40 WEEK PORTRAIT

Even though it's been 3 weeks already since I had my little babe, I didn't want to forget documenting my last maternity portraits here.  This was one day after I hit 40 weeks, just 3 days before her arrival.  This evening was when my labor started with contractions all night throughout my sleep.  At this point, my brother was genuinely concerned about me getting any bigger, ha ha!  It's kind of sweet knowing how worried he was about me.  Being only 5' 2" tall, I was all belly, but I was measuring right on the mark along with my weeks.  In the end I gained about 45 pounds, and still have about 25 pounds to shed before I'm back to my normal.  It's definitely odd being so in between.  Most of my clothes still don't fit me, and dressing for breastfeeding is even harder than dressing a 40 week bump.  But I know it's just all part of the process, and my sweet little Ava Pearl is so worth it all. 

I have yet to find the time to sit down and write out my birth story, but I know it will happen as it should.  My time is definitely very limited now, as anyone who is a new mother knows.  I have so many things I want to share, but will just have to be patient with the process and let each day unfold as it will.  So until next time, xo...

38 WEEK PORTRAIT

Well life got a little hectic the past two weeks and I'm just now getting my 38 week portraits up here and I'm 2 days shy of 40 weeks!  This was my first shoot on the new deck.  I really wanted to test out the lighting out there so I decided to do a full shoot for this weeks portraits instead of my usual window/belly shots.  I LOVE the lighting on the porch!  I know there will be many many more photos taken in this space.  It's slowly coming together but will most likely be a month or so after Ava is born that is will get finished since I'll need some good down time after her birth. 

We have been nesting and preparing for birth for what seems like forever.  I have set up my birth space where the tub will go with affirmations and things from my blessingway.  We have stocked our fridge, of course she will decide to be another week or so and well have to do it all over again.  Ive been trying to keep up with light house work each day so it doesn't get out of hand.  James is off work for a while so he has been a huge help in this department.  I can't wait to see this little baby in his arms.  OMG it's going to be so precious. 

Now for a million photos of my big ol' belly + bed head.  In case your wondering, the kimono was from Lulu's a few seasons ago, the bralette is from Of A Muse, a local shop in Boerne. Go grab one if your local, they are the prettiest!!!!!!

37 WEEK PORTRAIT

My 37 week belly was adorned with some beautiful henna by my friend Katelyn during my blessingway that she threw for me.  I'm so happy I snapped these photos when I did b/c it faded quickly and now just about completely gone.  She did any amazing job though and my belly never felt so royal.  Last wednesday was when I hit 37 weeks and got the green light for our home birth.  Friday we had our home visit with our midwives.  Such a special crossroad.  I can hardly believe how close we are to meeting this little baby.  Wild.  Just plain wild.

Today I am 38 weeks.  Ive had a couple really emotional days this week, but today I am stretching past it and focusing on a few things that I need to get done.  Tomorrow is our last birthing class, which is relieving and sad at the same time.  Relieving b/c it's so far away and so late at night, but sad b/c we are really enjoying it and our teacher.  I'm so glad we experienced it together.

I have been having alot of braxton hicks contractions this week.  My belly is constantly tightening up, as well as my lower back on the sides.  Babies movements are quite crazy.  Even though it's not so much of a kick as before since she doesn't have as much room, it's more like feeling her entire leg rub against me from the inside.  It's such an incredible + bizarre feeling.  She is still comfortably in the same position she has been in for a few months now, head down and slung over on the right side of my belly.

Tomorrow we will be bringing our birthing tub home and I'll be able to start setting up my sanctuary.  That is really going to make things feel very real.  But I am so happy I get to have this option and have the time and space to make it feel sacred.  

I have never prepared for anything in my life more than I have for this baby, yet I still feel so unprepared.  I guess that is just how it must feel when becoming a new mama for the first time. 

36 WEEK PORTRAIT

I thought I'd pop in real quick for an update.  I did not get a chance to do my 35 week portrait, so this was my 36 week portrait.  My camera battery died on me after a few snaps, so this was the only good one that came out.  There is obviously a HUGE difference in my belly since two weeks ago!  Little babe is really growing.  Although camera angle and the fact that my bosom was completely smooshed by this adorable little top that no longer fits me, makes a big difference on appearance on camera.  I sure do love this ripe belly shot though! 

I will be 37 weeks along tomorrow!  Which means I get my green light to do a home birth.  We will have our first midwife appointment in our home on friday.  Our birthing classes are really picking up in intensity and information and it's been really awesome to experience that with James.  He has gone from being unsure about the whole class experience to actually really liking it.  Last night we ended up chatting with another couple after class for a while and found we had alot in common. 

Last week I did a huge closet sale on my instagram and let go of a ton of stuff.  It felt so nice to get those piles of things sent off to new homes to enjoy.  I also had my blessingway this weekend with a few of my girlfriends and the experience was so beautiful.  I will do a whole post on it soon with tons of photos.  We all forgot to bring a real camera, so thank goodness for smart phones!  It was one of the best days I've ever had though.  Truly beautiful.

James is home for a few days so we are taking advantage of it and getting a few things done around the house, wholesale orders finished up, and stuff like that so we can relax a bit more in the upcoming weeks.  Something I seriously need some more of.  Emotional stress has been a bit high in our house lately, so some good chill time is definitely in store for us before we make this huge transition. 

Time for some coffee and a chat with my Nanna.  xo