Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be s Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be super intentional with the time we spend with David and Evy recently, knowing that big changes are just around the corner! We pray with them, ask them what questions they have, take the time to explain things. I'm hoping they'll be set up pretty well for the transition of little sis coming in March but most of the work will happen after she gets here! How did you help littles prepare for baby?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️ Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️
  • Family
  • Marriage
  • fitness
  • travel
  • Life & Finances
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Family
    • Marriage
    • fitness
    • travel
    • Life & Finances
    • Devotional
  • About
    • Contact
  • Devotional

Living the Sweet Wife

  • Home
  • Blog
    • Family
    • Marriage
    • fitness
    • travel
    • Life & Finances
    • Devotional
  • About
    • Contact
  • Devotional

Baby, Damon Diaries, Life & Finances · January 31, 2017

Bucketlist Mark-off: Our Boho-Styled Maternity Photos (31 weeks pregnant)

Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant.

Do you ever scroll through social media or Pinterest and see gorgeous wedding photos, maternity photos, or simply documented “love stories” and think, “Maybe someday!”? Having an amazing maternity session was something that I always thought would be an awesome experience, but I honestly never thought it would actually happen. I just figured that I’d have to take some selfies along the way and then cringe at them when I would look back years later. As beautiful as pregnancy is- and how crazy it is to think that your crazy toddler used to live inside your belly- those 9 months are almost never the most glamorous of anyone’s life. Well, this weekend, despite being 31 weeks pregnant with our little girl, I felt like a princess.

This past weekend, Josh and I dressed up (well, I dressed up. Josh wore his “date-night but I’m going to try to look like I’m not trying too hard” outfit. Which actually worked out great. He has more of a west-coast trendy wilderness-man style as it is, which matched the style of the shoot perfectly.) and met an almost complete stranger in the woods to take some magical, mysterious, earthy maternity photos.

I say almost complete stranger because about a month ago I had the awesome opportunity to meet a fellow online creative person through one of my favorite Facebook groups, The Rising Tide Society. Kelley is a photographer and graphic designer based out of Durham but loves to take the occasional random road trip, especially to get a shoot in! After a few exchanged Facebook messages, we decided to style a boho-themed maternity shoot. Kelley found a super cute, affordable Airbnb– this one to be exact, we set our date and time for the shoot, and that was about it until this past weekend!

When we showed up around 10 am, Kelley had already been there and arranged our little “studio” for the shoot. We talked and laughed while snapping photos in and out of the teepee and around the surrounding woods. Oh, did I mention that we were in a teepee? I said boho, right? Although this would never be what Josh would choose to do on a Saturday morning, we ended up treating the whole morning like a fun date. We had a ton of fun just talking, holding hands, and hugging while Kelley snapped away and gave some suggestions here and there. Her style is very natural and unposed, which I love because Josh and I are awkward enough as it is. After the shoot we got breakfast at IHop and headed home. Well, Josh got breakfast. Prego mama over here got chicken and potatoes. Anyway, it was a wonderful morning!!

If you’re in need of a highly talented lifestyle photographer, I can’t recommend Kelley enough!! (But I’ll let her work speak for her). Kelley was so laid back, easy to work with, and blended really well with our personalities. Please check out her website and portfolio and recommend her to anyone you know who needs an amazing photographer!!

By the way, if you’re curious about the dresses I’m wearing, you can find them here. They were so comfy and worked out perfectly for the shoot!

Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant.

Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant.

Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant.Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant.
Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant. Bohemian (boho) themed maternity lifestlye photo shoot, 31 weeks pregnant.

Check out Kelley’s bio below and visit her on social media!

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Kelley Deal
Kelley Deal
Photographer at Kelley Deal Photography
I'm Kelley Deal, a 31 year old freelance photographer and environmental graphic designer in North Carolina, by way of Texas, Ohio, and most recently Chicago, IL.

I was a bride, I am an aunt, and will forever be a traveler.Those experiences shape the way I treat my clients and approach my work.I focus on artistic, honest photography of life, love and places.My goal with every shoot is to tell a story - the real moments are my favorite.I love all things creative - I've grown up painting, sculpting, and designing, and believe that no matter the medium, it comes down to the same basics : color, composition, and light.

