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Baby #4 Gender Reveal

Hi friends,

Today I am sharing this fun gender reveal we did with the kiddos. Let’s just say I was dead wrong with my mother’s intuition on this one. I thought we were having one gender, so I got everyone coordinating outfits to match the color I thought it would be. I couldn’t believe how wrong I was! Check out the full reveal below!

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Ya’ll I can’t believe we will have another precious girl to add to our family. We are going to have our hands full! Jayden was hoping for a boy, but it seems as he will be the only boy in the family so far lol. The girls didn’t even care, all they cared about was the cake! Well on the plus side expect more cute mommy and me outfits coming soon with my cute little girlies!

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Family

28 Weeks Pregnancy Update Baby #3

Hi friends,

Hope you are doing well! Can you believe it how fast June has flown by, or maybe it’s me. But last week I officially hit 28 weeks! I can’t believe I am already in my third trimester. This pregnancy has flown by, especially when I have my hands full with a one year old and and eight year old at home with me this summer. Today I wanted to give you a quick 28 weeks pregnancy update and share this casual but classic maternity shoot with my family. I finally feel like my bump has popped so I can fully show it off now. Check out more of my update below.

28 Weeks Pregnancy Update Baby #3

This pregnancy has flown by. Out of all my other pregnancies I have felt the best with this one. I have been staying healthier, and haven’t gained as much weight like I did with Ella. I gained thirty five pounds with Jayden, and seventy pounds with Ella! To be fair it was mostly water weight from swelling and she was a bigger baby, but I am hoping to stay under thirty pounds with this one. So far I’ve only gained fifteen pounds. I have been walking one to two miles a day in the mornings with my little ones at the park, and swimming one to two times a week at our gym. I’ve definitely stayed more active this time around.

A couple months ago I had debilitating sciatica which was affecting my workout routine, but after many recommendations I went and saw an Airrosti specialist and within a month I was able to work through my sciatic with specialized workouts and stretches. It was a life saver! I feel so empowered because I found a solution with Airrosti instead of a cover up like most drugs doctors prescribe for pain. I would 100% recommend Airrosti!

With my cravings and diet, I have been craving Smoothie King acai Berry Goji bowls. I go to Smoothie King twice a day. In the morning for my protein shakes before my walks, and after for my acai bowls. It’s a healthier craving than my donut craving I had with Ella. I eat pretty healthy with this pregnancy which probably accounts to why I feel better.

As far as baby goes, baby is growing healthy. Measures smaller than my other two, but I am not complaining because it’s definitely been easier this time around. It’s hard enough being pregnant in the summer, especially in this Texas heat! Baby is very active though. I feel movement, kicks, rolls 24/7. I wonder if this means we have another little athlete on our hands. This week I go in for my glucose test, but I am not too worried since I’ve past them my other two times. Just ready to get it over with. It isn’t a pleasant test, and I didn’t have the best experience last time when I was pregnant with Ella.

It amazes me that we are already in the third trimester. We still haven’t put anything together or prepared for baby, but I am not too worried since we have almost everything with Ella. We will probably get the crib together next month though. Twelve more weeks or sooner and baby #3 will be here!

For more pregnancy updates click here!

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Family

Ella’s Birth Story

Hi friends,

Hope you are doing well! It will be almost been a month since we had our little babe Ella Dawn. Today I am finally sharing Ella’s birth story. It’s still crazy to look back and think all of what happened actually happened. It almost feels surreal to think I almost lost my life at one point. Ella’s birth story was nothing I expected, but it changed my life in so many ways. It has made me stronger in my faith and helped me appreciate the little things more. Read more of Ella’s birth story below.

It all started Thursday May 26th. It was Jayden’s last day of school and I was had my 37 week appointment with my doctor that day. My doctor told me she had found protein in my urine and if my blood pressure was past 140 to call Labor and delivery because I might have preeclampsia. At my appointment and all my previous appointments my blood pressure was normal so this was the first time she had mentioned it. But I was swollen so that could have been another symptom of preeclampsia too.

After our doctor appointment we bought a blood pressure checker so we could monitor my blood pressure at home. Luckily we did because later that night we would check it and it was over 150! I knew something was off because I was more lethargic than normal and I wasn’t very hungry. I didn’t feel like my normal self. We called the hospital and they told us to come in that night. My mom came to pick up Jayden to stay the night at my parents house since it was late.

