[Maternity] Beautiful | Hayti Missouri Pregnancy Photography

When a woman is pregnant, she will go through the gamut of emotions: happy, sad, excited, anxious, critical, self-assured, scared, lost, adored, proud. You name it, she's been there.

One emotion many pregnant women have a hard time accepting, including myself, is feeling beautiful. I mean, this large, protruding belly garners stares, the water retention makes you feel like you're floating in a pool, and don't even get me started on those Fred Flintstone feet, all swollen. Seriously, it can be quite uncomfortable being pregnant, especially in those last few weeks. Beauty is something many of us try to find in the mirror after a sleepless and restless night of sleeping on our sides, yet we just see tired eyes and puffy faces. And by the way, there's no sleeping-on-your-back at this point, that is, if you want to breath.

When this pretty mama contacted me to shoot her maternity session, I got very excited. Like happy-dance-meets-largest-lottery-payout-winner excited. She's the cutest lil' thang and since I'd had not ever shot a maternity session, I knew she'd not only make a great model, but bring some ideas I had to life.

I've seen the bed-in-the-field sessions of families, children and babies. But never one of a pregnant mom-to-be. So, I mentioned to her my idea, she was game. Albeit, the logistics of getting a bed in a field seemed quite crazy, it was accomplished in no time. Well, for me, I just stood and watched and directed.

Move it here. No, turn it that way. Ok, I need the light to hit at this area, so move it. Again.

When Kate showed up, she looked stunning. Hormones had gotten the best of her that morning, but when she saw the bed, she said, "It just looks so pretty." And she smiled.

Score.

I know the following images may not be suitable for certain people. Certain people don't see the beauty in pregnancy and all that it represents. Certain people should close this page right now if they cannot find the appreciation in maternity art.

As a mama myself, I'm drawn to these images in a way that can only be explained by three simple words:

Pregnancy is beautiful.

It is also hard, and for all that we endure to bring these gifts from God into this world, every pregnant woman should document this special, but fleeting, moment in time. Our bodies are made for procreation and what better way to celebrate it by showing off our bellies, smooth or full of stretchmarks, big or small.

Please enjoy the following images of this beautiful mother-to-be. And remember to tell any pregnant woman you know that she is beautiful.

[Sneak Peek] Maternity | Hayti Missouri Maternity Photographer

My very first session shooting a beautiful pregnant mommy-to-be and look what I captured:

[Children] Curls | Caruthersville Missouri Children's Photographer

The first thing you notice about these little cuties is their awesome blonde curls! There's something about those curls, you just have to touch them. And I did. Having kids with straight-as-a-board hair, I just had to feel their locks and admire how Mom keeps their coifs looking so good.

Miss E wasn't feeling well all week, so she was still feeling some of the remnants of her sickness. But she champed up to give some of the sweetest smiles. And I loved getting to talk to her about her lip gloss. I even tried to coax her to let me have a little bit of it. No dice.

She wore an adorable tutu dress and had the matching accessories. What 3 year old princess doesn't have a wand? She also had a cute green tutu that matched her birthday month and paired with those curls, she totally stole my heart.

Big brother B was a little shy, but working my mad social skills, he came out of his shell. He let me capture some of his cuteness, all while being a helpful big brother.

Mom, I had a great time! Thank you for planning ahead with the adorable outfits and I hope you love the images! Enjoy!

I Can Do It Myself | Hayti Missouri Child Photographer

Sugar Bear.

You have completely exhausted me today. I can't even believe that I'm blogging tonight. You've fussed at me. You refused to pick up toys. You've stated to me that you are mad at me. More than once. You cried over being the first to take your bath tonight. You yelled at me because you wanted to take a bath after you took a shower with me. You even wigged out over your new bike not riding good on the carpet.

You've been a holy terror today, I must admit.

But your spirit. Oh, your spirit, your drive, your independence astounds me.

I watched you tonight at VBS as you climbed over the church pews and Mrs. Shea grabbed you. And if I've heard it once, I've heard it a million times:

I can do it myself.

However, she picked you up and sat you down in the pew. But for added measure, you stood back up and then sat back because everything has to be on your terms. No matter what.

I get aggravated because you act just.like.me. It's so scary. Even as I made your little hands pick up each little toy, I affirmed to you that you have certainly met your match in me with stubbornness. What I should've said is that I've met my match. I can just see it now: You and I throwing down on a parking lot somewhere when you're 16.

God help both of us.

As a matter of fact, just a few minutes ago(yeah, it's after 10 p.m. and you're still going strong!), you asked me if I was going to tell you that I was sorry. No way, sister, that was you being punished for your actions. Your reply? "Well, I'm not going to tell you I'm sorry unless you're sorry." Snap, snap.

You apparently forgot that you already apologized earlier, so snap, snap back to you.

But I know you'll never, ever have to depend on anyone for anything. I find it hard to foster your independence and strong will without breaking your spirit. Because these traits are what will get you further in life. Trust me, I'm here because of them. So every day, I watch you, hoping to get a glimpse of the girl I was and the woman you'll be.

There's certainly no one like you, Aubrey, and you make life interesting, funny, crazy, maddening at times, but you still melt my heart every day. Even on days like today.

