Booked.

To my complete and utter surprise, I booked a paid photo shoot at 23.5 weeks pregnant. I thought the only shoots I would partake in during the next 9 months would be maternity, but a newer photographer from Holland (with whom I've worked with before) wanted to test out new lighting equipment in his studio. I was flattered he still requested my presence, even after spilling my baby bump beans! His goal was primarily headshots, so Baby B didn't make an appearance. He kicked, twisted, and turned the whole drive home though!

Here are a couple of my favorite shots from our session.

Photographer: Mike Olson of Lakeshore Photography
Hair & Make-Up: Me
Date: March 30, 2013
Location: Holland, MI
Edits: Unedited, raw proofs

 

23 Weeks and Counting!

Hello friends. I will try to give weekly (or at least bi-weekly) updates in the form of the survey below! I thought this was a good way to track the rest of my pregnancy!

  
How far along? 23 weeks 

Total weight gain: 0 lbs - this sounds strange, but I was very sick in first trimester and lost 10 lbs! I just finally gained it all back! I had a pre-natal appointment this afternoon and the Dr is not at all concerned with this progress. Mommy and baby are growing normally!

Maternity clothes: I am strictly in maternity pants but I can wear several of my non-maternity tops yet!

Stretch marks? Nope! I am religiously using my Palmers Cocoa Butter lotion for stretch marks. However, Dan and I both think we can see the linea nigra (dark pregnancy line) coming in. It's VERY VERY light, but it's on its way!
Sleep: Sleeping well! Bedtime is normally 9pm. I get up at least twice to tinkle. Baby likes to sit right on the bladder....and even kick it sometimes. 
Best moment this week: This is cheesy, but I found several DIY nursery projects on Pinterest that my husband ALSO liked. We both have strong opinions when it comes to how the nursery should look, so I like when we agree! I can't wait to get started on them!

Miss anything? I miss running and spicy tuna rolls. 
Movement: I am finally feeling regular kicks. I've been waiting for this since day one! It's only about 3 times a day and they're still really light, but I love every minute of it. Occasionally I can tell when he's changing positions - it's a funny sensation in my belly and makes me laugh picturing him wiggle around.
Food cravings: None at the moment and really none to mention to date. My diet has been fairly normal - not a lot has changed except no alcohol and no sushi. I have been consuming the 300 extra calories as requested by the doctor. That's about it!
Anything making you queasy or sick? I haven't been able to wear any perfume. The scent is too strong.
Gender: Boy 
Labor signs: No, and I don't believe I've felt any Braxton Hicks yet either!
Symptoms: I'm tired earlier than usual and get dizzy when standing up too quickly. Those are the predominant ones at the moment. 
Belly button in or out? Still in...but not as in as it used to be. Hah! 
Wedding rings on or off? Still fits great! 
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!! I've felt this way most of my pregnancy. I just feel so lucky to be pregnant, and sometimes still can't believe I really am. 
Looking forward to: Setting up the crib and changing table. It's all ordered and should arrive any day now! Nursery planning is so fun!

Current Bennett Boy STATS:

Little man is 8.5 inches long and just over a pound. My app is comparing him to a papaya. That's not an extremely common fruit, so here is a photo for perspective. Yeesh!!

He can also detect sounds outside the womb - so I've been having one way conversations with him so he gets used to my voice! ;)

And we're having a....

Our Arizona Adventure

Beautiful & serene. The perfect back drop for our gender reveal! It went (almost) as planned. We decided to release the balloon during our hike to Devils Bridge in Sedona, rather than at the Grand Canyon. Apparently experience and special equipment are needed to get into the Canyon, neither of which we had. The most difficult part of the reveal was finding a store with helium (who would have thought!) After 4 stops and many phone calls later, we found a grocer who was able to help. The older women working the counter was smitten by our reveal plan and so happy to help us out.

Holding the box made my heart thump. Even though it was securely taped, I was afraid there would be some residual blue or pink ribbon attached to it that would give away the secret. Ahh!!

We arrived at the trailhead, snapped this quick photo, and began our hike!

The scenery leading up to the reveal was gorgeous...

About 30 min in, we found a secluded clearing with breath taking views. We knew this is where we wanted to do it! We wasted no time. Dan recorded a video while I sat down and tore into the box! As we both had expected...

IT WAS A BOY!!!!!!!! It was fun watching that little blue balloon float away - representing the precious little man we would soon meet.

The rest of our trip was fun, being able to refer to the peanut as a boy, thinking of names, and starting his wardrobe at the Baby Gap. We DID make it to the Grand Canyon and hiked a few miles around the rim. Dan snapped this shot of me and the little man - one of my favorites!

I would love to report that Dan and I came back from our Arizona trip refreshed and relaxed, but unfortunately Michigan welcomed us home with relentless colds. Better here than there I guess! Baby boy is undoubtedly bouncing about with every sneeze and cough. I write this from the couch, 3 boxes of tissue deep, and sad I can't remedy my severe congestion with Dayquil and Nyquil. I want my health back!