Our Maternity Photos, A Few Thoughts & A Note to Our Son

The day that we have waited for is almost here and I’m finding it hard to contain my emotions. It seems like just yesterday I was waking up feeling a little “off” and decided to take the pregnancy test that would inevitably change our lives forever. Over the last nine months I have had the honor to watch my body grow and change in order to grow this precious baby that we will soon meet. Before I got pregnant I was so afraid of how I would handle it, but I can safely say after 40 weeks that I have enjoyed the process and everything that I have endured these last nine months. Growing a child, during a pandemic no less, has been such an experience and I feel incredibly grateful to have been given the gift of motherhood. The last few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions and it’s surreal knowing that we will meet our son shortly. Sure, it’s not exactly how we envisioned it – during a pandemic with a lot of uncertainty – but we know that everything will fall into place as it should as soon as he’s in our arms. Last month we took maternity photos to capture this season of life for us and these are photos that we will cherish forever. Over the last few weeks we have done a lot of reflecting as we prepare for our lives to change. Nick and I first started dating in 2005 and have been together collectively for over 10 years. In that time we have been through a lot and have created so many wonderful memories together. We’ve always been a team and it’s been “just the two of us” for so long. We are thrilled beyond belief to be bringing a baby into this world. It’s been an emotional few weeks as we reminisce and soak up our last moments together. It’s a bit of a weird feeling knowing that we’re living out our “lasts” while also anticipating all of the “firsts” that we’re about to experience with our baby. There is so much to look forward to and we cannot wait for our next journey together as parents.   

to my baby boy,

We first found out that you existed on November 29, 2019, a day that will forever be one of our favorites. I’ll never forget running into the bedroom with that positive pregnancy test and jumping on the bed to show your dad. We were both utterly speechless but our smiles said everything we couldn’t in that moment. Since that day we have talked about you nonstop – what we think you will look like, the hopes and dreams we have for you, the traditions we want to start with you, and how much we already love you. We have not-so-patiently waited for the day to arrive when we would finally meet you and it’s crazy to think that it’s almost here. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to have been able to carry you and share such a special bond with you. Feeling your every kick and move these last 236 days has been such a joy and each day my love for you has grown even more. 

I am overjoyed to be your mom and I cannot wait to meet you. There are so many things that I am looking forward to with you. I cannot wait to see you for the first time and hear all of your little sounds. I can’t wait to see your dad become a dad because I know he’s going to fall into that role effortlessly… I may be biased but you’ve got the best dad around, I promise. I am most excited to be a family of three (well, five including your fur brothers Charlie and Avett!) and for the life that we have ahead of us. We love you so much and I hope you know how loved you are from the very first second you’re born. I know our love will only grow tenfold once you’re in our arms.  

love, mom

dress // photos by Lindley Battle Photography