At the hospital they did a blood test, urine test, and checked my blood pressure and all came positive for preeclampsia. The on call doctor said we would have to be induced and have our baby ASAP as that would be the only cure for preeclampsia. If left untreated could be fatal for the mom and baby. So midnight Thursday night we were admitted to labor and delivery where they started me on twelve hours of the first of my labor inducing treatment.

This photo was taken Friday morning before starting Pitocin, getting my epidural, and having my water broken. The inducing process was easy and much more relaxed than my first labor experienced. We had a game plan, our room was very nice, and the nurses were very kind and accommodating. I didn’t feel rushed so I felt like we could enjoy the process more.

The only thing that worried me was that my doctor who I was seeing and delivered Jayden would not be on call to deliver our baby girl. This was the only downside with being part of a bigger hospital group was the inflexibility for OBGYN’s to deliver their own patients. I had heard too many horror stories of births gone wrong because the doctor who delivered was not the original doctor and had no prior relationship with the patient. A horror story that I would soon live through that night…

It was early Saturday morning I would deliver my baby girl at 3:16 AM. The labor process had been easy. I had been with wonderful nurses through the whole process. I had only met the on call delivery doctor once prior to delivering to adjust the position of Ella’s head during the labor process. I was in the final pushes when the doctor returned, and I remember it was the hardest five minutes of pushing of my life. I could actually feel it this time around and I almost thought I would quit during the worse of it. But then Josh told me he could see her head, and that gave me the last momentum to push her out. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Ella was born perfectly healthy. I did not have any tears nor require any stitches. But it went downhill from there. After the delivery everything happened so quickly. I remember, not even moments after her birth, the delivery doctor cutting her umbilical cord and tearing the placenta out of me. It was a different experience from my original doctor who delivered Jayden. She allowed me to have skin on skin with Jayden while he was still attached to my placenta, and I was able to deliver my placenta naturally.

After taking out my placenta my body kept on bleeding and I was gushing out huge blood clots. Josh said it looked like a murder scene. My body had not stopped laboring so when she removed the placenta it was continuing to bleed. This photo below was the last photo my husband took of me holding Ella before they had to wheel me to the OR to stop the bleeding.

Josh said it was the longest four hours of his life. He was all alone with Ella not knowing what had happened to me. Apparently I had lost so much blood that I had to have a blood transfusion. They also had to preform a D&C but realized that didn’t stop the bleeding. There was no tears, nothing wrong with my uterus physically other than the fact that wouldn’t stop bleeding. The only solution that worked was blowing up a balloon in my uterus to stop the bleeding.

After the OR they wheeled me to ICU for recovery. I woke up to feeling myself uncontrollably defecating on the hospital bed because of the medication they gave. My poor husband was by my side with tears in his eyes from worry and fear of losing me. For two nights I stayed in the ICU while they monitored to make sure I did not have any internal bleeding. I had to have the balloon in me for almost two days to make sure it stopped the bleeding before they removed it. If it didn’t work I would have to go into surgery again, and or possibly get a hysterectomy which would mean I wouldn’t be able to have another baby. But thankfully that was not the case.

During my time in the ICU, my mom, mother in law, and grandmother in law came to take shifts to stay with Ella in labor and delivery since Josh wouldn’t leave my side. I only got to see Ella a couple times during my stay when they would roll her down so I could breast feed her. It wasn’t until Monday when they discharged me from the ICU that I got to spend my first full day and night with her.

I don’t know what I would have done without our family being there to help us. It made us thankful that we decided to stay close versus build a house an hour away from our family. I don’t think I ever want to be far away from my family again. They did so much for us. Brought us meals, made sure Ella had all the love and attention she could get while her parents were in the ICU. God showed us how truly important family is during one of the toughest times of our life.

During this whole crazy ordeal also made me appreciate my husband so much more. He really stepped it up. Since I was bed ridden I couldn’t get up to take care of Ella. Josh did it all. The late night feedings, diaper changes, and helped me when I needed to breast feed her. He made sure I had everything I needed, and waited on me hand and foot while taking care of our little girl. God truly blessed me with the best husband. I honestly don’t know what I would do without him.

