31 WEEK PORTRAIT

31 week portrait.  (taken last week as I'm almost 32 weeks).  Last night I told James I didn't want to start decorating for the baby shower yet b/c it's still two weeks away.  Then this morning I woke up and what did I start doing?  Decorating for the baby shower.  Ha ha.  I set up the tables to see where I wanted them, brought out table cloths, sanded down mini wood pallets I'm going to use on the tables, hung up macrame in the window, put out the tea pitchers and filled up bowls with plastic silverware... And so it begins.  I'm really excited to have it in our home b/c half of our friends and family have never even been here.  And it will just feel so much more personal having everyone in our space, the space we will be bringing this little soul into.  Of course it's created alot more work for me, keeping my house clean, etc, but that is probably a really good thing!  I've been planting pretty flowers outside and making the backyard nice for everyone to enjoy.  It's been a really good motivator to get things done that I wanted to do before she arrives anyway.  I feel like the last 7 months I've been nesting.  I'm a natural nester anyways, so pretty much as soon as I found out I was pregnant, I've been rearranging my house to prepare.  Which I'll have to do all again when she gets big enough to crawl. 

I told James to surprise me with different flowers every monday or tuesday so I can use them in my belly portraits on wednesdays.  A great excuse to have some pretty flowers in the house for the next 8 weeks.  He picked out these gorgeous sunflowers last week.  This beautiful birdie top is from Pylo (but I think it's sold out) and the necklace is from Love + Leather.  It's been so fun to style these shoots that show my belly in full glory. 

THREADS // THE BELLY

It's been such a wild journey to see my body change through pregnancy.  It's a bit of an emotional roller coaster.  One day I feel prettier than I ever have before, and the next I feel huge and frumpy.  Dressing my body has been more of a challenge, and I'm really learning what feels good and what simply doesn't even if I wish it did.  But I know this is just a transitional time, and one that is bringing the biggest miracle through it all.  It's truly amazing actually to watch my belly grow, and to see my little girl move around underneath my skin.  I'm still amazed every time she kicks or flips.  Last night we put a book on my belly to watch it bounce as she moved around.  Such a cool experience.  It looked like it was in an ocean wave or something.  I feel her more and more everyday, and it's a beautiful reminder that I am not alone.  She is already my little companion every single day. 

Now that I am seeing just how quickly this time in my life is passing by I'm really trying to document my belly more before it's gone.  From here on out I'm going to try to do weekly shoots if I can, or at least as many as I can.  I have just a few images of my mom when she was pregnant, and actually most of them are when she was pregnant with my brother.  I wish I had more.  I know one day Ava will love these.  Especially if she ends up being a little Cancer like me, she will most likely be a nostalgic soul. 

*see end of post for what I'm wearing*

OUTFIT DETAILS: crop top - the lilith moon // pants - one tribe apparel // necklace - suai suai

THREADS // 27 WEEKS

I'm technically already just past 28 weeks, but these photos were shot around 27 weeks.  We had a sweet little date with our neighbors at our local wine bar.  We are so blessed to have such nice peeps living next to us!  I can't remember where I got this top, but I'm loving it more now that I'm pregnant... and I've had this skirt for ages.  It's been fun to dig through my closet and see what I can wear through this pregnancy.  I am about to go buy another pair of maternity jeans though for my last 3 months b/c I just can't wear my other pair I bought b/c the low band puts too much pressure on my bladder when I sit down.  They fit everywhere else.  But I love my jeans, so I'm going to indulge in one more pair. 

Now that I am in the home stretch my body is definitely changing rapidly.  Ive got aches and pains popping up & some super moody blues... But every day is different, so I'm just savoring the good ones, and resting and going with the flow on the bad ones.  Accepting it all as part of the journey.  It's so wild thinking about how different life is going to be in 3 short months! 

*see bottom of post for artist tags*

OUTFIT DETAILS: necklace - roots & feathers (having a 20% off sale thru 4/8 with code ETSYLOVE) // 3 stone turquoise ring - broken arrow jewelry // magic ring - umberdove // brown stone ring - stunner collective // sandals - blowfish shoes

THREADS // IT STILL FITS

I took these a few weeks ago, I think when I was a little over 20 week pregnant.  I was so excited to find out that this romper still fits me!  You can see a pre-pregnancy post in it here.  I have not had to buy very many pregnancy clothes at all.  I got two pairs of jeans with the band on top and a few tanks tops to wear under other shirts, and one actual maternity top that I'll still be able to wear after pregnancy.  Ive been able to utilize things from my previous closet pretty well so far!  Which is great b/c it leaves more room for me to spend that money on the cutest little baby clothes!  Ha ha.  I'm going to have to much fun dressing little Ava. 

It's hard to believe that in just a little over 3 months she will be here in our arms.  I'm getting anxious and nervous.  Well be taking Birthing From Within classes this spring, and I'm about to start preparing for baby shower and blessingway details... It's all going to start happening so fast.  My belly is growing each week.  Some days I feel beautiful and some days I feel huge.  I measured 23" at my 23 week midwife appointment so I know I'm right where I should be.  I think it's just part of being a short girl... there is not a whole lot of torso room!  Her kicks and movements are getting stronger and stronger, and we can see my belly move and bump from the outside now!  It's so cool.  She has already helped me so much with putting things in life in perspective as far as what is important and what is not. 

Her room is looking so cute.  It just needs her crib and some art that I have picked out.  We still have a million things around the house we want to get done before she arrives.  Little by little it's getting done.  I'll never forget this period of my life...

OUTFIT DETAILS: romper - dolkii // crochet kimono - f21 // belt - thrifted // necklace - my mamas // 3 stone ring - eclectic bling jewelry // oval crysophrase ring - cultivated dreams // silver + turquoise ring - bella & chloe // wooden bangles - midnight special vintage // sandals - blowfish shoes