Potter Maternity Shoot

Hey loves,

Super excited to finally blog about this! We just got back our maternity pictures and I am so freaking excited about them! We did our shoot with PR moments photography. Priscilla, is sincerely and truly amazing and great! We loved working with her! We took our pictures at Jessie's Grove winery in Lodi, Ca. There had to be a little bit of dramatic flair for our day! I had originally wanted a sunny, shadowy sunset shoot. Of course, the day we did our pictures was the day the weather decided to unleash massive rain storm. I was pretty bummed. I wanted to reschedule, but Priscilla and hubs were very optimistic everything would be fine. Thankfully they were right! Even though it was cloudy, the clouds were spectacular and I'm very excited how they turned out! Our "theme" (if you will) was modern meets country chic. I couldn't be more pleased with the turn out!  Enjoy!

Our baby moon

HI loves,

 

Right now I am in my second week of spring break. It has been fabulous.

 

Last week, hubby and I decided to go on a babymoon. I had uploaded a pic to IG and put hashtag babymoon. When I clicked on it, I saw a lot of preggos and their partners going to lavish babymoons in Europe, Bali, Bahamas, Mexican resorts, you name it. Us? Well, we aren't that fancy lol, plus, we don't have extra thousands lying around to take a fancy babymoon (would be nice!). Instead, we went to the wine country, Windsor and Healdsburg.

 

One would ask "why the heck would you go there if you can't have ANY wine whatsoever?"

 

Yes, it makes sense! I love my wine! However, if any of y'all have been to Healdsburg, it is seriously gorgeous. If you don't wine taste, you can appreciate the beauty of this place. Honestly, driving through Dry Creek road, feels more like Italy than California. Here is a pic to give you an idea of the amazingness of this place ( this isn't my actual photo):

                                     

 It is so freaking gorgeous. I truly feel peaceful and relaxed in this place, hence why we chose to come here.

 

Day 1, we left after church and made a quick pit stop for drinks and snacks. A short 2 hours later, we arrived at our time-share, Worldmark Windsor. We quickly unloaded and hit the road to wine taste (well me, water tasting LOL). We arrived at our first winery, Papapietro winery. They were very nice and provided me with a comfy seat, Pellegrino water, and some crackers.

From left to right: //roadtrip selfies//hubby with his pinot//my Pellegrino and I//Papapietro sign :)

 

After, we headed up to Dutcher Crossing, which is also on Dry Creek Road. It is one of my favorites, and our dear friend Mark also works there. We had a good time catching up, and enjoying more tasting (me just watching with water, lol!).

After, we went back to the resort to swim. I was excited to sport my bikini. First, I don't have stretch marks (not yet at least) and for once in my life, I didn't have to worry how flat my stomach looked. I wore my bump loud and proud, LOL!!! After, we got dressed and went to dinner at KC's Grill in Windsor (sorry no pics).

 left to right: //hubby enjoying some cooney cab//me watching lol//taking a picture with this gorgeous background/ Ro and mama//our view of the pool :) //bare baby bump at the pool!

 

The next day, we went to Dry Creek Road winery. This winery is gorgeous and their wine bottles are seriously a work of art. I would buy every single one just because the bottles are so pretty.

 

After Dry Creek Road, we went to Portalupi wines. We love this place. They make the best Barbera ever, which is a fabulous Italian wine that is not a commonly made in California. We had a certificate to do a wine, meat and cheese tasting. Despite not being able to have wine, I was thrilled to have the meat and cheese. AND YES people, the meat was fine to have and the cheese was pasteurized, so I was all good to chow down. The owners gave me blood orange San pellegrino (Italian soda) and it was so delicious.

left-right: hubby at his fave place//wine selfies//portalupi wines, so modern and cute

left to right: most delish Italian soda//our meat and cheese platter, yum//omg, I could devour this whole thing!

 

Afterwards, we went and explored Healdsburg some more. Seriously, its the cutest town known to man! We first stopped off at Costeaux French bakery. OMG. Carb and sugar heaven for sure! After, we stopped by Healdsburg craft cupcakes. I had been there once. The shop is super cute and shabby chic, right up my alley! I got 2 cupcakes and I was the happiest preggo ever!

