My Pregnancy Portrait

Bonjour!

Being pregnant was weird and amazing. Mostly, I was in awe of the magic + science taking place inside my body that creates another actual tiny human person.

But I also was – am am still – amazed whenever I read any of the current Big Maternity propaganda online about what pregnant people should need and want for a healthy, fulfilling prenatal experience. Things like “babymoons” and “push presents” and other gobbledygook. (I had to look up what these things were!)

🤰 Wherefore, Pregnancy Portrait?

Part of litany of must-haves and must-dos among the expecting parents is a “pregnancy portrait.” I won’t pretend I’ve never heard of such a thing, as I’ve had breeding friends and family for almost a decade (and remain ever the late bloomer).

Apparently, I’m supposed to pay someone actual money to take my picture when I’m huge and uncomfortable and wearing some hideous maternity contraption. Sounds fab! (Le sigh.)

To be clear, I love any reason to dress up and step out, as well as celebrating life’s big moments. But not only did a pandemic pregnancy make me reconsider exactly in what activities I should engage, I wouldn’t think to hire a professional photographer for this particular event anyway. If my mother or grandmother didn’t need it or do it, then neither do I, right?

In short, I’m too cheap and practical, and I like doing things my own way. If a pregnancy portrait photoshoot is happening, I can do it casually and informally.

📸 Becoming the Thing I Hate

My friend, Ryan, was visiting from Alabama for my baby shower. She ended up playing photographer and encouraging an impromptu photo shoot in our nursery. And I relented, and I loved it.

Ryan was very creative and generous and did an amazing job. So, without further ado, here is my official pregnancy portrait, featuring my baby bump and miniature dachshund fur baby (le wink)!

🐶 Still Life with Dachshund

For good measure, here’s a shot of Le Chien with a casual paw on my pregnant belly and a quizzical look:

Remember to take what I say with a grain of salt. I am a grumpy elder millennial with a teething fifteen-month-old with chronic ear infections who’s just starting to walk and throw tantrums. And today, my underwear was on inside out and I have banana in my hair.

How do you like to celebrate and commemorate life events?

Merci for reading and please subscribe and share!

À votre santé,

Katie