Being a photographer makes me want to capture everything on camera. It helps me to hold on to my memories and to savor life.
So when I found out I was expecting at the very end of March, I thought it would be fun to document every other week of this pregnancy in photos. Two days after we found out at 4 weeks, I had Benj snap this photo of me to mark the day when I didn’t have a bump! I think it’s a fun way to see baby grow, even though it’s really more of watching mama grow.
Oh, and the big cheesy smile is due to the fact that I was still in shock that we we’re actually expecting. Life is full of surprises!
Shortly after getting our positive pregnancy test, I just felt the need to sit down and write out a little letter to our little baby. There’s something about writing that has always calmed my soul and helped me to process and sort through my emotions. It helps me to slow down and breathe and see things more clearly. And on top of all of that, writing to baby helps me feel closer and more emotionally connected. With each week that passes by, I feel more and more excited to meet this new little person!
4 Weeks
Dear little sweet pea,
Your mama and daddy love you more than you know already. We can’t believe we’re parents! You’ve rocked our world in the best way. Your daddy said, “It’s like you close your eyes, and then you open them and everything is different.” He’s right. I still marvel that your precious little life is growing inside of me, and I simply can’t wait to meet you. Right now, you’re just the size of an itty bitty poppy seed, so you have a lot of growing ahead of you!
To be honest, sometimes, I’m afraid the Lord will take you to be with Him before we get a chance to meet, before I get to cradle you in my arms and sing you to sleep. It’s difficult to know that I’m not in control of everything, but also comforting to know that the God of the universe holds your little life in the palm of his hand. He’s got you, baby. Daddy is good at reminding me of that.
I like to talk to you and sing to you throughout the day, putting my hand over the place you’re growing. Daddy likes to give you kisses and tell you hello and good morning and goodnight. We know you can’t hear us yet, little one, but just wait until this summer!
You’ve made your mama incredibly exhausted this week and last. I’ve also been nauseas and sore and a few other things, but you’re worth every bit of discomfort, little one, and so much more.
Our love for you grows every day, sweet pea, just as you do. We pray for you continually and thank the Lord for entrusting us with your life.
I’ve been singing this song to you because I want to practice for the day I get to hold you in my arms…
Before you close your eyes to sleep
I have a promise still to keep
As I hold you in my arms
I pray your little frame grows strong
And faith take hold while you are young
This is my prayer for you
Hold my hand, I’ll teach you the way to go
Through the joys, through the tears
The journey of these years
May you trust Him till the end
5 Weeks
Dear little sweet pea,
Today starts the fifth week! That means we have about 35 to go. Last week was definitely hard for me, but we got to tell all of your grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins that you’ll be arriving this December, Lord willing. That was the most fun we’d had in a while! Everyone is so excited to meet you.
Toward the end of Week 4, I started feeling a little more energetic than I had been. That was helpful since you and Daddy and I are leaving on a plane very early tomorrow morning. That’s right, little one- you’ll be flying for the first time! I’m pretty concerned about morning sickness on the plane, but we’re praying that the Lord keeps me feeling well.
This past week, the reality that you’ll be joining us by the end of the year began to sink in more deeply. We can’t wait!
