Our Maternity Session.

Against Reid's pleading wishes, I was bound and determined to have maternity photos snapped. Reid finds taking formal pictures to be the most annoying thing in the entire world. He hates the whole process...ironing his shorts, having to act natural when we are in the least natural position possible and smiling on queue.

Sorry Reid... I get it, I really do but get used to it buddy, we're about to have a baby and pictures are in your immediate future.

After putting my foot down and springing the photographer Ruth on him, we ended up getting some of the most amazing pictures together.

And thank god our Ruth was so patient and sweet. She not only made the experience almost enjoyable for Reid, which is a feat in itself, but was able to man handle our crazy pups.

As for the shoot, I knew I wanted some casual photos with our family right now. Just Reid in his preppy shorts, me in my Old Navy tank top, and our pups all wild and crazy. This has been our little family for so long and I just wanted one last way to officially document us all together. A quick change later, and a few shots in Lucie's nursery, we were off to the beautiful University of Richmond to take advantage of the afternoon sun and gorgeous architecture.

I'm over the moon excited to share these with you but before you embark on this photo journey, brace yourselves...my boobs are currently enormous.

You may have to divert your eyes Mom and Dad.

and my fave...

|| my dress ||

All photos were taken by the incredibly talented and patient Ruth with Ruth B Photography and clearly, I'm so in love!

If you are on the fence about having maternity photos taken, my advice would be to do it. You are only pregnant with your first baby one time in your life. When I see these photos, I imagine Lucie looking at them one day when she is pregnant with her own little one and seeing the love and excitement Reid and I had about her arrival.

xoxo

Bumpdate: 34, 35, 36...

or 37...who can keep count anymore?

I can't believe it is already September...Lucie's birth month.

Like, I'm going to have a baby and soon.

It's crazy for me to even try and wrap my brain around it.

I took a needed hiatus from the blog to get as much rest as humanly possible at 8 months pregnant and check off as many items from our ever growing to-do list before Lucie makes her debut.

I can happily report that we are as ready as we're gonna be at home for her arrival.

Work, not so much.

I'm starting to stress about being out of the office for 12 weeks and leaving this remodel. But that sounds like a whole other blog post.

Now, let me get you all caught up on this huge bump of mine.

|| Photo by Ruth B Photography ||

How far along: currently I am 36 weeks and 6 days along...When these pics were taken I was 35 weeks and 2 days.

Size of babe: a ripe papaya.....she's probably close to 19" long and around 5-6lbs. She is almost fully cooked!

Gender: It's a girl - Miss Lucie.

Husband: Bless his bones....he has been super supportive and just so nice these days. His ability to tolerate my crazy-late-in-pregnancy-nesting-phase is amazing and the way he had learned to bite his tongue when I don't form real sentences makes me wonder where this patience has been hiding for 6 years. He's gonna need this new found patience when Lucie get's here...I'm only prepping him for what is about to happen. He is also beyond thrilled that the Clemson Tigers will run down the hill this weekend...even if we have to stream the game to our tv via the ESPN app, even if they are playing Wofford (woof) and even if we are going to laying on the couch in Richmond while all his homeboys (can I say that?) are tailgating up a storm at the game. We will miss our Clemson tailgate crew so much, but I have no doubt that both Stephanie and Ashley will keep you updated on that debacle in the making!

Fave maternity item: I'm totally over anything and everything maternity. So here are a couple great Fall finds I snagged, yes at Old Navy, for my soon to be postpartum physique. The sweater I am toting in my maternity photos is this lady right here and I love her. I want her in all colors possible. I also grabbed this gal and think she will be perfect for lounging with the babe this Fall. Per usual, everything at ON is on super sale right now so run, don't walk....you're welcome.

Loving: I am so loving Lucie's teeny, tiny, little onesies and her sweet baby socks. The bigger my tummy gets the more I can just imagine dressing her and kissing those baby hands and feet. I'm also obsessed with Lucky Charms at the moment...the second I walk through the door each afternoon, I pour myself a big bowl and don't feel guilty about it one bit. My one cup of coffee a day and my OB are my new besties - we hang out a lot these days. Thank God they are both cool with each other.

Loathing: Everything... and I'm only slightly kidding. I am pretty hard to please these days and I blame it on being so super pregnant in the hottest part of the summer. And the fact that when I stand or walk, my thighs touch each other in the most non attractive way.

|| Photo by Ruth B Photography ||

Belly button: An outtie - She's practically done in there.

Movement: She's crazy! The hiccups are the weirdest ever and she is for sure running out of room.

Lucie and Momma update: She has been head down for the past two weeks and already in her general birthing position but I'm not dilated. This is awesome news for both baby and momma since we can expect to have a regular delivery (with an epidural of course). My Dr said she would be very surprised if Lucie were to change positions at this point. The Dr is really happy with my 30lb weight gain and all other numbers at this point. We see each other every Friday morning from here on out and are both just waiting for Miss thang to make her arrival.

