Nancy Ray Maternity Photos by Olivia Suriano010.JPG

These photos. Gosh they already hold such a special place in my heart. Thank you to my dear friend Olivia Suriano for taking these photos we will cherish forever!

As I’m approaching my due date, these photos remind me what an absolute gift it is to carry life inside of me. Something I will never, ever take for granted.

Things I never want to forget about pregnancy

Feeling flutters for the first time
Crying when I heard the heartbeat
Driving to my midwife appointments, and also welcoming her into my home for some appointments as well
Being surprised by the gender - the mystery of wondering the whole time is so special. One of life’s last greatest surprises
The taste of ginger ale while pregnant (it’s soooo good, but only when I’m pregnant haha!)
The look of Lyndon’s face when she feels the baby’s hiccups. Pure wonder and the biggest sile I’ve ever seen!
Beaufort saying “It’s moving!” every time he touches my tummy (even though the baby is sound asleep and not moving at all)
Milly having little midwife hands! She feels for the baby and can even guess the body parts and positioning… and she says she wants to be a midwife one day
Laying in the bed with Will at night and letting him feel baby dance and kick
Watching my belly move and change shape completely by itself as baby moves
Learning to trust God deeply, claiming faith and giving no place to fear, and focusing on victory in the months leading up to birth, as well as during labor and birth itself
Being so hot and sweaty and swollen in the summer
My legs going numb when I sit too long, and my ankles getting swollen when I stand too long
Waking up every time I need to roll over
My pillow tower for my heartburn
Feeling like everyone everywhere smiles at me - being pregnant literally creates so much wonder in everyone around you
Teaching our kids about how sacred and beautiful life is, how mommy’s body was made to do this, and how special it is to have a secret brother or sister who will come meet us any day

This pregnancy has for sure been my most difficult one, but I’m overwhelmingly grateful to be healthy and have a healthy baby. Trying to soak in every feeling, every emotion, every baby kick and roll, and the mystery of it all. What a gift, thank you Jesus.