Monday, several hours after taking this picture and thinking we would be going home we were told I would need to stay two more days, where I would be administered a twenty four hour magnesium treatment in order to prevent me from having a brain seizure from high blood pressure due to my Preeclampsia turning into severe preeclampsia. It was so hard for me to comprehend that I just almost died once from severe blood loss, but I could also die from having a stroke.

Above is a photo of me on my magnesium treatment. Out of all the days I was at the hospital, this was the worse. I thought my face was on fire, and I felt like I had a severe case of the flu which were all normal symptoms of my magnesium treatment. Luckily I had these cooling cat face sheet mask in my toiletry bag because it gave me temporary relief from my face feeling like it was burning.

It was hard for me to mentally cope with the fact that I was purposely making myself feel like sick in order to prevent myself from having a seizure. At one point I had a panic attack because I couldn’t sleep, and my nose was so stuffed I couldn’t breath. I felt like the room was closing in on me, and I thought would never leave the hospital. I thought if I fell asleep I wouldn’t wake up and wouldn’t get to see Jayden again. Josh had to comfort me and I eventually fell asleep after the nurses gave me Benadryl.  I never prayed so hard in my life that I could make it out of the hospital and finally get home to be with all my babies. That day truly tested my faith.

During my whole time at the hospital and for two months before Ella’s birth I listened to Christian Hypnobirthing App.   It helped me focus on my faith over fear and gave me strength when I needed it the most. I would 100% recommend it. It helped me get through one of the most scary times of my life.

Below is Josh massaging my feet while I was bed ridden and in the worse state of my life. Nothing test your love and makes it grow stronger than having a husband who is there and won’t leave your side when you are at your worse.

So glad I brought my Boppy pillow, and my favorite $5 plush doggy blanket  I got in Montana when we visited Yellowstone last year. It made my six day hospital stay more comfortable. Those hospital beds are not very comfortable especially when you are attached to so many wires and an IV! Below are my other hospital essentials which I would highly recommend bringing:

What’s in My Hospital Bag As A Second Time Mom

This Mama robe and breast feeding friendly gown was so much more comfortable to be in than my hospital gown the last couple days I was in the hospital. I also brought this cute night shirt which I ended up using when I had to extend my stay at the hospital. I would definitely recommend bringing extra clothing just in case you end up staying longer. There was nothing more refreshing than being able to take a shower and change into nice comfortable clothing after giving birth.

I had to share this photo of this door ornament my mom made for Ella because of the story behind it. During my stay there were two other women who gave birth to girls who stayed next to me. They already had names picked out so they had these cute custom name decor for their doors. My mom thought the hospital made them for the patients, and because I didn’t have a name picked out for Ella  I didn’t have one on my door. So while she was staying with Ella in our room in the maternity ward while I was in the ICU, she would constantly text me name ideas for Ella and tell me I needed to pick out a name so I could get a cute name tag for our room. Finally when I was transferred back to the maternity ward, I asked the nurses if they made those cute name decor for the doors. They clarified they didn’t and the patient’s brought it themselves. I didn’t know that was a thing, but apparently it is now days. So when my mom found out she went straight to Hobby Lobby and made us one for our door. How cute did it turn out? My mom always goes out her way to make things extra special.

You can read more about the meaning behind Ella’s name and our special contribution to my mom:

Introducing Ella Dawn Darnell

The happiest day of my life, finally getting out of the hospital and going home to be with both my babies. I missed Jayden the most during my six days at the hospital. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about the possibility of never seeing him again. I still look back and remember praying so hard to just get through the day so I could be reunited with my son. It was the longest six days of my life being away from him. I thank God everyday for answering my prayers and keeping alive so I could come home to my babies. They are my everything.

Jayden meeting and holding his little sister for the first time. He said that was the best day of his life for his family to be home. I will never forget his little face and excitement. This is a moment I will cherish forever.

Can you believe at three weeks early Ella was as big as Jayden who came almost a week late? Imagine how big she would be if she came out full term? She definitely takes after her daddy in appearance and size! I’m so glad she came out when she did. Plus that was three extra weeks we got to spend with her, and we have soaked up every moment of it!

