A few weeks ago, with less than a month before the arrival of Baby #2, we had our favorite photographer Michelle, owner of M Harris Studios, do our final photoshoot as a family of three. She shot our first maternity and newborn sessions when I was pregnant with Chase in 2016. She is incredibly talented behind the lens and captures her subjects in their best light. Michelle mainly shoots engagement sessions and weddings in the DC/VA area, but graciously made an exception for our expanding family. Our first maternity shoot in 2016 was on the C&O canal in Potomac, Maryland, and now we traveled down the canal to historic Georgetown…
Pregnancy Body-Shaming
Photo: M Harris Studios, 2016 When a woman gets pregnant and starts showing, it can be a wonderful thing. However, it then makes her vulnerable to outside perspectives of her body…usually from people whom they barely know. This continues throughout the pregnancy and extends into post-partum until she has “sufficiently” snapped back to her pre-pregnancy size. While most people think they may be making well-intentioned comments, it can sometimes be received differently. I’ll admit, I’ve accidentally said some embarrassing things to pregnant women in the past as well. As with most pregnant women, I’ve heard every comment under the sun, the good the bad and the ugly. By my second…
My 30th Birthday Wish: Save the Children
There are two times during the year when people are most reflective on their lives: New Year’s Eve and their birthday. My 30th bday is approaching in a short 11 days and I have begun to do just that. I started a mental list of all of the things and people for which I am grateful to God: my family, my husband, my son and soon-to-be second son, my home, my job, my friends. These 30 years have granted me more experiences, opportunities, and amazing relationships that I could ever imagine. I have always been pretty sensitive to the needs of others, especially those who are most vulnerable such as…
Fall Festival at Cox Farms
Fall is creeping its way in and with it comes all of my favorite things: my birthday, halloween, pumpkin-spiced everything, apple ciders donuts, etc. I attribute it to being raised in New England (specifically Connecticut) and experiencing the perfect fall…so I have high expectations for this season. I try to visit an orchard or pumpkin farm almost every year, so that I can happily check a bunch of my fall-favorites off the list. This year two of my friends suggested we check out Fall Festival at Cox Farms in Centreville, VA. Usually the best time to go to these farms is mid-October, but since they knew the impending arrival of…
What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag
Back in 2016, when I was a little more than 36 weeks pregnant with my first son, I packed my hospital bag and had it ready. I know, 4 weeks prior to the due date seems a little premature, however, this boy came zooming into the world at 37 weeks. He was READY, and luckily so was I! Like most first-time-moms, I read a lot about what to be prepared for with labor/delivery, we took a few birthing courses and a Lamaze class. I researched what to bring and was going to be prepared for whatever I needed. Looking back on my experience, I learned a lot. There’s a LOT…
If a stranger knocked, would you answer?
Yesterday was a very gross, cold and rainy Saturday…and we were all perfectly content spending the afternoon indoors. We heard a knock at the door, which set off our canine alarm system, as usual. Knowing I didn’t have any amazon packages being delivered (for once), I was curious to see who it was. There stood two women, one looked to be around my age, and the other slightly older. They both took a step back as my german shepherd poked his head through the door to check out the scenario. It was a reaction I was used to, but she then proceeded forward anyway. “Hi I’m Joanna*, have you heard…