I've learned that photographs give life to the legacy we leave behind, and they deserve as much depth and heart as possible.
Kelley Deal
Latest posts by Kelley Deal (see all)
  • Bucketlist Mark-off: Our Boho-Styled Maternity Photos (31 weeks pregnant) - January 31, 2017

In: Baby, Damon Diaries, Life & Finances · Tagged: blonde, bohemian, boho, braids, earthly, family, hair, kelley deal, lifestyle, maternity, moody, photo, photographer, photography, photoshoot, pregnancy, pregnant, prego, rustic, session, teal, teepee, trees, velvet, woods

join the club

You’ll Also Love

Lessons I learned in My First 2 Months as a Foster ParentLessons I Learned My First 2 Months as a Foster Parent
Cultivating Quality Time With the Kids This Holiday Season
WHAT TO DO WITH A FREE DAY IN SEATTLE: A PARENTS’ STAYCATIONWhat to do with a Free Day in Seattle: A Parents’ Staycation

Comments

  1. Courtney Bentley says

    February 2, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    These photos are EVERYTHING! I love that this was on your bucketlist 🙂 I can see in the photos how happy you are to be there and create these magical moments!

    Courtney Bentley || http://www.courtneyvioletbentley.com

    • Chelsea says

      February 2, 2017 at 8:15 pm

      Thanks Courtney! It really was soooo fun! And not awkward to be posing at all. Kelley was great!

  2. Ayanna says

    February 13, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    These pictures are so beautiful and what awesome memories you created! That is an awesome bucket list item. Working with a great photographer can make all the difference.

  3. Yasmine @ Mommy Cries Too says

    February 23, 2017 at 2:19 am

    Chelsea,
    These turned out beautifully! I love that you teo look comfy and natural. Makes me miss being pregnant! 😉
    Best of luck with your little one.

    • Chelsea says

      February 23, 2017 at 2:54 am

      Thanks Yasmine! It was so so fun! We can’t wait for little girl to arrive! Just about a month to go!

Next Post >

How to Handle Disrespect in Marriage

Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

join the club

Recent Posts

3 Ways to Make the End of Summer a Blast for the Kids

3 Ways to Make the End of Summer a Blast for the Kids

3 Ways I Create Quality Time With My Husband

3 Ways I Create Quality Time With My Husband

The Best Tips + Packing List for Hiking with Kids and Babies

The Best Tips + Packing List for Hiking with Kids and Babies

One of The Best Things You Can Do as a Parent Is Have a Healthy Marriage

One of The Best Things You Can Do as a Parent Is Have a Healthy Marriage

Lessons I Learned My First 2 Months as a Foster Parent

Lessons I Learned My First 2 Months as a Foster Parent

The Pros and Cons of Getting Married Young

The Pros and Cons of Getting Married Young

Categories

  • Family
  • Marriage
  • fitness
  • travel
  • Life & Finances
Shop Presets

Instagram

Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??

trending now

  • So I know the title of this post says, “What men want most in a wife,” but to be more realistic, this is about what men need most in a wife. Like men, there are a lot of things that we (women) would really like in a husband. Like, it’d be a huge plus if he looked like Chris Hemsworth. But that’s not really what we need in order to have a positive relationship with our spouse. If we married him, we probably think he’s pretty cute, anyway. Take a look at these 5 things a man really needs in a wife, and if you can think of anything else, share your thoughts in the comments below! 5 Things men want most in a wife
  • Do you ever wish that sometimes you could just write a long list to your spouse of all the things he does that drive you insane?? I have done this. 8 of the Worst Marriage Habits
  • Disrespect in marriage can go both ways. Women can react to disrespect from their husbands in many ways. I'm here to share a few positive ways women can react to disrespect in their marriages in order to handle it well and steer their marriage in the direction of grace and kindness again. How to Handle Disrespect in Marriage
  • Sure, they say don’t go to bed while you’re still angry, but sometimes husbands and wives just need some space! That being said, there are healthy ways and unhealthy ways (productive and hurtful, if you will) to get space away from a spouse. Let’s talk about those. The Right and Wrong Way To Give Your Spouse Space

instagram

Follow @chelsealeighdamon

Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be s Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be super intentional with the time we spend with David and Evy recently, knowing that big changes are just around the corner! We pray with them, ask them what questions they have, take the time to explain things. I'm hoping they'll be set up pretty well for the transition of little sis coming in March but most of the work will happen after she gets here! How did you help littles prepare for baby?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️ Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️
The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊 The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊

Explore

  • About
  • My Book
  • Contact

join the club

Shop My Favorites

  • About
  • Instagram
  • About
  • Media Kit | Guest Posting
  • Privacy Policy & T&C’s

Copyright © 2023 Living the Sweet Wife · Theme by 17th Avenue