They say nothing is stronger than a mom, and that’s the truth! Birth is a beautiful thing but it also can be scary. Preeclampsia is no joke, and it can happen to anyone at anytime. I was one of the luckier ones who was able to catch it early. Thankful for the doctors and nurses who took care of me.

Ella’s birth story was one of the happiest and scariest days of my life. That experience has made me appreciate my time at home with my babies so much more. I look back and can’t help but just be thankful for my family, for all that God has given me. It was truly an experience that has strengthened my faith and made me stronger.

For more check out Jayden’s birth story below!

Jayden’s Birth Story

Thanks for stopping by!

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Family

Family Maternity Photoshoot

family maternity photoshoot

Hi friends,

Hope you are doing well! I can’t believe baby girl is already here. Technically her due date is not until next week, but she came sooner than scheduled. I wanted to share with you our last and final family maternity photoshoot we took, and the last shoot we took as a family of three. I will forever cherish these photos. Check them out below!

family maternity photoshoot, mommy and son photoshoot

family maternity photoshoot, mommy and son photoshoot family maternity photoshoot, mom and son photoshoot

My handsome little man! I can’t believe he is a big brother. Truly thankful God blessed me with him as my first born. He is truly something special. The little boy of my dreams come true.

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I can never get enough of these photos with me and Josh. It just captures our love and relationship so perfectly. He always makes me laugh and honestly don’t know what I would do without him. He is my rock and the love of my life!

I love this tulle maternity gown. It was the perfect color of yellow for this shoot. As you know yellow is my favorite color, so it was nice to have instead of the typical pink, white, or blue most people have for their maternity photoshoots.

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family maternity shoot, maternity photos, tulle dress, maternity dress

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I’m so thankful I took our family maternity photoshoot when I did at thirty one weeks, because if I had waited any longer it would have been miserable for me since I started swelling at thirty five weeks. I would highly recommend getting maternity photos done before the third trimester, before it just gets uncomfortable. These photos I will forever cherish as our last family photoshoot as a family of three. I can’t get enough of my favorite guys. But happy to be adding our little princess in the mix.

For more pregnancy photos check out these post below!

34th Birthday Maternity Photoshoot

Hawaii Family Beach Photoshoot

Baby In Bloom Baby Shower

Gender Reveal

Pregnancy Announcement

P.S. Subscribe for weekly newsletters so you never miss a single post!

Photos by BanAvenue Photography

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Family

36 Weeks Pregnancy Update

Hi friends!

Hope you are having a great week! Answering your questions and giving you a  36 week update on my pregnancy with baby girl. Sharing the good and the bad from pregnancy symptoms, weight gain, to potential baby names. Read more below!

36 Weeks Pregnancy Update

Current Cravings

It’s been non stop sweets and carbs for me. I can’t get enough of my local donut shop’s glazed donuts and Lindt Lindor 5 Flavor Chocolate Truffles. This girl better come out sweet for the amount of sweets I’ve been eating lol!

Pregnancy Symptoms

From my sciatica, swollen feet, carpal tunnel, and Pregnancy rhinitis my pregnancy has gotten very uncomfortable. I’ve been seeing the chiropractor every week which helps so much with my sciatica. Josh also got me this leg and compression massager which helps too! At this point my only shoes I can wear are these sandals because of how swollen my feet as gotten.

Weight Gain

I’ve gained over 40lbs and the swelling hasn’t helped. Plus this girl is in the 70% percentile and already measured 6lbs at 35 weeks! She is so much bigger than Jayden, and all this extra weight I’m carrying is very uncomfortable. I can’t even bend over or get up without assistance. I’m not worried about the weight gain as I am pushing out a big 9-10lb baby. Currently walking a mile, doing lunges, jumping jacks, and ball sits to get this girl out naturally before she gets too big!

Jayden training to be a big brother with Cheeto. Cheeto enjoying his time as the baby until baby girl gets here. Can you believe how much my belly has grown from 20 weeks to 35 weeks!