Top row: Costeaux French Bakery
Bottom row: Healdsburg Craft Cupcakes

I'm a happy girl

Here are some precious pics of this precious town and its stores. So cute:

 

On our drive back to Windsor, hubby felt "inspired to take some pictures from the side of the road. He is so cute! After, we met up with our friends for Mark and Danielle for dinner. I am sad I didn't take any pictures. It was fun catching up with them and their 2 beautiful girls.

The next day, we stopped for breakfast at a local diner and then we headed home, due to Shannon needing to be back for coaching. I must say, this was truly the most little babymoon ever. I came home feeling rested and refreshed. It was so nice to get away!

The fab pregnancy has yet again met another nemesis!

The smooth, drama free pregnancy has met yet another nemesis!!!

As many of you saw, I posted yesterday my weekly bump pictures. 

Under it I posted some random facts, but posted a prayer request specifically praying that Rowan wouldn't come early, etc. I prayed about that and some other worries with my daily prayers earlier that morning.

Anywho, I noticed from 9:30-11:00 I was having some major tightening, what I thought was Braxton hicks. I have had them before but normally they go away after 3 of them. However, this was non stop. They didn't hurt but they were uncomfortable. I texted my sister seeing if she had this too. After a little while, she suggested I call labor and delivery.

Sigh. I was nervous to call and plus I didn't want to be THAT first-timer. However I listened, talked to a nice lady named Cheryl who said I needed to come in. My rock star of a sister left work to take me to the hospital. I of course called Shannon but he works 45 min away and we all had an unofficial plan in case something happened  and Shannon couldn't pick up, my sister (who works less than 20 min away) would take me to the hospital.

We get there and of course can't find labor and delivery lol! Thankfully, a kind doctor led the way. I get checked in, meet Gracie, my nurse and I get hooked up :

She immediately frowned because my pulse was sky high, matching the baby's heart rate practically. She got concerned. Mind you, on the outside, I was calm and cool. But on the inside, I was petrified. "I'm only 31 weeks!" "What if she comes now?" "She can't come now!" "Rowan, don't you even think about it!" And my number one, "God, protect my beautiful daughter, I'm begging you!" I was petrified. 

Basically, long story short, I was having painless contractions every 30 seconds to one min. I took a pee test to check for dehydration plus an FFN test to see if I am going to go to labor. Thankfully all that came back negative. That FFN test tells you  basically that you have a 99% chance that you will not go into labor for at least 2 weeks, lol. In the beginning and at the end my cervix was checked. Thankfully my cervix was long and closed each time which is what it obviously should be this early in the game.

However they were a little bit baffled as to why I'm still having contractions. I was given some medicine to stop/relieve the contractions.  I told them that on Wednesday I a little bit overdid it on nesting. I was lectured that I need to absolutely take it easy and pretty much not do anything. They didn't put me on bed rest because they didn't think it was necessary.

Anyway here I am sitting in bed. I must admit I am really, really, really nervous. My stomach still feels tight. it's kind of funny. It's sort of feels like you can kinda bounce a coin my stomach. I don't  feel like I'm contracting just feels rockhard. Anyway my doctor was notified all that good stuff. I really do have a serious prayer request. Please just pray that things can continue to go well and that Rowan cooks a little bit longer.

All the test came back fine but I can't help but feel nervous. I wish I was 36 or 37 weeks because it wouldn't be as big of deal. She really and truly needs to stay put!!!! Mamas, please share if this ever happened to you! In some ways, I have to laugh! I have now met another pregnancy nemesis! 

Me feeling seriously annoyed....

My awesome hospital outfit:

Sigh, happy Friday!!!!!

The story behind her name....

Well folks, here ya have it:

Rowan Decaris Potter! So crazy we are finally sharing her name! Now, some may be wondering where her name comes from, and especially her middle name (we made it up).

Long before we were married, we knew we wanted our children to have Irish names, as a nod to my husband's heritage. We heard the name Rowan and we fell in love with it. To be fair, we researched plenty of other names, but the name that we kept going back to was Rowan. We would call her Rowan (at that time just between us obvi) and it just felt right. We tested out other names, but it just didn't feel the same.  I wanted to of course know if it had significant meaning. In doing some research, we found:

The name Rowan is a Irish Gaelic baby name. In Gaelic the meaning of the name Rowan is little red head.

 I thought that was literally the cutest darn thing I ever heard. Now, the chances of our Rowan being a true red head may be slim to none, lol! 

Now for Decaris. I am sure there are people who think it might sound weird (people seem very opinionated about baby names) but this name holds so much special meaning to hubs and I.

