A few weeks ago, one of my wildly talented photographer friends and I caught up on life around some homemade pie. There is something comforting about a warm slice of pie and talking with a friend you haven’t seen in over a year. When the pie begins to melt in your mouth and the conversation is easy and light, life seems just a tad bit sweeter.
We scheduled the afternoon/evening for my maternity photos, which I’ve never been one to obsess over to begin with. It was kind of a last minute schedule, she was in the area for another photography shoot and I happened to be 8 months pregnant. However, after all the laughs and fun we had, not to mention the beautiful shots she took, I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them to look back on one day. Even more so, I can’t wait to give them to our baby girl one day, showing her how much she was loved before she was even born.
Maternity photos have never been something I was 100% thrilled about. Being 8 months pregnant in the middle of a hot texas summer is bad enough, add a dress and some make-up and the uncomfortable level rises quite a bit. This is exactly why I chose to wear what I did. I opted for a simple summer dress, something comfortable and lightweight, something casual that felt natural to me. I feel like maternity photos should be nothing but showcasing the true feelings of that specific pregnancy. For me, my style has always been about comfort and freedom to move about. Growing up as a dancer, I always wanted to be moving and grooving and I think my style says a lot about that.
There are so many different styles of maternity shoots out there. I’ve seen them range from fancy and elegant, to embracing the natural and naked look. Some maternity shoots have both the husband and wife involved and some just have the mother-to-be. Although I wanted mine to look as natural as possible, without looking too poised I wanted to leave the fancy and elegant look out of it. Because at the end of the day pregnancy isn’t about being elegant, beautiful, or classy, it’s about growing another heartbeat and caring so deeply for somebody you’ve never met before. It’s about the new life you’re bringing into the world and the dreams you have for them, to thrive and succeed. It’s about the sacrifices you’ve endured to make sure they have everything they need.
When I think of my maternity photos I want to remember them like I do this pregnancy, joyful and full of unknown adventure. Not truly knowing what the future holds but trusting enough that our faith will guide us through anything. I want to remember them like this pregnancy, full of laughter and smiles, a few hard moments here and there, but more love than I ever thought possible. I want to forever remember this pregnancy, from the moment I found out I was pregnant until I hold my baby girl- this pregnancy has been beautiful in the most stunning way. One day, my baby will look back on these photos and know just by looking at the joy on my face how much she was loved from the very beginning.
After getting back from Houston, TX where we had Justin’s brain tumor check up and MRI scan, the news could not have been any better regarding the tumor’s state. All our worries seemed to disappear after hearing word that we could focus our attention on our soon-to-be baby instead of undergoing radiation therapy for Justin’s brain. Although we aren’t entirely in the clear, yearly visits and MRI’s will still have to be done and eyes will forever be on his head, we are just thankful for this small miracle and the timing of it all.
As I head into my last three weeks of pregnancy, I can’t help but feel a little anxious about the next journey on our pathway- child birth. It’s been lingering on my mind since the day I found out I was pregnant, and whether or not I choose to be prepared, this little babe is coming sooner than we think. With wandering thoughts about childbirth also comes some relief to know I am as prepared as possible to welcome our daughter into the world. I’ve done the prep work, the diapers are bought, the blankets are washed, everybody is beyond ready to see and meet our precious jewel, as are we. If you would have asked me two weeks ago how high my anxious and nervous levels were, I’d only laugh with uncertainty. However, it’s amazing to think what only two weeks will do.
Winding down after nine months of preparation, I can finally understand why God designed it to be such a long waiting period. There is so much to do during those nine months, I can’t help but feel it was all a perfect design. To give us time to gear up and prepare ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. However, these next three weeks of uncertainty will seem like a lifetime of waiting compared to the last nine months. We are so thankful for all the blessings we’ve been given and provided with, the love and support from people we’ve never even met– I can’t describe how much we truly appreciate each and every one of you. After nine long months I can finally say my heart and soul are calm with the thought that our nest will soon be complete.
All Photo credits by Amy Santos at Birdsong Photography
All photos were taken by Amy Elizabeth Santos at Birdsong Photography; All rights reserved
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Stunning photos! I loved reading this post!
‪Have you checked out my new post today? It’s my marriage bucket list 🌸‬
‪butterfliesandboundaries.wordpress.com/2018/08/24/marriage-bucket-list/‬
Thank you! Love your blog and awesome post too!
Well you certainly took some very beautiful pictures to remember this very precious time in your life . You obviously took excellent care of yourself and won’t have the horrible shock like I did having gained almost 45 pounds only to deliver a 6 pound baby and be stuck with all the extra baby bump . It is funny that we fear labor so much . While it is happening you are very busy haha too busy to be afraid and it really does feel very natural , I know God has prepared you and Justin to become the very best parents . Understand there is only one right way to raise a baby and it is simply your way . You can’t spoil a baby , hold them too much . God takes care of that by making them grow and regardless of how hard we try out grow us . Please have fun and enjoy life as new parents and regardless of how long a tired min can seem in the middle of the night don’t wish it a way you will want it back one day and say to yourself gosh this has gone by so fast . Love you with the love of the Lord , God bless the Pauley’s Doug and Adriene
Thank you so much, I really appreciate all the advice and words of wisdom. I can’t believe how fast time has flown, but you are right, it will ALL be worth it when she finally gets here 🙂
Beautiful Maternity pictures! You carry pregnancy well! I am a mama to 3 boys close in age. So I might know a thing or two about it all being a season, which will soon pass. I have a 3 year old, an almost 2 year old, and a 4 month old. The days are so long, but the years are so short! My husband and I actually watch your vlogs together! Haha, he originally started watching LFG’s fishing channel.
Thank you so much for the kind words, I can only imagine how fast it all flies by! I feel like my pregnancy flew by as well. Thanks for watching the videos, vlogs, and supporting our little (but growing) family!
A few days after my only son was born a good friend took me to lunch and gave me some advice. He said that there was only two things I could give him that no one could ever take away. “Love and an education”.
Looks like my wife and I did an OK job raising him. He and his wife are both Captains at a major airline, but more important they have two beautiful daughters, twins, age 5.