Due Date

We just had our 36 week appointment this week and it doesn’t look like baby girl is coming anytime soon. I am only one centimeter dilated! My due date is technically June 15, but I am praying she makes her arrival soon. Hopefully in May so she can be a Taurus like me, but if she’s born in June then she will be Gemini like my mom. It’s like God’s way of answering my mom’s wish when I gave her a hard time as a teen and she would say, “One day you are going to have a daughter who will treat you like how you treat me.” My girl would be my mom’s mini and Karma coming to get me lol!

Name for Baby Girl

We don’t have an official name for baby girl because I am waiting to see if she will be a May baby or June baby. I feel like her birthday will determine her name. Like I said I’m secretly hoping for a May baby or I might have to name her after my mom lol!

Hoping this is the last update before baby girl makes her arrival. With Jayden I was almost a week late. Here is a post I wrote seven years ago when I first started blogging and I was documenting my time as a first time mom.

40 weeks and 2 days later….

Praying I don’t have another late baby but who knows! She will come when she is ready. I definitely won’t stop trying natural ways to induce her. But we will see!

For more pregnancy post check out these below!

What’s in My Hospital Bag As A Second Time Mom

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety During Pregnancy

30 Week Pregnancy Update

Baby In Bloom Baby Shower

Gender Reveal

Pregnancy Announcement

P.S. Subscribe for weekly newsletters so you never miss a single post!

Family

What’s in My Hospital Bag As A Second Time Mom

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Hi friends,

Hope you have a great week! Officially 35 weeks and we finally packed our hospital bag. This time we are much more prepared than we were seven years ago now that we know what to expect. I remember the one thing I disliked about our first experience was how uncomfortable we were during our hospital stay after delivering our baby. So this time around I added some a few things that would make our stay so much better. Check out What’s in My Hospital Bag As A Second Time Mom below!

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What’s in My Hospital Bag:

Hospital Bag Checklist:

For Packing:

  1. Rolling Luggage – Love a good rolling luggage to put baby, hubby, and my things in for our overnight stay at the hospital. Easy to maneuver and load things on.
  2. Weekender/Mom Bag – I love this monogrammed bag as my mom bag. I put all my labor essentials in this bag.
  3. Makeup Case – Best traveling case to store your makeup. It’s not a necessity but great for getting ready for photos.
  4. Hanging Toiletry Bag – This is a must especially since most hospital rooms lack counter space in their bathrooms. Having a hanging toiletry bag saves space and is easy to pack.
  5. Packing Cubes – These are so convenient for separating and packing baby’s, hubby’s, and my clothes and keeping it organized.

For Baby:

  1. Polaroid – For capturing unedited candid moments during this special time.💛
  2. Baby Monogram Blanket /Swaddles  – Great for taking baby hospital photos
  3. Welcome sign –  For baby announcements
  4. Car Seat/Stroller – We got the Doona because it’s an all in one and so much easier to transport than carrying a car seat. That was one thing I wish we had seven years ago when I had Jayden. I still remember the pain of having to lug a car seat around.
  5. Portable Sound Machine – This is great for white noise for baby since hospital rooms are not always the quietest areas for sleeping babies.
  6. Going Home Outfit – This is a great two piece set to bring for baby’s going home outfit.

For Mom:

During Labor:

  1. Portable Fan – Great for keeping cool and comfortable during labor. Also great for baby for attaching to her stroller to keep her cool during the summer.
  2. Essential oil diffuser – Helps with the hospital smell and provided aromatherapy.
  3. Massage gun – Great for hubs to use on you to help alleviate pain during labor
  4. Slippers – Keep your feet warm and comfy as you labor in the hospital

After Labor:

  1. Waterproof slides – For walking to the bathroom and or taking a shower at the hospital.
  2. Robe – I love this cute Mama one from Amazon. Soft and comfy and comes in different colors.
  3. Nursing Bra – These come in a pack of three and super comfy.
  4. Nursing Friendly Pajamas – I found this gown that is nursing friendly as well as postpartum friendly even if you have had a C-section.

