Welcome to the blog of Shaunae Teske photographer, educator, & writer
Light & Love | LaKecia & Sarah
I’m absolutely delighted to share this sweet Light and Love portrait series. Meet LaKecia and Sarah! These mamas are welcoming their first child in April. It was such a joy getting to meet them and share a little more of their story. The love and the joy in these photos warms my heart!
Tell us about yourself
I’m LaKecia and this is my wife Sarah. We met three times in one week five years ago. First, our mutual friend introduced us at a political conference. Sarah had known about me because I put out silly and viral dancing videos on social media. I was charmed by Sarah and even remembered her name (which was out of the ordinary for me). The second time we met, I was on the bus with my colleague and we got stuck in traffic. So we walked to our work and realized there was a protest blocking traffic against a youth jail. Sarah was there protesting and I said hi. Finally, I was at a queer dance party and Sarah came up to me to say hi, we danced all night and have been inseparable ever since. We’re celebrating our two year marriage anniversary in January.
Sarah and I always wanted to have kids, but because of such uncertain times (the pandemic, racial uprisings, economic crises, climate change, etc.) we wanted to make the “right” decision for not just ourselves but our potential future kids. So last year we went on a quest to seek answers, we asked people close to us why they decided to have kids or not. The answers varied but every one had a valid reason. So we thought to ourselves that it doesn’t matter, as long as we are intentional and have love in the future.
So we decided to take the plunge into motherhood. We had a lot of decisions to make as a queer couple: adoption? sperm bank? what donor? which person would get pregnant? IUI or IVF? And so on… We decided after doing research online and with friends new and old that we would have what is called a “known donor” or someone we know who donates their sperm. We chose someone who was an acquaintance at first, but is now our close friend. On the day of conception, all three of us brought in our ancestors, sang songs special to us and danced, and set our intentions for the future and the future kid. That was 5 months ago and I am now pregnant with Sarah’s and my first child!
Our baby is due in April, we will have a lot to learn in the year- everything from labor to taking care of a newborn to shifting from a two-person family to three. We hope to build a community around our kid, because I know for a fact that it takes a village to raise a child. Sarah and I have lived with two of our nephews and nieces up to the age of 2, it requires a lot of patience, love, and care for each other and the community. We hope to have the same wrap around love with our own child.
What is something you do just for yourself?
Sarah and I bonded over body movement. We love to take long bicycle and hiking trips. Sarah swims and I love to dance. We have our own meditation practices and take care of our dog, cat, and chickens who nourish our hearts. Sarah and I are avid readers (I should be since I own a bookstore with my family), and I love to hangout and visit with friends and family.
Congratulations to these sweet mamas!
I love thos story! You both will be amazing Moms. We can’t wait to be part of your community of love for this child.
What sweet pictures of your loving story!. I know Sarah since she was a child, but haven’t yet meet LaKecia. As a lesbian myself, it warms my heart to see how the new generation has progressed in their pride to share themselves and their story. Blessings on your journey!
Dolores
Beautiful people on a special journey.