MY GOLDEN HOUR MATERNITY SHOOT

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Last week I had my maternity photos taken! I meant to get them taken at around 30 weeks when my belly wasn't massive but I'm happy to have these and can't believe that one day I'll look back at them and tell my son that he was in my tummy then...pregnancy is so incredibly beautiful.

I was 35.5 weeks when these were taken and the Lion was sitting real HIGH! At my doctor's appointment that week I was measuring 38 weeks...lols. But the next week I was measuring right on track at 36 weeks. I'm now almost 37 weeks and can't believe "go time" is coming sooo soon.

It all feels so surreal right now. James and I are trying to soak in as much "us" time as we can get...movies, dates, hanging out with friends, etc. Our bathroom reno is pretty much done and the nursery is almost finished! I'm planning on working until 38.5 weeks so I'm really hoping baby doesn't come until after then, ha.

I will so treasure these photos. They mark the edge. The edge of the scariest yet most beautiful journey we're going to take...what an adventure it will be.

XO,
laura

All photos by Tamiko Sianen
Flower Crown by Tiffany Sityayev

MY WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE BABY SHOWER

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Last Saturday my besties Rachel & Courtney (along with the help of many other amazing friends) threw the Lion and I an incredible baby shower! Oh my goodness. I felt beyond blessed. I was a wreck when I thanked everyone...lols. I just can't fathom how amazing my friends and church family are! 12 years ago, I went to GT knowing no one and here I am 12 years later, knowing full well that my son is already so incredibly loved by so many. Church community is a beautiful thing.

Incase you haven't guessed it by now, the theme was "Where the Wild Things are" and my goodness, didn't they do an amazing job of making the not so pretty church room, look so cute? I have to admit, I designed the invites and soap labels because I'm OCD lols...but they did everything else! The blooms were designed by the amazing, Tiffany Sityayev. The cupcakes were by Rachel Cakes and the cake was made by my friend Amy. It was all so DELISH. Also thank you to my friend Beth who helped me make all the soap favours!

Thank you to everyone who came. The Lion and I were soooo blessed. :)

Now time to get his nursery organized because it's ONE MONTH TILL DUE DATE!!!! Weeeeee!!!

XOXO,
laura

PREGNANCY POST // 8 MONTH BUMP UPDATE

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How far along are you?

I'm almost 33 weeks pregnant...OH MY GOSH. Just over 50 days to go, that's if he comes on time...but most likely it will be a little bit longer because first babies tend to cook a little more...but a girl can dream/wish/pray he'll come early righhhhht???

How big is baby?

At week 33, baby is the size of a pineapple. Over 4 pounds (EEEEEEEEEEEE!) and over 17 inches long!

Feeling:

ALL OF THE FEELINGS. My body feels pretty good, other than some lovely pelvic pressure and general soreness if I've had a long day. It's been quite warm here so the cankles are coming out! Oh my gosh, remind me to not wear skinny jeans and sandals on a hot day...because my ankles look like sausages! I just switched my wedding rings with a fake set because I'm nervous there will be a day when I can't take them off anymore! I started chiro and that has been AMAZING. I'm trying to do all that I can to get this bod ready to bust out baby. ha.

Emotionally I'm feeling so excited/in denial that this is actually happening. We did prenatal classes this month and they have been so amazing. (If you're local, I highly recommend the ones at the hospital through camosun with the instructor Kimberly Yates...she's AMAZING) The classes have been so informative and are making me feel real good about labour. I know, I'm naive. It's my first baby and all and I'm a highly optimistic person BUT I'm getting excited, the way I felt before my half marathon. I know it will be insanely hard but I know my body was made to do this so all I can do is keep training and trust in Jesus. 

He's moving around all the time, and every time, my heart swells knowing it's one day closer until I get to hold him on the outside, stare at him all day long and kiss his delicious cheeks.

Food love/hate:

I'm really trying to eat a pretty balanced diet. I've been loving smoothies in the morning, I actually crave them! I've also been craving nuts so I made sure to grab a big batch at costco this week. And as per usual, I can't really go a day without sweets...gotta keep it balanced, ha!!!

Exercise:

Still walking to work a few times a week, noticing I have to go at a much slower pace. Still going to the gym 2x a week with some home exercises as well. My chiro recommended I cut down on running and do more elliptical so I've done that and have noticed my joints don't feel as sore. I bought an exercise ball this week so I'll probably incorporate some home exercises with it...and hopefully it will help me labour!!

Clothing:

Lately, I've been loving my bump so you'll usually find me in maternity jeans or leggings and a tight t-shirt or tank. I'm noticing my tanks are getting shorter and shorter so I'll probably run out to Forever 21 this week to buy some long ones! I'm also on the hunt for a dress for my shower and potentially a maternity shoot...hoping I'll find something there!