For Dad:

  1. 10ft charging cable – You never know how far the outlets are in your hospital room.
  2. Bluetooth speaker – For playing music or Hypnobirthing during labor
  3. Portable charger – keep electronics charged when you are mobile
  4. Extension cord – gives you extra outlets and reach.
  5. Blanket/Pillow – Provide extra comfort for sleeping on the couch in the hospital rooms.

packing list, hospital bag

 

HOW I ORGANIZED MY HOSPITAL BAG:

For my hospital bag I separated the things I need for labor in my mommy weekender bag, and the things for our stay at the hospital in the luggage. That way we don’t have to bring it in until after I deliver. I separated all of our clothes for baby, hubs, and mine in separate packing cubes for better organization.  I brought my LV tote because it has all my other travel essentials and one of my favorite travel bags. To see what I pack in my LV check out the post below!

Whats In My Travel Bag – Louis Vuitton Neverfull

 

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Excited for baby girl’s arrival and we are ready for her. I hope this post helps for any expecting moms out there. Thanks for stopping by!

For more pregnancy post check out these below!

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety During Pregnancy

30 Week Pregnancy Update

Baby In Bloom Baby Shower

Pregnancy Q&A

Gender Reveal

Pregnancy Announcement

P.S. Subscribe for weekly newsletters so you never miss a single post!

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Fashion

34th Birthday Maternity Photoshoot

maternity style, maternity photoshoot, maternity photography, maternity glamour photos, maternity studio photography

Hi friends,

Hope you are having a great week! This Saturday I officially turn 34! It’s an extra special birthday because baby girl will be arriving shortly after. This is the first birthday I have had where I am pregnant. Last pregnancy we conceived Jayden around my 26th birthday. He was quite a birthday surprise! But exactly what we needed. So thankful for these two birthday blessings God has given me. For my first pregnancy I didn’t appreciate my body as I should have. It wasn’t after experiencing two pregnancy losses did I truly appreciate the gift it was to carry life into this world. So for this birthday I wanted to share these beautiful 34th birthday maternity photoshoot my friend Eliana at Gem Galleries took for me in my third trimester.

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I love these modern studio style maternity photos! They were definitely out of my comfort zone but love how they turned out! As I get older I find myself appreciating my body more and more as I know it is only getting older. God gave us one body and we have to treat it like the temple that it is and never take for granted the gift of life that it gives us and sustains us. In my thirties I have seen more and more women go through cancer scares, miscarriages, and even unexpected loss. It could happen to any of us, but all we can do is appreciate what we are given today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but today we will celebrate life for all that it is.

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Looking back at these photos even though it was only a couple weeks ago I am so thankful I took these when I did. Because now as I get closer to my due date it is definitely getting harder and harder with my swollen ankles, stretch marks, and acid reflux. But these photos will be a constant reminder of the beauty of pregnancy even in the thick of it when our body goes through so many changes. So to all my mommas second guessing if they should take maternity photos, do it. Because you never know if it will be your last. These nine months go faster than you think.

I hope you enjoyed this post and my 34th birthday maternity photoshoot. Thanks for stopping by!

For more pregnancy post check out these below!

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety During Pregnancy

30 Week Pregnancy Update

Baby In Bloom Baby Shower

Pregnancy Q&A

Gender Reveal

Pregnancy Announcement

P.S. Subscribe for weekly newsletters so you never miss a single post!

Photos by Eliana at Gem Galleries

Fashion

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety During Pregnancy

maternity photos, maternity dress, tulle dress, maternity photo shoots

Hi friends,

Hope you are having a great week! Today I wanted to share these beautiful maternity photos I took before my baby shower, and share my thoughts on overcoming fear and anxiety during pregnancy, especially after experiencing pregnancy loss prior to this pregnancy. It’s definitely something I battle with everyday. Making it to my third trimester is something to be celebrated. Read more below on what has helped me overcome fear and anxiety during pregnancy.

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Overcoming Fear and Anxiety During Pregnancy

With this pregnancy versus my first I have taken advantage of all the fun maternity photoshoots because I know I will enjoy these memories to look back to. And more so since I have experienced loss. It’s been a constant battle to not let my fears and anxiety take over and ruin the joys of being pregnant. My first twenty weeks were the hardest. I bought my own personal baby doppler just so I could listen to the baby’s hear beat everyday. It gave me daily reassurance knowing she was still thriving in my belly.