When we were thinking of names, we wanted to somehow honor Shannon's parents and my dad. We wanted her to have a piece of them wherever she went. So, we took parts of their names:

De for Delores, Car for Carlos,  Is for Dennis = Decaris

We feel very happy and proud of her unique middle name, and its significance. We feel so happy that our beautiful girl will carry a legacy of 3 amazing people in her middle name.

Well, there you have it folks! I am so excited that in just a short amount of time, we will get to hold our precious Rowan Decaris!

Mommy wars

**This blog post was written at midnight last Saturday (technically Sunday) morning. It has been something that has been on my heart and honestly, it has taken me a minute to post this, because I am nervous and kind of a chicken lol! I am just going for it!  Enjoy, LOL:


Ooh girl, I am opening up the biggest, fattest can of worms!!! I am sure I am going to get oodles heat and hate mail. Oh well.  I do feel this is necessary, because to me, this topic is sad. Thanks to the encouragement of my mommy friends Michelle (who is a fab momma of 6 gorgeous babies) and  one of my dearest (also an amazing and incredible mommy) friend Chrissie, I am just going to go for it! they both agreed that this something that should be talked about.

Bear in mind, my thoughts are everywhere. As I am writing this, the clock is showing almost midnight. My grammar police friends will most likely have a field day with my potential errors and run on sentences. Just bear with me. This is meaty and long. Those who stay with me will get some cookies, lol!!!

Of course, I have to post one of my famous disclaimers: 

Disclaimer: I am not here to start arguments or debates. I am not here to bash anyone, because if anything, that's the furthest thing I want to do. However, I am just bringing up observations of what I have been seeing and why I feel it is so wrong.

Okay, now that's cleared up, let's go....

Its very funny that when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and children, many people come out of the woodwork, proclaiming their way is the best, I should be doing this, etc. etc. Opinions start flying. I have seen it so much in my pregnancy and my girl isn't even here. I have heard it only gets worse. Awesome.

Thankfully, people have been very gracious with me when I have asked for advice. I am thankful to be surrounded by amazing women who are seriously fabulous mommies. However, I have the very choice few that have made me kinda sorta want to rip my hair out when it comes to the hot button topics.

Already, I have been lectured about how I shouldn't even consider an epidural, breast feeding is the only way and I have gotten a little bit of crap that I am not going to be a stay at home mommy. Already I am starting to feel some heat and judgement. I mean, really?

This all leads to this long, crazy question/rant: Moms, why the f--- do we do this to ourselves? Seriously!!! I am sorry if that sounds crass, but it really pisses me off. Why can't we be on the same team? Should it really be our business if someone is breastfeeding, bottle feeding, working or staying at home? Why all this judgement? Why can't we simply just support each other in one of the most craziest life adventures in the world?

Let me break it down for you on why all this has set me off:

Epidurals- Sorry if this makes me any less of a woman, but I'm strongly considering getting an epidural. I have a low pain tolerance and I am very scared about labor. YES I have read the potential risks, etc. I don't go into things blindly. However, some women are incredulous that I'm not gung-ho for an all natural birth. Some women proudly state, "well I did it WITHOUT an epidural". Some others in the past have come off smug when they have  said "well, I am absolutely only going to birth naturally" (irony is some of those same people ended up with epidurals). When I have heard this, part of me wants to ask if they want a gold star. That may sound rude, but it came off rude to me in the first place. I admire those who have done it med free. You rock! I know some didn't have a choice, some made that choice. I think that is truly and sincerely incredible! However, for us that may want pain meds, why should we be looked down upon? Does this make us any less of a mother? My take is at the very end of the day, no matter how you slice it (no pun intended lol) we all walk away with the same prize, our beautiful babies!