Symptoms: How long ya got? Peeing every 5 mins, back hurting, feet and hands swelling and feeling hot all the time, pelvic pain, boobies are out of control large, exhausted, tired after walking up the steps, unable to hide my judgey face any longer and 8 months pregnant in every way.

Best part of the week: Getting my maternity photos back from Ruth B and hearing Lucie's heartbeat, nothing is better than that sound.

Worst part of the week: Can I use Monday for a 2nd time in a row?

Can't wait for: This weekend and not having anything at all to do...

|| Photo by Ruth B Photography || Headboard || Curtains || 

Tomorrow let's recap our maternity photo, shall we?

xoxo

Bumpdate: 33 Weeks.

I just can't believe how quickly this 3rd trimester is flying by...Lucie will be here before I know it and I need to get my butt in gear!

Thankfully this upcoming weekend will be our first at home in 5 weeks and hopefully our "to-do" will get a ton of check marks.

Ok, on to the bumpdate!

|| Dress ||

How far along: 33 weeks.

Size of babe: a cauliflower blossom.

Gender: It's a girl - Lucie!

Husband: He loved seeing his college/highschool buddies this past weekend while I was getting my baby shower on. I was honestly so thankful that he was able to spend some QT time with them...partly because I was able to have a night alone, sans husband and dogs but mostly because they have this weird "bro-ship" that spans beyond friendship and just don't get enough time together.

Fave maternity item: This dress...it's actually not maternity but I'm almost 8 months pregnant and totally rocked it at my baby shower this weekend. And for being from Anthro, you can't beat the price!

Loving: The smell of Draft baby detergent, folding all the tiny little socks, onesies and gowns, seeing the nursery come together, still being able to fit in some non maternity clothes and this lovely break in the heat.

Loathing: My contacts, the fact that my two dogs have put themselves on a new sleeping schedule where they wake up at 3am every night, my lack of motivation during the week and having to pee every 5 seconds.

Belly button: An outtie for sure.

Movement: My whole belly moves when she does and it's super weird.

Symptoms: Feet hurt when I stand too long, I feel like I have restless leg syndrome because they feel weird at night, still can't kick this congestion and some minor heart burn.

Best part of the week: The sweetest baby shower for Lucie and me and being absolutely alone on Friday night. I ate terrible food, (actually it was delicious, just not the most healthy thing in the world....ok it was an entire cup of queso and a Moe's burrito bowl but who is counting calories these days? ) watched the Longest Ride on Demand (and damn, Scott Eastwood is really a handsome man) and then went to bed early. It was pretty much heaven.

Worst part of the week: Monday. It came way to fast.

Baby Item of the Week: We still need a car seat. And can't decide between the Maxi Cosi Mico AP and Britax B Safe. I really like the Maxi Cosi because it is so light weight, but the infant weight only goes up to 22lbs. They do make the Mico Max 30 but I've just recently found out that one is not compatible with our stroller. The Britax looks great and everyone I know who has it, loves it BUT it seems so heavy....someone please just tell me what to order and I will push purchase on Amazon right this second.

Can't wait for: This weekend when we are finally going to have some time around the house to get stuff done! Reid's honey do list is currently 3 pages long.... who knows, maybe there might be a sneak peek this weekend on insta of Lucie's nursery!

xoxo

A Shower for Lucie.

Lucie is already so spoiled.

Lord help me and her.

We are also beyond lucky to have such amazing people in our lives.

Ones that go out of their way to host the most perfect shower for mama and baby girl.

|| My Dress and it''s not maternity || 

Ones that travel almost 7 hours to love on my baby bump and play photog while I open presents and soak up all the attention.

|| Ashley || Stephanie ||

Ones who have been by my side since college and can't wait to see Lucie join in the fun with their own little ones.

 Ones that shower us with precious gifts and love.

 Ones that make sure that each and every decoration was perfectly personalized for Lucie and me, including baby pics of Reid and me, monograms and my fave childhood book.

|| Cake || 

|| Amazing Cookies || 

To my sweet SIL and Bestie, thank you to the moon and back for hosting the sweetest shower celebrating Lucie and me. You two make me smile everyday!

And thank you to Stephanie, who even with a boot on her foot, captured most of these photos.

A special congrats goes out to Erin E. for winning the stunning Lark studs from Made!
(winner picked by Random.org)

xoxo

So Much Love.

So much love happened this weekend.

Not only did my sister in law and bestie throw the most perfect shower for Lucie and me, my sweet friends from near and far came out to celebrate.

I feel like one lucky girl.

|| Dress || Photo by Olive and Tate ||

I've got a million pictures to sort through tonight and can't wait to show you this stunning shower and  a couple familiar faces tomorrow.

ps..remember that it's the last day to enter to win these amazing earnings!
You can re-enter each day - here.

xoxo