Maternity Photos

My dear friend Julie took fabulous photos of us while we were in PA, weeks ago!  I realize that the hardest part of being a photographer might be sifting through photos and choosing favorites.  I narrowed it down to 80+ and shrunk that into 30+ actual images using the picnik collage feature.  To spare you, I am posting them as a slide show rather than a never ending post of images.  Here you go:

Due Date

Dear Baby,

Today is your due date.  This very day has been on our hearts and in our minds for months and months.  We have been holding onto this day like a precious gift.  But today, now that it is here, I realize that it is just another day.  Far more important is the day that God has chosen for us.  They day when you are finally ready to arrive.  I long for that day.  I know that it is out of our control, that neither you or I can independently chose to be wrapped in each others arms.  But I know that it is soon.

almost 14 weeks ago

I am not going through emotions I imagined.  I am not anxious or worried about the looming "when."  I am not tired or uncomfortable.  God has given me incredible peace and contentment throughout this pregnancy.  Your daddy and I have had the chance to bond with you, to learn your movements, to "catch" your feet as you kick and cherish all of the sweet times leading up to your arrival.  We know you better than we could have imagined.  We cannot comprehend the "knowing" that will follow in the days, and weeks and years to come.  

We are excited for all of your firsts, introducing you to the things we love.  We know that there are many first that every child experiences.  We are more excited about the firsts that are special moments in time.  We are excited to take you sailing, watch you play in the sand at the shore, bring you to your first lacrosse game.  These are the things we dreamed of enjoying with you for as long as we have known each other.  These are the moments we talked about before we even began our family.

I want you to arrive today.  I have wanted you to arrive every day for weeks.  But I am confident that your arrival will be perfect, no matter when it is.

love,
your momma

Not much change in the past three weeks.

37 Weeks

WOW!  I have grown a lot in the last three weeks.  No wonder none of my clothes seem to fit.  It is crazy to me how the change in belly size just sneaks up, even when it is strikingly obvious.  

Mark and I are slowly getting ready.  I am sure there is tons left to do to prepare for baby, but we are content with where we are.  We are emotionally and logistically ready to bring our son home.  The clothes are washed, diapers and wipes are stockpiled, books have been read, the car seat is strapped in the car, the house is in order and we aren't going anywhere.  We are "ready."

However, that readiness comes with the comfort of knowing that we will never really be ready for anything that comes ahead of us in the next few weeks, months and years as parents.  It is reassuring to know that this is the position in which everyone enters parenthood and that life is full of learning lessons.

We can't wait to meet our son, hold him and bring him home...in the mean time, I guess I will keep growing!

26 Weeks

Baby Bump at 26 Weeks

Mark and I had a bit of fun with "poses" on our only semi-blank wall and then editting features with iPhoto.  I can't believe how much has changed over the past 7 weeks.  I promise to take pictures more frequently from here on out!  We find out if we are having a boy or a girl this week, so keep your ears open for the news.  Don't forget to take the "What is Shannon Carrying?" poll.  Currently "girl" is the leader!

Here is the "growth chart" to keep track of the changes:



{I sort of look like a deer in headlights, but the baby bump is cute!}



23 Weeks: An Impromptu Photo Shoot

Sunday marked 23 weeks for us and baby.  We were blessed with the joy of kicks all day long!  Mark even got to feel a solid kick for the first time.  We met good friends for brunch at Founding Farmers.  I liked my outfit and my hair so we took pictures before we left...

...now if only I could learn to like my smile.


p.s. I am welcoming "pose" suggestions.  Please help me look less awk-mac (definition: a mac truck of awkwardness)


p.p.s. In case you were wondering, I ate the Waffles Banana Foster and drank Hot Chocolate for breakfast...I think my mouth is still watering days later!