Breastfeeding- First, I don't think its anyone's dang business how I decide to feed my baby. My sis and friends who I have talked to about this really believe this mantra, and I do too. However, since I am writing about this, I should give an idea to what I am doing. I am going to try breastfeeding, absolutely. I am always up to try everything and I will work hard at it. However, I can't SOLEY breastfeed because I will be going back to work. I will need to pump, etc. Also, my doll will eventually need to learn how to take a bottle since I will be at work. Where I got angry was at one of my Kaiser nurses during a prenatal appt. She was checking me in, asking me questions about how everything was going at this point of my pregnancy, etc. All appropriate. Then she got personal and  then asked, "Will you be breastfeeding?". Now, this had  NOTHING to do with my appointment. Nothing at all to do with it. When I didn't give a resounding yes with a fist pump and a flip in the air, she gave me a look and IMMEDIATELY launched into a lecture that I need to breast feed, it's the only way, etc. I felt horrible and then pissed. I cut her off mid lecture and explained my plan even though she (again) had NO BUSINESS knowing what I was going to do. Why do I have to explain myself?  I know of 4 specific people in my life who have tried and tried to breastfeed to no avail, and had to quit, even though that was the last thing they wanted to do. Why should they get judged for that? What if someone doesn't want to breastfeed (women have the choice, remember), and wants to do formula (I have one mommy friend in particular who went this route)? Even if YOU don't like/or wouldn't do that, why should they get judged for it? Who the heck cares? At the end of the day, babies are being fed, which is the most important thing, whether you like the method or not.

I am going back to work-this topic really irks me, and this is a huge reason why I am writing this post. Truly, this hot topic divides women so intensely and  some women are just plain disgusting in their judgment, coming from BOTH sides. I remember awhile back in 2011 a friend on FB wrote the most scathing, disgusting post about working moms. At the time I wasn't even at the point of having a child, but it was so insulting and infuriating that I posted this post (sorry its grainy):

Fast forward 3 years later, I am one of the mommies going back to work after my maternity leave is up. Again, its no one's dang freaking business about what I am going to do, nor should I have to explain myself. Yes, I am going back to work. Am I excited about it? NO. I would love to be home or at the very least work part time, so I can be with my little one. Hubs and I have exhausted our financial options and even with major scaling back on some things (which we will be doing anyway), it is not feasible for me to stay at home. I am not explaining it any further. I am extremely fortunate that my mother will be watching my girl while I am working. It gives me so much peace knowing that.

Let's hit the pause button...I would like to take a brief second to do a shout out. If you are a SAHM and reading this, my big time hats off to you. I admire you, because a SAHM isn't an easy job or a cake walk! I have a lot of respect for y'all!

Okay, now going back to my story....3 particular people (at different times) have given me major crap about this decision, and cannot understand why I am going back. This truly hurt my feelings, and made me feel like I am already a terrible mother. I have felt so guilt ridden, and my baby isn't even here yet. I felt the judgment wasn't fair. Part of me wanted to sit down and show them my bills and our budget so they could see I am not doing this for kicks and giggles. However, I SHOULDN'T have to do that! Its none of their freaking business!
Recently, I came across an article thanks to a friend on FB titled "13 things SAHMs want you to know". I read through it, but I was mainly interested in the comments. I wondered what war would be started. However, SAHM and working mommies alike were so supportive and kind to one another. It was a very kumbaya moment. One stood out though. I read the most beautiful, loving comment coming from a SAHM, which truly renewed my hope in us mommies:

Ashley Sorensen, I don't know you, but God bless you. I wish more people (and yes, I am talking about both sides here) were as loving and gracious like you. Thank you. I read that and had to respond. It was amazing. It made me feel that I am still an okay person if I have to go back to work. Why can't we all respect each other's choices?

I am not here to start a debate or  an argument. I would hope if you stayed with me, you would have gotten that sense. All I am simply saying is we as mothers need to stick together. We need to love one another and support each other. We have to understand and realize that every family is different, and different things work for different families. Being a mother is the hardest job in the world. The last thing we need is having each other rip and tear each other down.

Gah, my head feels like scrambled eggs now, LOL! Good night my loves,

Favorite Fridays: an actual non-preggo post!!!!

Hi everyone!

Yes, can you believe I am actually not posting about my pregnancy? This is madness, I tell you, madness! LOL!!!
I haven't done a "Favorite Fridays" in a good long time and something needed to change. I have two great things that I am dying to share.

My first one is this amazing product, Psssst! dry shampoo:

Let me explain my hair...I have hair that doesn't do well oily. It gets actually nasty and gross looking (at least in my opinion) if I don't wash it daily. Also, if I do my hair the night before, it doesn't hold well at all. My hair is crappy. Due to all that, I have to either style my hair morning of, or just throw it up in a pony.

