You would think by now we would be introducing her name and including it in the title, but we have still NOT decided on a name! Brandon calls her TBD. We have a short list of names, and I have a feeling that when we see her face, we will just know! Or that is my hope anyway! I really just can’t believe we are getting close to meeting her! I will be sharing her room next, and I am obsessed!
Life has been so busy that I almost let time slip away and didn’t do a maternity session. Honestly, I am so glad that I carved out some time and made it happen! After carrying three boys, carrying this little girl has been so different! I showed her quickly, and she is like a basketball (or a beach ball at this point) that is just continuing to grow in the outward direction! At the last ultrasound, she was already 7 pounds, head down, and engaged, so I have a feeling she might not make it to her due date of 12-12.
Here are pictures. For those who have followed my blog for years, I decided to share a bit more at the bottom!
Thank you to Brittany Sweat for capturing these images. Keisha Minter for hair and makeup and the beautiful backdrop of my friends, who just launched a new venue location, The Farm at Rivers Edge. We could not have asked for a more perfect day or setting for these pictures!
A LOT of people asked when I shared something recently if it has been harder being older and pregnant. At my first appointment, when I was labeled geriatric, I am not going to lie; I took offense. Now I am just like yes that is me, give me any extra attention I made need. I also know a lot of people that are just now starting around my age and starting in your late 30s is not a crazy or unheard of concept.
For context, my youngest is almost 10, and I am 37. All my other pregnancies were in my 20s. The short answer is yes. It has for sure been harder on my body in all the ways. I had placenta previa until about 24 weeks, so I had to stop all regular workouts, which I did with all the other pregnancies, and limit activity. Around that same time, I started getting pretty sick from extreme reflux and ended up with a trip to labor and delivery, and I think we finally have the right meds to keep that aspect under control. (and if you know me well, you know I typically don’t like meds). I say all of this because I feel like I am someone that I feel like has done nothing the traditional route. I think that perhaps part of my journey on this earth is to be an example to others instead of comparing to society’s norms. Have kids young, have them late, get married, don’t, pursue a career or don’t. There is no right or wrong on a path or an attached timeline.
Do you know how much beauty I see in being 37 and God blessing us with this little girl? In my 20s, I had Roman while I was in college. I literally had him, went right back to college courses, and took a picture with him at my graduation. I had things to prove in my 20s, career ladders to chase, and perhaps even an ego as well. At 37, I know who I am. I have an untraditional career and past accolades I really don’t care about. The only thing I chase now is freedom, peace, and purpose. I will always be a passionate woman who likes to work, but I am just so much more grounded and with a partner as well who sees me for me and doesn’t try to restrain, quieten, or soften that aspect, but really, if anything, just helps to channel me. I am a visionary, and if I am being honest, I know without a shadow of a doubt this little girl who is kicking me nonstop will one day do big things in this world and I just hope I do her justice to being an example to continue being authentically you, finding passions that light you up and people that support that and who you are and make a difference.
My boys are 9, 12, and 16 (almost 10, 13, and 17), and I honestly can not wait to see them ALL be bigger brothers. I think it is going to soften them in ways they do not even know is possible yet. Brandon has two girls who are 12 and 14 (almost 13 and 15) and the same thing. I think it will help the unit and bring a young spirit, and I am counting on having a lot of helpers. everyone is excited to meet the baby girl very, very soon!!!!
