We've all seen the typical maternity photo shoots of the beautiful couple or family, the beautiful belly, the strategic poses to commemorate the moment in time. I've never seen or experienced anything like what I experienced at Grinkie Girls Photography!
My pregnancy journey, this chapter of my life, is coming to an end. This is my second and final pregnancy, completing our family of 4. I always knew I wanted to have two kids, hopefully a boy and a girl, and wouldn't you know it I got what I wished for! My first was a boy and this one is a girl. These two pregnancies could not have been any more different though.
My first pregnancy began after 14 months of trying to conceive. We were so overjoyed when that test said 'Pregnant'! Pregnancy was a wonderful experience surprisingly, but birth was very traumatic. My water broke at 37 weeks, I labored for 26 hours, and then developed HELLP syndrome where my liver and kidneys began shutting down and I got very sick. Three hours later my son was finally born via emergency c-section. We weren't prepared for such an experience and had to adapt quickly. I'm so thankful for the amazing care and expertise of all my doctors and nurses who took great care of me and my son.
It took a long time to process that trauma and grieve not having the birth I wanted. With the support of my husband, friends and family, and therapy, I moved forward through that grief. Three years later, we knew our family wasn't yet complete and were ready to try again to have another child.
This pregnancy has been completely different from my first. Weeks of morning sickness (all day really), heartburn, hip pain, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, edema, anemia, joint pain, and other crazy pregnancy symptoms I never had nor knew to expect. Trying to feel special while pregnant was such a struggle because my body was so sore and really struggling.
Enter Christi and Lela. I had been following them for a while on Instagram after seeing stunning photoshoots my friends had with them, and was so lucky to see the model call for pregnant women to play with these gorgeous blue, flowey maternity robes! I immediately knew this was it, this was just the thing I needed to remember how lucky I am to have had two healthy pregnancies, how amazing my body is for growing and caring for these two beautiful babes, and how special of a time this is for me, in this chapter of my life. I immediately reached out and was excited when I got chosen!
The photoshoot was just the boost I needed. Not only did I feel so pampered and special, but every photo was beautiful and Christi and Lela both made sure I knew it! I was nervous at first, but Christi's great directions helped me relax and capture incredible shots. It was a collaboration and sharing of ideas too! Every day since, I've woken up feeling so special and thankful for my body. I can't wait to see the final product!
Guest Blogger: Alice
