More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽ More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽
The start of a new school year has always felt lik The start of a new school year has always felt like more of a “New Years” to me than January 1st ever did. The air starts getting more crisp (thank goodness), the leaves start to change, and the house is quieter (now that the kids are in school, and just during the day, ha). 

Every year around this time I can clearly look back and see how our family has changed. Last year, we had just said goodbye to the boys (our first foster placement) and our family was making sense of the whirlwind that had just happened over the summer. This year, David is way more into soccer, Evy is telling me about the conversations the girls at school are having (she’s a huge people-watcher), and of course Cleo is getting so big! Her first two teeth made their appearance this week and we’re also pretty sure she said “Dada” the other night. 

It really goes by so fast. But little memories like the ones in these photos will last. I remember going apple picking with sweet family friends as a kid and I love doing that for our kids now. 

What traditions have you tried to pass down to your kids?
Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Sinc Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Since she's been a baby, I've been learning that she needs love in a very different way than David does. After school and before bed, she especially needs all the love, attention, and cuddles. 

Today I had a pretty hard day with several hours of intensive Zoom calls. They ended right as the kids got home from school and when I was done, I just felt this deep exhaustion and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with my kids and never look at a computer again 🤪. 

I realized that's probably how Evy (and David, but mostly Evy) typically feels after a long day. I can tell that it's especially draining for her. So I was reminded to be extra gentle with her emotions, especially on school days when there's just so much going on and it can feel pretty intense, especially at that age. And especially to us introverts 🫠 Anyone else have highly emotional kiddos?
My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling away from dropping the kids at school. A little baby needed a home until his adoptive family could come get him. 

At the time, we didn’t know his name, his gender, or anything about him. We were told he was healthy and we’d get more details later.

And we said yes! We thought it would be longer but his adoptive family is BOOKING it to get here and take him home forever. He will be so loved!!

I love that we get to share moments like these with our kids. I know they’ll remember them for a looong time to come.
Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not ev Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not every moment needs to be filled with productivity. And sometimes I don't need to multitask. Easier said than done for me anyway. But I'm trying to intentionally practice slowing down. How do you try to slow down?

Shoes @naot.northamerica
Dress @shopbohme
Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋 Do Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋

Doing fun hairstyles with Ev has been a new way for us to bond, especially since Cleo's joined us. Would you try this one??
I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I n I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I need to rush while the baby's asleep to get things done to rather bringing them along with me when I can. 

Cleo loves being worn and, for the time being, is super content just watching me unload the dishwasher, make dinner, or tag along to grab Evy and David from the bus. 

And I'm way more at peace when I don't feel like I need to rush or time is running out. We have time and most things we have to do in a day aren't urgent.
Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 What was the first food you gave to your baby?
Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖 👀 th Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖
👀 the comfiest heels I own by @naot.northamerica 
#naotic
  • 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

Embracing the Journey: A Guide for Couples Navigating Goals TogetherEmbracing the Journey: A Guide for Couples Navigating Goals Together
Forgiveness is an Attitude not a FeelingForgiveness is an Attitude not a Feeling
Lessons I learned in My First 2 Months as a Foster ParentLessons I Learned My First 2 Months as a Foster Parent

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

Embracing the Journey: A Guide for Couples Navigating Goals Together

Embracing the Journey: A Guide for Couples Navigating Goals Together

Forgiveness is an Attitude not a Feeling

Forgiveness is an Attitude not a Feeling

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

Categories

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

Instagram

More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽ More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽
The start of a new school year has always felt lik The start of a new school year has always felt like more of a “New Years” to me than January 1st ever did. The air starts getting more crisp (thank goodness), the leaves start to change, and the house is quieter (now that the kids are in school, and just during the day, ha). 

Every year around this time I can clearly look back and see how our family has changed. Last year, we had just said goodbye to the boys (our first foster placement) and our family was making sense of the whirlwind that had just happened over the summer. This year, David is way more into soccer, Evy is telling me about the conversations the girls at school are having (she’s a huge people-watcher), and of course Cleo is getting so big! Her first two teeth made their appearance this week and we’re also pretty sure she said “Dada” the other night. 

