You said WHAT to a Pregnant Woman?!

Kathryn Gibbs Photography

There is an myth of how fragile the emotional state of a pregnant woman is. That she is difficult, angry and just plain crazy. I agree with some of it. I wasn’t the difficult, hard-to-please kind of crazy; I was more the ‘cry-at-the-drop-of-a-hat', over sensitive kind of crazy.

When you break it down, between the hormones, fear, joy, exhaustion and anticipation, she doesn’t know how to feel. I can attest to that. I was pregnant with Mason, in my first trimester, over Christmas in 2010. We hadn’t told anyone yet, so I was trying to keep in the crazy. I remember watching TV with my mom and bawling at a Canadian Tire commercial. I couldn’t even speak about the commercial or I would tear up. Anything sentimental would open the floodgates.

Here is the video:

Another reason some women are seen as crazy or over emotional can be from the unsolicited tips, questions and comments from strangers, friends and family. I found this list of what not to say to a pregnant woman from parenting.com. 
The top ones I experienced were:

• You don't look that pregnant! (Trust me...I am.) 
• Are you going to nurse/cloth diaper/co-sleep…(It’s my choice regardless.)
• Can I touch your belly?

Believe me when I say you’d be lucky to be asked permission. Many people seem to think your baby belly is public domain. Imagine rubbing theirs back? I bet it wouldn’t go over well.

In case you are trying to compliment a pregnant woman; here is another list of tips on what may be insulting. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but there are many sensitive subjects! Check it out here from Huffington Post.

This isn’t meant to discourage complimenting a woman at what can be considered the most beautiful part of life, but tread lightly. She means well…try carrying a watermelon under your shirt for months with all the lovely side effects, and forget seeing your feet…

Keep strong mamas, and those who deal with mamas, it will all be worth it!

-A

Frabz.com

Family Photography

Sebastian - 5 days old

Looking at photos from my childhood always springs great memories. I try to preserve moments for my boys as well, which is hard when they move so fast! Since I am no professional, I made sure to ask one to do so.  Since Mason was 11 days old, we have been getting photos done every 3 months. From regular studio shoots to on location, each proposes their fair share of issues. We found a great photographer who we trust, and the boys like. That is always a key factor. Joel of Joel Smith Photography has the patience to wait for the moments that count. He has done all of our photos since our wedding. Check  him out!

Mason - 11 days old

Mason - 3 months old

When Mason was young, it was simple. He didn’t crawl until 10 months, making some of these shots possible.

Sebastian crawled at 5 months and walked at 10…so his photos are much more candid, just to show we did it.

Sebastian - 6 months old

I felt it was and is very important to continue these packages once Sebastian was born.  As the second born myself, there are tons more photos of my older sister. And I get it. There is more time. Each of her firsts was a first for my parents too. Once I came around, it was old hat. Our photos were more like this.

Jenn and I - 1986

It’s a good idea to look up photo ideas before you get some done. This goes for any kind of shoot, but I did this before Mason’s newborn photos since I had no idea what to expect. Babycenter has a great list of  50 amazing newborn photos you should take a peek!

I know I said earlier to put down the devices and engage…but make sure they can relive those moments with you through photos or videos.

-A