

3 Minneapolis Baby Boutiques for the Most Adorable Items!

Mother holds her newborn to her cheek in a studio home birth midwives

Congratulations, new mama! In anticipation of welcoming a new family member, you aim to ensure you have made the best preparations possible. Midwives are popular among mothers who have decided they would like to give birth in an intimate and deeply personal way. If you are interested in having a midwife, be sure to check […]

Home Birth Midwives MN Providing Positive Birthing Experiences

Mother wearing a green maternity gown holds her bump while son stands on a stool hugging her twin cities doulas

Doulas support women and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. From navigating pregnancy to recovering postpartum, doulas offer support at every step of the parenthood journey. Through various services and education, Twin Cities doulas help women feel empowered as they embrace their new life as mothers.  Twin Cities Doulas For Caring Birth Partners Bright Earth […]

Twin Cities Doulas For Caring Birth Partners for Your Journey

Silhouette of a mother to be sits in a chair in a studio

A midwife can be the difference between a stressful and tense birth and one that is relaxed and empowering. Midwives believe that birth is natural and best when free from intervention. As such, their job is to be as present as you want or need them to be throughout your birth experience! Of course, they […]

Twin Cities Midwives Offering Variety of Caring Pregnancy Support

Mother holds her newborn forehead to forehead in a white jacket minneapolis birth center

A Birth Center can be ideal for bringing your baby into the world. With teams of skilled midwives and nurse practitioners and plenty of tools and services to make your childbirth experience as smooth and comfortable as possible, Birth Centers provide a safe space to naturally deliver your baby with you and your desires guiding […]

Minneapolis Birth Center Options for Your Personalized Birth

Mother in white blouse kisses the head of her newborn wearing a white knit onesie on a wicker chair in a studio lactation consultant minneapolis

Breastfeeding is a natural and organic part of having a baby – but that doesn’t mean it is easy. Many women need extra support regarding breastfeeding, whether instructional, emotional, or social. Board-Certified Lactation Consultants and other certifications of lactation educators commit to helping new mothers and families through this beneficial experience. So most find that […]

Lactation Consultant Minneapolis for Excellent Support & Guidance

What I Learned I was so incredibly impressed as I took this tour. Everyone was working so hard and all the products were each created in different areas. While talking to the manager, it was evident that she believed in her products, and after taking the tour I can confidently say that I do too. […]

Visit my pro lab with me…

Being pregnant after losing a baby brings a lot of complicated emotions. You’re experiencing the immense joy of carrying a little soul inside you, while still learning how to cope with the bitter pain and suffering you’ve experienced after your loss. Many people have been where you are – including me.  Learning how to live […]

What is a rainbow baby?

A lot of women are unsure of whether they want maternity photos done or not. You may be asking yourself, “Should I get maternity photos done? Is it worth it?” If you are expecting and find yourself asking these very questions about having maternity photos taken, then KEEP READING! Believe it or not, you’re going […]

Benefits of Getting Maternity Photos Done

Stickan Photography is about capturing those precious memories from the very beginning. From maternity on up, join me for a beautiful experience in my serene studio. Learn everything you need to know before you come to the studio. BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY… About Me Hello! I’m Alyssa. I absolutely love capturing precious moments from the very […]

Welcome Guide

Every mom’s body changes after she gives birth, some more drastically than others. It’s a completely natural and normal thing to happen. Having loose belly skin and a few extra pounds is an integral part of any motherhood. Yet, many of us still struggle to accept our bodies, desperately wanting them to change overnight. I’ve […]

Why Moms Need to Get in The Pictures

Why You Should Consider Hiring A Trained Newborn Photographer Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! For most parents, the infant stage is a blur. It consists of lots of sleepless nights blended in together, and all of your time goes into caring for your new addition to the family. However, among the most significant […]

The importance of hiring a trained newborn photographer

As winter weather sets in, it is important to take precautions to protect your baby from the cold. Babies are especially susceptible to the cold because their bodies have not yet developed fully and they do not regulate their body temperature as well as adults can. There are a number of ways to keep your […]

Winter Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Baby Warm & Healthy

When on the topic of weddings, the first thing that pops into our minds is grandiose celebrations with many people – the main idea being to make a spectacle of the entire thing. However, ever since the pandemic happened, most things around us have changed, and weddings are no exception! There has been an increase […]

Benefits Of A Micro Wedding

What are the absolute must-have items to pack in your bag when you head to the hospital for labor & delivery? Experts & moms share their top hospital bag items

Packing Your Hospital Bag: The Must-Have Items for Labor & Delivery

pregnant woman holding belly

Stretch marks are one of the most common pregnancy complaints. About 80% of pregnant women will get them, and they can show up any time during pregnancy – but typically around the sixth or seventh month. Stretch marks happen when the skin stretches too quickly – as it does during pregnancy – and the connective […]

Preventing & Treating Stretch Marks during Pregnancy

baby girl smiling at camera

Teething: Tips & Tricks for helping Baby through this Trying Time Teething is the process of growing new teeth. Babies start teething when they are about 6 months old, but it can happen as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Most babies have all 20 of their primary teeth by the […]

Teething: Tips & Tricks for helping Baby through this Trying Time

Your newborn baby’s skin may be soft and glowing, or rashy, raw, and flaky. Despite the flawless skin depicted in newborn portraits, babies can suffer from a whole list of skin issues, including rashes, eczema, acne, and dry, flaky skin. Newborn babies skin is much more sensitive than adults skin. It might take some trial […]

Caring for your Newborn Baby’s Skin

Pregnancy can be an exciting and transformative time for expectant mothers, but it can also bring about aches, pains, and discomfort. This is why it is important for pregnant women to take some time to relax and pamper themselves before the arrival of their little one. And what better way to do that than with […]

Pamper yourself before the arrival: Top prenatal massages options near Anoka, MN