I was getting tired of doing this, and in talking to some people, they led me to Pssst! Dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is a spray that goes on your hair and absorbs any oil, odor, or frizz. It helps your hair become soft, shiny and useable again.It came highly recommended. It costs about $6.99 at Ulta, for a decent, good sized bottle. I wasn't sure of it. Mostly because I am sucker for pretty packaging and this, well, isn't pretty. I can appreciate the retro look of it!

However, I have been using it for a few weeks and I am a believer! This stuff works so well. I wake up in the morning, spray it in and let it sit for 5. Then I either curl or straight iron it quickly, and I am good to go. I am extremely impressed and urge y'all to go buy it. The price is fabulous too. Dry shampoos, like any good product, can be costly but this is dirt cheap.

Now on to my next favorite...
Please do yourself a MASSIVE favor and go check out http://nowyours.com/
It is a dirt cheap (but not shady) cutesy website that sells jewelry, accessories and some clothes. Now y'all that know me well, I am a total cheapskate and don't like spending money. If you are like me, this is your website. Currently, (unless by now they sold out) they are selling gorgeous, pretty bracelets for a freaking mere $1.99. Yep, I am sold! They also ship quickly, and have EXCELLENT costumer service. Please check them out, you won't be sorry. Here are some of their $1.99 bracelets:

 

Yeah, you should go to that site now.

Till next time loves,

7 months: 3rd trimester!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy canoli....

It still blows my mind that today I am officially 28 weeks and into the 3rd trimester. Say wha????

Hubs and I joked last night that really, we just shoved a basketball in my shirt, LOL! Oh that belly!

Some preggos feel they have been with child for too long by now, but honestly, I am really sad that in 2 short months, I will no longer be pregnant. I know that sounds crazy and OF COURSE I am excited to see my beautiful girl. I have just enjoyed pregnancy so insanely much. If all my pregnancies are smooth like this one, I will seriously consider having 5 more. Hmm....okay maybe not.
Here's my monthly preggo survey, with some new questions added!

How Far Along: 28 weeks, 7 months pregnant!!!!!!!!!

How are you feeling? Pretty good, but man, I am SORE. Thanks to massive belly, my lower belly/pelvis area hurts like a mother trucker. Hips hurt so bad too in the morning!

Size of Muggle: Size of a kabocha squash! Never heard of it, but here's a pic, lol!

Total Weight Gain: Just saw the doc 2 days ago, now I am up 11 pounds. Woo. Apparently, this is not exactly common, but I am NOT complaining and no one seems worried. I feel my hips are massively bigger, like they have been majorly stretched.

Crazy mood swings? Still very emotional!

Gender? Still a girl lol

Name? Yes! We have a name people! However, we are waiting on our maternity pics because we are revealing her name in one of them! Sometime next week, stay tuned!

What I miss: Still bloody marys, tummy sleeping and wine

Sleep: knock on wood, I can sleep! I get up at least 2x to pee but I pee quickly and thankfully go back to sleep quickly!

Symptoms: Just plain ol' sore. I get super winded and more easily tired. Fun. 

Cravings: dairy, sweets, and lately raw veggies, which I think is a good thing!

Aversions: None

Movement: My girl used to move a lot during the day, but not as much now. Honestly, it has me a bit concerned. I emailed my doc to see what she thought. However, at night is when she gets all kinds of wild. I literally see my stomach roll and now I feel big "lumps" which from I am told, is her little body sticking out. This is what I am going to miss so badly once I am not pregnant. I love feeling her! I started kick counts yesterday evening and it took her a long time to get moving, which of course freaked me out. She thankfully exceeded well over 10 kicks in less than 2 hours.

Belly stats: Um this belly is massive. I am told I am literally all in the belly.  I am measuring 3 weeks above my due date. I love it so much though! I rub it what seems like 100x a day!The lower tummy/pelvis soreness isn't fun, TBH.

Worries/concerns: Her movements not be as frequent during the day, and I hate to say it, but I am terrified about labor. Yes, I am signed up for all my classes, have the books, etc. etc. Yes, I am reading up on stuff. I am just plain ol' nervous about the pain. I am NOT an iron woman, and I have a low pain tolerance. I am also wanting my daughter to simply come out safe and sound. Can't wait to kiss that beautiful face!   

Maternity Clothes: yep in the pants department. Still wearing a good amount of non-preggo shirts.

Stretch marks? A small one on my hip and one small on my boob. Hehe!

Ring on or off?: Still on thankfully!