Another thing that helped was sharing my fears and anxiety with my friends and fellow mamas who had experienced the same loss as me, and or were going through the same thing with their pregnancy. I feel like having friends who can relate and confide to helped me so much in calming my fears and anxiety. As much as I loved confiding with my husband, it wasn’t the same as another mom who has been through it.

I also prayed everyday during this pregnancy. I prayed for guidance, reassurance, and also just to thank God for getting me through the day. Knowing that I couldn’t control everything, I had to leave it to God and have faith that whatever happened was for a reason. And that regardless I would be thankful for everything I have been lucky to have so far in this pregnancy. My faith has always been the biggest factor in me getting through some of the hardest things in my life. Faith over fear is my mantra through life. Also being a mom, and having losses has made me stronger as a person. It’s true when they say you never know true strength until you become a mother.

It can be easy to let fear and anxiety ruin such an exciting time in you life. Pregnancy is not easy. There is so much to worry about, and it doesn’t get any easier after having the baby either. But I have found that in order to truly appreciate life, this pregnancy, and all it has to offer I had to stop worrying about the what ifs, the things I couldn’t control. Instead I focused on celebrating the little things, buying baby clothes, having a baby shower, capturing these moments with beautiful maternity shoots, planning a nursery, ect.

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We found this small corner with these gorgeous arched windows and the lighting was just stunning. These maternity photos are a beautiful reminder of everything I have been through. I’m so thankful I was able to capture these. I know I will miss this stage of my pregnancy when it’s over. I hope you enjoyed this post. Thanks for stopping by!

30 Week Pregnancy Update

Baby In Bloom Baby Shower

Pregnancy Q&A

Gender Reveal

Pregnancy Announcement

 

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Photos by BanAvenue Photography

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Family

30 Week Pregnancy Update

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Hi friends,

Hope you are having a great week! This week I officially hit 30 weeks, and I am sharing a 30 week pregnancy update with you. Can’t believe we are in the third trimester already. I’m soaking in every moment and thankful for every week baby girl continues to grow healthy in my belly. You aren’t going to believe how much she’s grown since her 20 week scan. I’m sharing more of her progress plus her 3-D ultrasound below!
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A couple weeks ago I had a 28 week scan for baby girl and to see if my placenta had moved up. My placenta had moved up so thankfully we didn’t have to worry about having to have a C-section, and she was already in a head down position. They also said she jumped from 60% to 75% in growth, and I was measuring a week early!

The doctor also said I had to cut down on my sugar and carbs intake because her belly was in the 90% and she was getting big. They were worried about me having Gestational Diabetes. But thankfully after taking the horrendous three hour test I was ruled not to have it. I didn’t have it with Jayden and thankfully I don’t have it with her. I can’t help it if baby girl loves her sweets and carbs. She is just like her momma.

I can’t get over these cute 3-D ultrasounds of baby girl. Look at that smile and those chunky cheeks! I can’t wait to kiss them and finally hold her. These ten weeks are going to fly by, that’s if I even make it that far. I have a feeling she might come early, but you never know. Jayden almost came a week late!

We finally started her nursery after having our baby shower a couple weeks ago. You can see the full recap of my dream shower here! My dad got us the most gorgeous metal crib and all we are waiting on is our glider and dresser for  the nursery. I’m having so much fun decorating her nursery. You can see my nursery inspiration here. We’ve changed it a bit, so you will have to stay tuned for the full nursery reveal!

If you follow my Instagram you can see some of the baby essentials I have bought or gotten from my registry. I will be doing a blog post soon on my baby must haves and registry wish list. Check out these cute yellow baby outfits I got baby girl! I can’t wait to share more baby fashion style with ya’ll soon!
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So thankful and feeling blessed to be able to share my pregnancy journey with ya’ll, especially after experiencing loss. I hope you enjoyed this quick 30 Week Pregnancy Update. Thanks for stopping by!

 

Other pregnancy related posts to check out:

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Fashion

Bump Friendly Bikini Sets Under $25

Bump Friendly Bikini Sets

Hi friends!

Hope you are having a great week! Today I am rounding up my favorite bump friendly bikini sets with you for under $25. With this pregnancy I have been shopping on a budget because I know things may not fit me in the next month. But these bikinis are bump friendly since most of them have adjustable ties. However, I do suggest sizing up one size for some of these because not only has my bump grown but so has my breast. And if you want more coverage up there definitely size up! Check these styles below and let me know which one is your favorite!

