Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Our Maternity Session | Baby Stoicu Countdown

I am so thankful for this season and for the way that Taylor captured it for us!

I wanted to capture the moments that summarize much of life lately for us... Hanging with our pup, talking about the big changes to come and of course sipping on coffee together. We look a little more put together that our typical Saturday morning but this was a good reason to ditch my usual sweat pants and baggy t shirt.

I wonder what thoughts will run through my mind when I look back on these.
Will I remember 20 weeks of terrible sleep?
Will I remember the constant hunger struggle?
Will I remember the feelings of not being ready and anxiety?
Will I remember the anticipation and excitement of this new journey?
Will I remember quiet moments once shared?
Will I remember thinking, "Holy cow, we're going to be parents!?"
All I know is they will hold so much value of this nine month journey and beyond. This is why I love photographs. They hold so much more than what is seen at first glance. They are powerful, lasting and filled with memories. (Sentimental pregnant lady rambling over).

So, here's a look into our session.

Our pup Winston pretty much won't leave my side. He insisted on being in just about every photo. I am so curious to see how he will be once this little one arrives.

I miss refilling my cup of coffee but we will reunite soon. A few minutes spent together over breakfast and coffee in the morning are definitely a favorite part of my day.

A typical moment, Charles playing with his mustache. Our kid might freak out once Dad shaves his beard..

I consistently say, "Feel the baby wiggling!" and I swear he/she stops as soon as Charles reaches over. But he has gotten to see and feel these movements and it makes us so excited to meet this baby on the outside. The more it grows, the more I feel like I am getting to know the little human inside me and I get all anxious for it's arrival.

Work in progress: The baby room..
Charles is building our crib and it is almost finished. I can't wait to put some finishing touches on this space. I love to just go sit in it and soak up the natural light, pray for this babe and do some "nesting".  And Winston, he loves to snuggle with us as often as he can. 

Front porch mornings are a favorite part of the weekend. I am so thankful for this home and the life that will happen within it's walls for our family. 

We're not smiling at the bump. Definitely at the pup who wants to play soooo bad. 

The main star of pregnancy, CEREAL. Give it up for cereal. easy, cold, yummy and a good snack for the many times of hunger between meals. 


Taylor! Thank you so much for preserving these moments for us.
I know I will look back with such fond memories of this unique and truly special season. Pregnancy aint easy, y'all, but I am so thankful.

Any tips for taking photos once this baby arrives? I hope I am good about busting out my camera and capturing these fleeting moments! 

Here - we - go...

Friday, January 19, 2018

The Final Countdown | This Pregnancy Journey

We've got ONE month to go (give or take). Holy Moly!

Pregnancy is such a long but also fast journey.
The beginning is such a secret.
The middle is full of celebration of the new news.
The end is, well, kinda long feeling. But also filled with so much new and anticipation.

I am very thankful for this journey and for a relatively smooth pregnancy. However, sleep has been the biggest challenge since early on and I realllllly love sleep. So yeah, bring that back. I can't wait to sleep more than 30 minutes at a time and lay on my stomach again.

I know life will be so full of new and go so fast once baby arrives and I don't want to forget this season.
  • We started on the baby room two weeks ago and are making progress.
  • Soon we'll unbox the car seat and figure that thing out.
  • I've got a to do list to tackle (pack our bag, make birth plan, prepare for postpartum...)
  • We had a meeting with our Doula last night (so thankful for her - Rachel Kirvin). 
  • Baby movements are so big and often stop me from what I am doing and call for my attention. Little one hiccups a lot and the more he/she feels like a human, the more I cannot wait to meet he/she and know the gender, what they look like and how it feels for them to be on this side of the world. I feel like I am getting to know this child of ours as they wiggle around.
  • We talk about all things baby a lot. There's a lot to talk about, decide, plan for and feel. There's plenty of anxiousness swirling around but also excitement and anticipation.
  • I've reached the point of a helping hand being a real bonus when getting out of bed. #teamwork
  • We've been passed down so many baby items, books, wisdom and encouraging words. I am so thankful for the tribe that has already provided so much support! Plus such special gifts that have come our way and are preparing us for this season. I am feeling so so grateful.

If I remember right here's my biweekly progression.. Thanks to my sweet husband for becoming a photographer for these moments. Watching your body change so quickly is quite the phenomenon.

 Weeks 12, 14, 16

Weeks 18, 20, 22

Weeks 24, 26, 28 

Weeks 30, 32, 34

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Mr + Mrs Witthuhn | Oak Glen Wedding

Jeff & Stephanie had the most beautiful day.
The week before their wedding the forecast called for temps in the low 30s and snow - in Southern California! This definitely wasn't normal, even for Oak Glen. They had such great attitudes the whole time and their day turned out perfect! In the 70s, pretty blue skies and a cozy chilly evening.

From our first coffee meeting, to their engagement session and their wedding day; they constantly exuded joy, anticipation and deep love for each other. This wedding was such a fun and honoring celebration of the uniting of two people!

I am so honored to share in these truly special moments in people's lives.

Happy married life, you two!

Venue: Serendipity Gardens  |  Videographer: Emma Lynn Cinema  |  Florals: Flowers, Etc
|  Cake: Michelle's Bakery  |  DJ: Musical Phunktions