What I'm looking forward to:

Our bathroom reno starts this weekend!!! I'm a bit scared because I know there will be days when our shower is out of commission...not to mention when the toilet gets switched (but I'll most likely stay somewhere else when that happens because I pee every 2 minutes)!  But it will all be worth it when we have the new tub in (which I'm planning to labour in!)  and heated floors (THANK YOU JESUS!) I honestly have the greatest husband in the world. He's worked so hard on this and will be working insanely hard to get it all installed. I'm so thankful, I seriously feel like the luckiest woman alive.

I'm also (obviously) SO looking forward to meeting our boy and becoming a mama. Oh sweet Lion, we can't wait to meet you.

Thanks for following along on this journey...can't believe it's 7ish weeks to go!!!!!

XO!
laura

PREGNANCY POST // 7 MONTH BUMP UPDATE

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How far along are you?

I'm in my 28th week and in my third trimester...just a couple days from week 29! Cannot believe it's 11ish weeks until I see my sweet baby.

How big is baby?

Baby is about 15 inches long and weighs 2.5 lbs. At 29 weeks he's the size of a pineapple!

Feeling:

I'm still feeling pretty good! My energy levels aren't as high as the second trimester but I found out my iron is low so I'm going to start on some iron supplements and I'm sure I'll notice my energy levels going up.

I don't have gestational diabetes PTL! I tried doing the two hour test but ended up puking the drink up after 15 minutes lols! So my doctor let me do the 1 hour one and I passed..yaaaay!

If you follow me on instagram, you may have seen this post from last night. I had my ultrasound on Monday and am happy to report that my placenta has moved waaaay up!! Praise God! No bed rest or pelvic rest and no forced c-section! And it was sooo sweet to see my little man. They doubled check he was indeed a he and oh boy, yes he is...lols. We also got the sweetest shot of his face and found out he has a ton of hair already! The technician even told us he is going to be crazy cute when he comes out #proudmom... but seriously how cute is this photo of his face..those lips and cheeks...my goodness #heartmelting

Food love/hate:

My appetite has defs increased! I'm finishing full meals now and constantly crave sweets. Still haven't had any weird cravings though!

Exercise:

I've still been walking to work about 3x a week. It takes me about 35 minutes (instead of my usual 30!) but I always feel better! I've still been going to the gym about 2x per week, if my weeks aren't too crazy. Still trying to get my squats and lunges on!! I had a massage the other week and my goodness, that was the best decision. My hips and back hurt so much before and since then, they haven't hurt at all! Can't wait for my next one :)

Clothing:

I'm wearing a mix of tight shirts and loose shirts. Honestly, it depends on my mood and whether I'm up for people commenting on my bump. It's so funny, I don't feel that large and some people make comments like "Are you sure there aren't two in there?" and "You still have how long to go!!?" It makes me wonder if people have ever seen a pregnant person before...lol. I'm okay with it, and know they're not trying to be rude but sometimes it gets annoying so I opt for looser shirts if I'm tired and know I don't have a lot of patience that day ha!

What I'm looking forward to:

Starting our birthing classes in two weeks! We've signed up for classes at the hospital and I'm so looking forward to learning and meeting other parents to be! I'm also looking forward to spending more time with James as this month has been insane! Mind you, next month is going to be crazy as we are planning on reno-ing our bathroom and setting up the nursery (weeeeee!!!)

Thank you again for all your prayers and your encouragement!

XO!
laura

OUR HOME // NURSERY BEFORE & INSPIRATION

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We've entered full out nesting mode. James wants to get as many projects done around the house before The Lion comes and I couldn't agree more. I'm not much help because I can't move very much but I can pin...oh, I can pin. We were originally going to put the nursery in our guest bedroom but after some discussion and practical planning, we decided to keep the spare bedroom for students in the fall and instead combine the office into a nursery/studio.

It saddens my heart a bit to squeeze baby in a small space but thankfully one of my BFFs (Courtney, I LOVE YOU) used to work at Pottery Barn Kids where she would help plan stunning nurseries in tiny Vancouver apartments! So Courtney came over the other night and helped me plan it out and I'm beyond excited to get started!

Here's what's inspiring me....

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

I'm attracted to sweet and simple. Cool tones with a touch of natural wood. Here is what the current office/nursery looked like when we moved in... 

YIIKEEES. Everything looks so different now. The picture makes it look a lot smaller than it is and our refinished floors and white paint definitely made it a lot brighter. We also installed new blinds. 

For the longest time we had James' music desk underneath the window and my desk on the left side with a shelf above it. This month we moved my desk out to the living room/dining room and now have to move James' desk over to the right side. We're planning on putting the glider/rocking chair in the corner under the shelves on the left side with the crib against the wall. We'll put the dresser/change table on the wall across from it. Speaking of dresser/change table...James found this one on used vic that was green and dark wood. We planned on painting it in the near future but James surprised me with this...

How stunning is that dresser! Just wait till you see it in natural lighting all set up with a cute changing station and the cutest baby boy on top....eeeeeee! I'll be back soon with some more plans!

XO,
Laura