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These bump friendly bikini sets under $25 are such a great find and great quality too. I can definitely see myself wearing these after this pregnancy as well. If you are looking for budget friendly bikinis for spring break definitely check these out. Which style is your favorite?

I hope you enjoyed this roundup. Thanks for stopping by!

Check out our recent Oahu, Hawaii family travel guide here!

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Rib Lettuce Trim Bikini
Halter Push Up Tie Side Bikini
Textured V Wired Tie Side Bikini
Underwire High Cut Triangle Bikini
Ruched Bandeau Cheeky Bikini
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Crochet Leg-Slit Dress
Hollow Out Split Side Cover Up
Fitness

5 Reason To Continue Working Out During Pregnancy

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Hi friends,

Hope you are having a great week! Since my second trimester hit I’ve been continuing to work out during pregnancy. It has helped me so much physically and mentally with my pregnancy. For two weeks during Christmas and New Years I was feeling under the weather so I didn’t work out and boy did my body feel it. After the first week I was getting horrible back pains. I know it’s normal as our body grows and stretches, but I also knew I could help alleviate it if I went back to my normal exercise routine. After I was feeling better  I started working out again and focusing on lower body workouts and it helped tremendously. Since then my back pain has gone away! You can see the full video of my lower back workouts here. Below I’ve listed my top five reasons on why I continue to workout during pregnancy and how beneficial it is in your pregnancy. Check them out below!

 

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5 Reason To Continue Working Out During Pregnancy

  • Reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling.

  • Boost your mood and energy levels.

  • Help you sleep better.

  • May decrease your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery.

  • Promotes healthy weight gain during pregnancy, and help with “bouncing back” after.

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Being pregnant has given me more reasons to continue working out. Thankfully my doctor has given me the ok to continue doing what makes me feel better physically and mentally. I don’t take this healthy pregnancy for granted especially after having two miscarriages. And I will do what it takes to continue keeping my body healthy for myself and my baby. For more pregnancy workout videos and inspiration make sure to follow me on Instagram! Thanks for stopping by!

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20 Weeks Pregnancy Update

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Hi friends,

Hope you are having a great week! It’s cold here in Texas so we have been taking it easy. If you are subscribed to my newsletter then you would have seen my twenty weeks pregnancy update last week. But I thought I would make it a permanent post here on the blog in case you missed it. Last week we had our twenty week scan so I’m sharing some of baby girl’s ultrasound pictures and updates from our doctors below!

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Before going to our appointment I was so nervous and worried baby would be on the smaller percentile because I didn’t feel that my belly was that big, but when they measured her she was measuring four days ahead and in the sixty percentile! Jayden was on forty percentile at twenty weeks and I thought he was big. They told me she will probably be bigger than Jayden when she is born. Plus they kept commenting on how long her legs were! Who knows she might get her dad’s height!

Overall everything turned out great. She was developing perfectly, moving around and “talking” the whole time. It’s probably because we were laughing the whole time. Jayden got to come with me and he had the best comments about baby sister. There’s one picture where her face looks like a skeleton and Jayden kept asking when is she going to get fat like a baby, she looks like a skeleton! Lol it was a good comedy relief considering how stressful these appointments can be.

They did say I had a low lying anterior placenta which is why I could feel her hitting my back so early on. I was wondering why I was getting early back pains with her versus with Jayden. It’s because I have less back padding and more padding in the front of my belly! I do have to come back at 28 weeks to see if my placenta has moved up higher, which it should be. I had the same thing with Jayden, but it turned out fine and I was able to deliver him vaginally.

This is the ultrasound where Jayden thought she looked like a skeleton lol! Below is Baby Girl waving at us!

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We are so thankful to be halfway through with a healthy baby girl and healthy pregnancy. I can’t wait to meet her, but I am also enjoying the time I have with just me and her. I know this time will fly by so fast! Praying for a safe and healthy second half and excited to see how big baby girl gets. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Other pregnancy related posts to check out:

 

Pregnancy Q&A

Gender Reveal

Pregnancy Announcement

 

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