A Few Belly Shots

The decision to do a maternity shoot for this pregnancy came from a much different place than the last time around.  During my pregnancy with Virginia, I wanted to have maternity pictures so I could create a photo album, maybe frame and hang one or two, and show her one day how mommy looked with Virginia inside her belly.  As I've mentioned many times before, I don't think too far into the future anymore.  The motivation behind these pictures was purely to document this pregnancy, to celebrate where I'm at right now.  I'm trying my hardest not to live these nine months in complete fear, even though that often goes against every instinct I have (which is to do EVERYTHING differently).  I don't want to rob this baby of the opportunity to be celebrated and know that she is special.  So even though it doesn't feel particularly comfortable for me, I'm trying my best to get excited about where I am right now.  It helps that my photographer is my mom, who probably has a better grasp than just about anyone of how hard this journey has been for me.  So earlier this week, the day before I left to head home, my mom took me to a little flower garden in town she'd had her eye on, to take a few pics.  When we arrived and were getting set up, I wandered around to look at all the flowers and plants, and came across this plaque:

"You are entering a garden dedicated to the memory of our beloved children who have gone too soon.  Please honor this peaceful place and our children with your care.  Sponsored by the Compassionate Friends Bozeman Chapter"

We both got chills and knew right away that we were meant to be there taking these pictures.  Here's a few from our shoot (just past 24 weeks).

The picture below is my favorite.  This is a necklace made by my coworkers after we lost Virginia.  I call it my "Virginia necklace".  I wear it probably two or three times per week, and get tons of compliments on it, which always makes me smile because of its special meaning.

That's all for now.  I have more pics of my trip I'd like to post, but that'll have to wait until later.  

Happy summer!