Photo Shoot

Last night we had our photo shoot for our "belly" pictures. I was very hesitant to do these at first, but after months of convincing from Matt, I agreed. Plus, our friends Melinda and Christie (who also photographed our wedding) gifted this session to me, so how could I resist?! It's just a little out of my comfort zone. While I think mine is super cute right now, showing off my bare belly also means showing off some pretty unsightly scars and a totally jacked-up belly button. Years ago my real belly button was sliced in half and put back together in a very wacky way. I guess I don't have to worry about it poking out right now? Instead it just looks flattened out and even more non-existent. Matt and I have an agreement that we are not to touch up my belly scars in any way for these pictures, though. If it were up to him, we'd just do all bare belly shots. He likes how my tummy looks and is proud of it in the way that it reflects how far we've come, which is so special to me. Thinking in that perspective, how could I refuse to do this for him? Matt was so excited and involved during the session too--helping pick out the "outfits" and adding his opinions and ideas to the poses. We took some "Momma and Daddy loving on the babies" belly pics first and then the rest was me--NOT naked at all, but in a way few have ever seen me before.

I'm probably making this more dramatic than it really is. Melinda and Christie made me feel SO comfortable and they are so professional. Plus, I don't think my butchered up belly looks as bad as I fear. I think these pictures will turn out so gorgeous and will prove that it's my own self-consciousness getting in the way. I'm extremely happy I did these pictures now and know I will look back fondly on them and of this time.

All 4 of us were welcomed at the studio. Poor babies, I think they're stuck for life with their "first given names"...

Can't wait to show off some beautiful pictures in a couple weeks!