Any mother can attest to the fact that pregnancy shows them how strong and resilient they really are! JoAnn and her partner have faced many trials and tribulations during their journey but are coming out the other side. Knowing that even though they feel terrified as long as they have each other and their family they can face anything. And these maternity portraits captured just that!
Being pregnant provided insight into what really matters...
"I was sitting at my desk at work and received the call from my doctor after taking a blood test to determine if I was indeed pregnant, as I missed my menstrual that month. I knew it was good news because he sounded happy when he greeted me. It was a surreal moment for me, it still is. It won't be totally real for me until I deliver my son.
My husband and I met while we were both serving in the United States Army. We were fortunate enough to have our daughter in our lives about 5 yrs after we met. We've been through multiple deployments apart and struggles trying to conceive for over 5 yrs, which included taking medication, surgeries, procedures due to medical concerns in order to add to our family.
There has been numerous unexpected circumstances during my pregnancy: I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes late in my pregnancy and high blood pressure, which caused me to be in and out of the hospital with illnesses and to take many prescribed medications. Due to my current medical condition I was advised not to visit my husband overseas because I may have a medical emergency and need access to my doctors. Due to the doctor's recommendation my family was separated longer than anticipated.
I sat my husband down after we both were off from work and I sat on his lap while he was having a cold brew. I stayed to him, when the doctors call me back next week to inform me if I'm indeed pregnant or not how will you feel if I am? He hadn't known the doctor had already called to tell me the good news. He said. I will be overjoyed of course. I then responded by saying you know I love you and there is nothing I want to give you more than another child. He then stated, I know while giving a quick giggle. And said what's this all about. I then proceeded to say, you don't have to wait until next week, I'm pregnant. He was so shocked, he gave the biggest smile I've ever seen on him while tears ran down his face. He said you tricked me wiping the tears from his eyes. We gave each other a big hug.. this moment was captured all on video too. Our son will be able to watch it as he grows..
My husband and I took my immediate family out to dinner, at one of our favorite restaurants and announced our pregnancy with our daughter by our side.
Being pregnant provided insight into what really matters, which is love and family. I've been so busy the last 10 yrs, achieving most of my goals and focused. Being pregnant forced me to slow down and pay more attention to what really matters. Although I'm Proud of myself for accomplishing my goals and dreams it came at a price. My peace was compromised. Now I'm learning to regain and put into perspective what really matters and feeds my soul, which is family. Being pregnant helped me to realize that.
The biggest joys of being pregnant are hearing my baby's heart beat, feeling him move around in my bump, knowing he's okay, and wearing my jazzy/ hip maternity dresses with my signature heels.
Being separated from my husband almost 4 months of my pregnancy as he is currently deployed overseas and being forced to cancel our visit with each other. In addition, driving myself to my weekly doctors appointments on my own with little support. The ways in which I managed my stressors was keeping perspective by telling myself it'll all be worth it when I'm holding my little one in my arms and making sure he's healthy. That is the most important thing.
I felt love for my little one before he formed in my belly. But when he finally arrived I knew he would be everything I wanted him to be and more. He made it and stuck with me through all my medical issues, when I was worried I would lose him. He was steadfast. He's such a strong boy. My husband and I have waited for him for years and he came exactly when he was supposed to.
Being separated during half of my pregnancy allowed my husband and I to realize how much we need each other and mean to one another. It's a silver lining; in all the tears, and unknowns during this time, it's allowed us to have a greater appreciation for each other. We FaceTime every night we FaceTime at almost ever doctors appointment, he consistently asks how the baby and I are doing and tries to be a part of the process as much as possible. I send him ultrasound images and we gush over how cute the baby is and who he looks like. We are a family together or apart.
I've been a mother to a wonderful little girl for years now, and I'm ready to start over again. A little anxiety over how to manage all the baby duties since my husband won't be here in physical form the first few months after paternity leave. I will never be ready for childbirth! Lol, despite all the classes I've taken on it or how many kids I will have. I'll be just as terrified each time..lol. As long as I have my husband and family by my side I'll be ok in the end.
These portraits represent the beauty in Women and childbearing. It represents for me; Faith, strength, resilience, patience and love. I want to capture and hold on to those feelings for a lifetime.
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