diapers and skinny jeans

The dwindling days of late pregnancy are coming to a close, and all the time we thought we had left to finish up the tiny details is quickly passing us by.  As of today, I am thirty-six weeks and three days.  It has completely taken me off guard that many of you have checked in with us, making sure we're okay - especially since it's been a few weeks since we've jumped back into the series . To everyone that's said hello, we thank you. We're still here, just busily trying to stay on top of things around the house, meeting up with and put finishing touches on sessions with photo and video clients, taking the plunge into a brand new career (more on this later!) and basically just playing a  giant  game of catch up! It has been raining here lately.  Lots of rain.  While I'm thankful for the stormy weather and Spring's appearance around Chicago, we haven't had many opportunities to be outdoors for many of our portraits. We've made ...

The cold weather made being able to see my burgeoning baby bump over the layers of clothing nearly impossible, but it didn't stop us from going and having an adventure.  Yesterday Erick, Sofia, baby and I took a hike in a muddy forest just outside of the city.  Baby is stronger than ever, jabbing and kicking with such force that sometimes all I can do is just sit down and laugh.  My belly will bounce and ripple, and every now and again I'll catch Sofia or Erick looking over with a wide-eyed stare.  We can't wait to find out who it is that's growing in here and causing such a ruckus! The reality is truly starting to set in, and I've been reading up a lot on water birth and catching up on episodes of The Midwives I've downloaded (I cry every time!)  This pregnancy journey has been so much fun.  Relaxed, exciting, and fun. Huge smile! WEARING: KNIT DRESS IN BLACK BY AMERICAN APPAREL  |  PHOTOS: BY ERICK ...

A very late, but very cozy, 31 week bump.  Some days I honestly feel enormous, and others like today it seems my belly has shrunk during the night.  I'm resting assured that baby is growing and progressing well within the normal range, but it's still a strange sight to see as things shift and progress in there.  These days I'm often wondering what this baby will be like - musical, goofy and full of whimsical dance moves like big sister? Perhaps a more calm, reserved and quiet child is on its way - an opposite. As always, photos by my talented husband  

The countdown is officially on, baby. Less than 9 weeks now (since yes, we are a bit behind with the series again). WEARING : REVERSIBLE EASY SWEATER IN ROUGE BOUCLE BY AMERICAN APPREL   |  PHOTOS: BY ERICK

The sun had barely decided to shine its light through our windows this week and besides being completely bummed out, we raced against the clock - already a week behind in our series since returning home from Mexico.  Armed with the last twenty minutes of light and that bed we all practically live in, we made the most of trying to put together a few usable portraits.  I'm consistently amazed at what Erick is able to pull off, even in such a short amount of time!  He has been such a huge support to me always but I think it's been most noticeable on this crazy journey that we call "the growing of baby number two" .  Oh, how this pregnancy has been similar, yet so incredibly different all at the same time... boy? The anticipation is bubbling! And let's just get one more thing sorted:   I am tired. Winter is drawing to a close, and while I've enjoyed her beauty and the quiet moments spent at home, I am beyond ready to wel...

The soul is grounded to the pull of the waves, the salt air, the whipping wind, the warm sun. Sometimes in the middle of the night I imagine myself floating effortlessly in the ocean, my thoughts turn to the warm spring and summer we've all been so anxiously awaiting. It won't be much longer until we finally meet the face of the one still growing, who has already tightly captured a muma's soul, the love of his or her sister, and the heart of a Papa; the one who has already swam in the Caribbean Sea, flown miles and miles through the air and climbed, jumped, explored and moved to music as Erick and I danced barefoot on the beach.  Before, I was afraid to leave the house after Sofia was born - I specifically remember a day where Erick and I swore she was surely breathing in fumes from the cars passing by on the road and ran for shelter until we could calm ourselves down.  We were uptight and worried. We were learning ...

We traveled to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art this past week for their children and families day to take some quick photos and watch Sofia explore the artistic activities they had provided for little ones.  We had the best time, and I have become increasingly aware of just how important these moments of family time are to all of us.  I can say I have officially reached the stage where my normal jeans are starting to feel too tight and coming home from work quickly means "no-pants".  Can you believe that in just 12 short weeks I could be giving birth?  I know I can't! I feel ready. WEARING:   POLKA DOT CHIFFON DOUBLE-LAYERED FULL LENGTH SKIRT IN CREME + BLACK BY AMERICAN APPAREL  |  PHOTOS: BY ERICK