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

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

Blau Family | Orange County Family Session

This sweet family just grew and it was the perfect time for some updated family portraits! 

Congratulations Blau family! Thank you for letting me capture these moments for you.

The Annual Oak Glen Trip

I almost forgot these photos were sitting on a memory card. Oops.

I am glad we finally found a chilly Monday to explore the Fall fun in Oak Glen. This means donuts, exploring the town and shops, cider and apple tasting and soaking up the minimal color Southern California has. It's even less this year than last. But, we'll take what we can get.

It was fun to bring our pup this year. He particularly enjoyed hanging with the sheep.
It's crazy to think that next year we will bring a 9 month old with us! I am loving these moments as the two of us in this season.

Halloween Traditions

Most years we celebrate Halloween with pumpkin carving & pumpkin pasta.
I stole the pasta tradition from my sweet friend Joyce who made it every year for our small group. Grab the recipe here (it's savory and delicious).

When Charles and I were dating we began combining it with pumpkin carving and we continued the tradition this past Sunday night for date night. It felt so sweet as I looked back at the first year we carved together. I lived in a lovely little house on the same block we just moved onto. I have such fond memories of that street and season and it is so special to build memories in a new way. Home finally feels settled and sitting across from each other to share a meal is our new favorite. I knew we were missing out on that element the past 4+ years but we love it so, so much.

It is crazy to think this time next year we'll be carving a pumpkin with a kiddo (well, for our kiddo).

Happy Halloween (and finally Fall weather), friends! 

Look how happy he is (ps, he made that table!!). I love these moments.