It really goes by so fast. But little memories like the ones in these photos will last. I remember going apple picking with sweet family friends as a kid and I love doing that for our kids now. 

What traditions have you tried to pass down to your kids?
Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Sinc Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Since she's been a baby, I've been learning that she needs love in a very different way than David does. After school and before bed, she especially needs all the love, attention, and cuddles. 

Today I had a pretty hard day with several hours of intensive Zoom calls. They ended right as the kids got home from school and when I was done, I just felt this deep exhaustion and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with my kids and never look at a computer again 🤪. 

I realized that's probably how Evy (and David, but mostly Evy) typically feels after a long day. I can tell that it's especially draining for her. So I was reminded to be extra gentle with her emotions, especially on school days when there's just so much going on and it can feel pretty intense, especially at that age. And especially to us introverts 🫠 Anyone else have highly emotional kiddos?
My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling away from dropping the kids at school. A little baby needed a home until his adoptive family could come get him. 

At the time, we didn’t know his name, his gender, or anything about him. We were told he was healthy and we’d get more details later.

And we said yes! We thought it would be longer but his adoptive family is BOOKING it to get here and take him home forever. He will be so loved!!

I love that we get to share moments like these with our kids. I know they’ll remember them for a looong time to come.

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

More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽ More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽
The start of a new school year has always felt lik The start of a new school year has always felt like more of a “New Years” to me than January 1st ever did. The air starts getting more crisp (thank goodness), the leaves start to change, and the house is quieter (now that the kids are in school, and just during the day, ha). 

Every year around this time I can clearly look back and see how our family has changed. Last year, we had just said goodbye to the boys (our first foster placement) and our family was making sense of the whirlwind that had just happened over the summer. This year, David is way more into soccer, Evy is telling me about the conversations the girls at school are having (she’s a huge people-watcher), and of course Cleo is getting so big! Her first two teeth made their appearance this week and we’re also pretty sure she said “Dada” the other night. 

It really goes by so fast. But little memories like the ones in these photos will last. I remember going apple picking with sweet family friends as a kid and I love doing that for our kids now. 

What traditions have you tried to pass down to your kids?
Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Sinc Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Since she's been a baby, I've been learning that she needs love in a very different way than David does. After school and before bed, she especially needs all the love, attention, and cuddles. 

Today I had a pretty hard day with several hours of intensive Zoom calls. They ended right as the kids got home from school and when I was done, I just felt this deep exhaustion and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with my kids and never look at a computer again 🤪. 

I realized that's probably how Evy (and David, but mostly Evy) typically feels after a long day. I can tell that it's especially draining for her. So I was reminded to be extra gentle with her emotions, especially on school days when there's just so much going on and it can feel pretty intense, especially at that age. And especially to us introverts 🫠 Anyone else have highly emotional kiddos?
My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling away from dropping the kids at school. A little baby needed a home until his adoptive family could come get him. 

At the time, we didn’t know his name, his gender, or anything about him. We were told he was healthy and we’d get more details later.

And we said yes! We thought it would be longer but his adoptive family is BOOKING it to get here and take him home forever. He will be so loved!!

I love that we get to share moments like these with our kids. I know they’ll remember them for a looong time to come.
Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not ev Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not every moment needs to be filled with productivity. And sometimes I don't need to multitask. Easier said than done for me anyway. But I'm trying to intentionally practice slowing down. How do you try to slow down?

Shoes @naot.northamerica
Dress @shopbohme
Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋 Do Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋

Doing fun hairstyles with Ev has been a new way for us to bond, especially since Cleo's joined us. Would you try this one??
I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I n I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I need to rush while the baby's asleep to get things done to rather bringing them along with me when I can. 

Cleo loves being worn and, for the time being, is super content just watching me unload the dishwasher, make dinner, or tag along to grab Evy and David from the bus. 

And I'm way more at peace when I don't feel like I need to rush or time is running out. We have time and most things we have to do in a day aren't urgent.
Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 What was the first food you gave to your baby?
Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖 👀 th Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖
👀 the comfiest heels I own by @naot.northamerica 
#naotic
When you get home from the event and immediately t When you get home from the event and immediately turn into Adam Sandler..

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