“Some days I need music, and some days I need the lyrics.”

When I found this quote on Pinterest, it was exactly what I was looking for.  How much truth is in that statement?  Some days I am just listening to something for the beat, and some days I put a song on repeat because the lyrics are WHERE I AM AT in life!  Anyone else?  I am not musically gifted in any way (other than being able to keep an 8 count while dancing), but it is still such an important part of my life, and I’d bet it is for many of you too.  Think about it…..how many memories do you have that are triggered by or tied to a certain song?  I know I have plenty!  Hymns that make me miss by grandfather’s deep voice, dance recitals, team fight songs, the song my husband and I first danced to at our wedding, the song I danced to with my daddy, and the songs I sang while I rocked my babies to sleep.  Music transcends time and takes me back to these memories when I hear any of these special songs, which leads me to the reason behind writing this blog! Plus I really just wanted to share this sweet newborn session with you all.

I am so excited about all of the newborn sessions that I already have on the books for 2021!  In fact, I’ve already spent time with two precious families with newborns this year.  At these sessions, I get to document some very intimate moments with a mother and her new baby, and it just has me in my feelings.  I LOVED rocking my babies to sleep every night.  Well, maybe not every night, but you know what I mean ;).  It was such a special time, and to this day, we still read and have a playlist of songs that they request.  The following is a list of non-traditional songs (with links and my Spotify playlist) we used as lullabies that stayed in rotation at our house during bedtime routines.

If you are a new mama, or soon-to-be, I dare you not to cry while singing any of these to your sweet baby.  Years down the road, it may trigger some special memories for you both.

“Make You Feel My Love” by Adele

This is my song for my first born, Greyson.  I think I sang this song to him for the first time quietly in the hospital on the night he was born.  Although it is traditionally written as a love song for a couple, it has the sweetest message about being a safe place for your little one when they feel like the world is against them or things aren’t going their way.  I’ll always be here for you buddy, “to make you feel my love.”

“Slow Down” by Nichole Nordemen

This is my song for my daughter, Ella.  At first, I sang “Make You Feel My Love”, but after about a year, I stumbled upon this gem, and it just seemed to fit her and I both.  The message is to kids and parents alike….slow down, enjoy the little moments because childhood doesn’t last.  Yep….there will be tears.  Lots and lots of tears.

“Count Your Blessings” by JJ Heller

JJ Heller has the sweetest, most soothing voice ever, so she gets two spots on this list.  This sweet tune is about counting your blessings when falling asleep.  It makes the harshness of the world seem much more dim when you count all the things you are grateful for in life.  I think it is the perfect way for adults and children to go to sleep each night!  It always sparks sweet conversations too!

“Paving the Runway” by JJ Heller

I kid you not, the first time I heard this song, I was on my yoga mat and there were so many quiet tears!  Thank goodness it was a hot yoga class and I was already sweating or I’m afraid they would have thought something was deeply wrong with me! LOL. Again, JJ nails it.  This song tells your kids to chase their dreams and how you will be supporting them by “paving the runway, cause you’re gonna fly.”  Make sure you have tissues.

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

For those mothers that have waited so long to hold your baby, or those who are still waiting to hold your special one, this one is for you.  As a mother, you love your baby long before you ever held them, and this song speaks to that. “I have died every day waiting for you.  Darling, don’t be afraid. I have loved you for a thousand years, I’ll love you for a thousand more.”  Yes, you guessed it….more tears.  Don’t give up hope, mamas!  Your day is coming.

“Blackbird” by The Beatles

Of course this song makes the list because who doesn’t love a classic Beatles tune.  Its easy to learn and whispers the promise that though we may be broken at times, we will still be able to keep going and do hard things.  I promise, when your sweet little one learns the words and starts singing along, you might tear up.

“You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins

Another classic.  This song was submitted by my friend, Elexis, whom you see here with her precious family.  What a sweet truth that is sung every night to these sweet babies in their home.  I know they will remember it for years to come.

“Baby Mine” from Dumbo by Betty Noyes

If you can watch the scene from Dumbo where his mother rocks him in her trunk while she is locked in elephant jail and not cry, then have mercy on your soul!  Watching that mother comfort her baby and telling him to be brave while they are apart rips my heart out.  This song is for all the moms that work shifts, have to leave for extended time, parents of children in foster care, split custody time, or are just sending their baby off to college!

“Never Enough” by Loren Allred

When we watched The Greatest Showman, we became a show tunes family!  I cannot tell you how many times we have listened to this soundtrack.  And God bless my family for listening to me try to hit these notes.  It isn’t pretty, but the message sure is.  You could give me the world, but if I didn’t have my family to share it with, it would mean nothing.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Because I have given you an entire list of songs that will make you cry all your tears so that you don’t have any left, I feel it is only fair to end it with one that is sweet and uplifting.  This version of these two songs put together has an island flair that will make anyone happy.  I dare you to listen to it and not smile.

Here is the playlist on SPOTIFY.  Just in case you wanna add them to your rotation.  Sweet dreams, friends!

XOXO,

Gabbie