Momma, you're the best momma e-vuhr. I love my new bike!

Just don't make any long trips on it. I know you can do it, just don't.

Happy 4th Birthday! Love you, Sugar Bear!

[Children] Sweetness | Hayti Missouri Baby Photographer

What I love about children is their unpredictability. I mean, what's fun about knowing that they will always act the same in every situation? Boooorrrringgg.

Miss O didn't disappoint. According to her momma, she's quite outgoing and talkative. But on this day, Miss O wasn't having any of my shenanigans. Uh-unh, no way. She was quite demure and quiet and shy. So, we chilled and we talked and she picked pretty yellow flowers. Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow and no one can understand that more than me. What Miss O didn't know is that I'm fairly good at capturing quiet moments as well as the wild and crazy ones. And she didn't realize that I got a few smiles, too.

Her little sister, Miss E, is 3 months old and for some reason, I felt that baby itch. What, you say? Yes, the itch. But not the kind, like I'm-ready-for-another-baby, just the my-baby-is-almost-8-months-old-where-did-the-time-go kind of itch. But, you heard it here, I'm not having another baby anytime soon. Miss E was so calm and good and smelled so sweet as precious babies do. I even managed to hold her on my shoulder and shoot Mom and Miss O. And if I had a stove, I may have even whipped up some breakfast, because you know, mommas are born multitaskers.

Mom, thank you for the great morning. I know O was not in normal character, but I can't stress to you enough how beautiful she is and these images of her are so insightful and gorgeous, especially the last one. Your girls are beautiful and if they are half as good as a person as you are, you are blessed beyond measure. (Now, make sure Dad keeps those bad boys away!) Enjoy!

[Sneak Peek] Children | Hayti Missouri Child Photographer

A little flower princess...

[Children] Rollin' on a River | Caruthersville Missouri Children's Photographer

I'm always amazed at children's lack of fear and inquisitive nature about things that should be feared. Namely, the mighty Mississippi River.

I don't know when my fear for the river kicked in, but it is there. From crossing the bridge to Tennessee to just looking at the whirling currents from land, I find myself imagining being swallowed by an elephant-sized catfish. Point is, don't ever ask me if I want to take a boat ride on the Mississippi River or head over to a sand barge. Not only will I laugh at you from the security of dry land, I'll also warn to you wear your life jacket in hopes that if your boat sinks, maybe the elephant catfish won't drag you under.

Anyways, back to the story. Mom informed me that little man B absolutely loves the river! She really wanted some milestone images of them down there, and climbing over the recently flooded rocks made me fully aware that the river is no friggin' joke. Yep, I said it. The kids had a great time, but I believe Mom and I were a little nervous about falling, falling off of the rocks, falling into...nevermind. I don't even need to go there.

We actually started out at their home, playing and getting to know one another. These pretty little gals were not shy in the least and we all ready to pimp themselves in front of my camera. I love it when kids are not shy. Reminds me of my own flamboyant children.

Miss E and Miss M were all about playing, hugging, even throwing a football. Of course, we did a family shot and all I can say is: Mommas, you don't have to be part of the session, but you'll never regret having a nice image of you with your kids. I don't care how you look or feel, just make sure you try to jump in just one picture, even if you're getting tickled by them and you just pee'd your pants. Disclaimer: That did NOT happen at this session. Nor did it happen to me. Uh-hmm.

M family, thank you so much for inviting me to your home and getting to know all of you. I love shooting the relationships between children and you all didn't let me down. I hope you love your images and hope you all have a great summer!

[Sneak Peek] Hayti Missouri Baby Photographer

Although I have a 7 month old, getting to hold this little 3 month old gave me a little, umm, baby itch. Babies are my happy drug.

[Sneak Peek] Caruthersville Missouri Child Photographer

What beautiful light! (And the boy makes it even better!)

[Children] Sibling Love | Dyersburg Tennessee Child Photographer

When I met up with these kiddos, they were a little unhappy. I mean, an hour drive to our location on a semi-hot Saturday morning, and only one bottle of water between the two of them. Tragic, I tell ya. But I worked a little of my magic, whipped up another, albeit, used bottle of water(you know, to settle the fight, been there, done that), and voila! All was well in the world. From that moment on, it was easy-peasy.

We went to downtown Dyersburg and found some cute little locations. But before we really got down to shooting, we had to find someplace for a bathroom break. Kids, including my own, never cease to amaze when the urge to hit the bathroom strikes. But gave me an opportunity to get to know mom. See, I "met" mom through her hilarious blog, and she is also a friend and co-worker to one of my very best friends. We chatted about kids and stuff and poop, as moms do.

Anyways, once we started rolling, the time started to fly. These kids were hilarious! I got them to dance for me and I got to shake my own (fat) butt to get a few laughs from them. But then again, I'm hilarious anyway. Or so I tell myself. We then made our way to the park and although the sun was a bit too harsh, I still got some fun images.

B family, I love your kids! They are friggin' hilarious, and they must get it from their momma. ::wink:: Thank you for making the drive, even after our first cancellation due to the flooding. I hope we'll work together in the future! Enjoy your images!