Best Moments this week: I had so much fun at our maternity shoot! It was great! Also, people's responses to my earlier blog post about body issues. I love having conversations with my readers!

What I'm looking forward to: Sunday is our 3D ultrasound and I can't hardly wait!!


Till next time loves!!!

Body Issues

Hi loves!
::Disclaimer:: ( oh my favorite!!)
This is another honest post. I probably deserve to get yelled at, but PLEASE, read through the whole thing. I just felt like I had to get this out, and maybe start some dialogue!

Okay!

Let's begin....
 Prior to pregnancy, I was not a vision of healthy weight (according to doctors, etc). I could stand to lose a very good amount of weight. I had tried really hard this summer, and was kinda sorta successful. Still, not enough to be considered at good weight according to the docs.

When I found out I was pregs, let's be honest, I was horrified to think the weight I would gain and how huge I would look.   However, it turned out not to totally be the case. So far, I have gained 11 pounds in my 7 months of pregnancy. I am sort of like a freak of nature at my doctor's office, because they are shocked. I have been told by tons of people that I am "all belly".  I feel my face, arms and legs look somewhat the same. Today one lady at work stopped me completely and complimented how good I look for being pregnant, and she asked if I have even gained weight.  The only thing I have noticed is that my hips are expanding, which I have been told is normal to make room for baby.

Throughout my pregnancy, I felt wonderful and pretty. Though there was no illusions I was this tiny, size 0 thing, I just felt so happy and confident in my looks. However, something changed. 

On Sunday, we took maternity pictures with PR Moments photography, who seriously, freaking rock. I recommend them till the cows come home. The deserve their own blog post, that's how much I love them. Anyway, we did a super cute, rustic, modern chic meets country shoot  at Jessie's Grove winery. I had 2 gorgeous dresses with accessories and we were ready to go. The shoot went fantastic, and we LOVED working with Priscilla. We left feeling super excited and happy.

Yesterday, she posted some "sneak peeks" on facebook. The first one was of hubs and I sitting down. That's when it came crashing down for me. The picture itself is stunning. Priscilla's talent is so apparent!! The color, clarity, EVERYTHING was just lovely. Hubs looks amazing. My hair and make up looks great. However, I couldn't help but notice how PAINFULLY WIDE I looked. It upset me so much I started to  cry.  In my mind, I looked fat fat fat X100. I don't feel that way when I look in the mirror. People have even said I don't look big AT ALL except my belly is huge. However, looking at the picture, I looked bigger and wider than the state of Texas. I was consumed at the thought of people seeing it on facebook and thinking, "wow, she's gotten so heavy" or "wow, she's gained so much weight!", when really I haven't. Yes, I was really concerned about what people thought! SMH.  Hubs came over, hugged me, kissed my forehead and wiped my tears.

He said what he "saw" was a beautiful picture of himself and his wife in a sweet tender moment. He thought I was RIDICULOUS for feeling this way, because he thought I looked beautiful. Gah, I love that man. Priscilla, within minutes, posted 2 more pictures. I absolutely loved them, again, not only because the pics were beautiful, but also because I thought I looked more "normal", and more like myself. 

This morning, I had some time to think about my reaction. As I felt my daughter kick, it reminded me that I never, ever want my beautiful girl to feel the way her mommy felt about herself the night before. I want her to always know that she is beautiful, inside and out, and to never feel she is anything less. I felt angry with myself, because gosh dangit, I am growing a human! The way I felt was just unacceptable. First, I shouldn't care what people think. That one is so hard for me, but it is so true! Second, my body is taking part of a miracle, and as long as I am taking care of my body and baby, I shouldn't think so poorly about myself.

I think us women are so hard on ourselves and with our weight and looks. I truly felt terrible that I reacted so badly. I also felt bad, because I didn't want my photographer ever to think I was necessarily unhappy with the pictures, which is furthest from the case. I think she was flippin' amazing! I think as women, especially in pregnancy, need to accept and embrace what our bodies are doing. This is what I have been repeating to myself all day and will continue to remind myself daily. Pregnancy is truly a beautiful thing, and by me feeling ashamed of how I look is truly a disgrace to the miracle that is going on within my body.

One thing that has been so important (as I mentioned earlier) is for my daughter to not feel this way. I want her to be confident and love the body God has given her. I am learning that in order for her to feel this way, I need to set the example and love the body God has given me.

Here's to me not freaking out so much and loving myself for who I am!