A few weeks ago while we were on holidays I had a moment of weakness while shopping with my sisters. They were all in the change room trying on new swimmers and I thought to myself why am I trying to squeeze into this ugly maternity swimsuit when I could spend the next few weeks looking and feeling good in something fabulous. I called the shop assistant over and we walked around gave her my requirements {big boobs/ good support, transition from maternity to breastfeeding, good quality} and then walked around the shop picking a few different styles in different colours. Ten minutes later I walked out of the shop sporting a brand new bikini with my wallet feeling a hell of a lot lighter.
I’ve had a funny feeling about this week. That this journey is coming to an end faster then we realise and I just knew deep down this week was going to creep up and kick me in the arse and Oh boy, has it done just that.
I really wanted to capture a few raw images of my belly, bikini and all before this pregnancy comes to an end so earlier in the week while Mum & Dad were entertaining the kids I snuck off to one of my secret spots to do just that.
My belly just seems to be getting bigger and bigger and it’s all baby, there is seriously nothing else to me and I have no idea how this kid can just keep on growing but each day it just seems to keep on going. I really wish I’d got my act together and taken these photos last week because this week pregnancy has really hit my face is starting to look a little tired, my legs have doubled in size and my ankles are disappearing fast, the joys of pregnancy. At 37 weeks I guess I can’t really complain can I.
The girls brought me this dress for christmas and it’s so light and comfortable that I bribed my sister to tell me where it came from and I seriously could have found the motivation to walk down the hill and buy ten more.
In this moment of peace I wonder about our journey and how this pregnancy really has stretched me to my limits in more ways then I thought possible and how the arrival of this new baby will change our lives and do we know exactly what we have got ourselves into.
I bump into people on the street and they talk about how hard life is going to be and how crazy life with four kids is but I honestly have never felt that with any of our kids and truly believe it comes down to your temperament and your form of parenting style. If you are a cool, calm and collected person that is exactly what your children are going to pick up on too, if you stress about every detail and focus on all of the negatives in life then it’s not really anybodies fault but your own.
This year I’m discovering more and more that life is about balance and how you control it. Balance in your home, balance in your marriage and balancing the world around you and if all else fails..the land of wishful thinking is a magical little world to live in, right?
FYI – The swimmers were totally worth the investment.
BabyMacBeth
on Jan 23rd, 2013
@ 7:54 pm:
GLORIOUS! You look fabulous. Good luck with the next bit, what a lovely tribute to pregnancy and the end of your journey in it. Sending you lots of love x
[Reply]
Thanks Gorgeous
Let’s hope it transfers over to post baby glow too.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 23rd, 2013 @ 8:53 pm
Beck
on Jan 23rd, 2013
@ 7:57 pm:
I am a Mother of four and it’s such a joy !! Enjoy the last few weeks/days of your pregnancy and good luck with the birth. Believe me, number four fits into the family with ease and is such a precious member you will think that he/she has always been around. Best wishes xx
[Reply]
Thanks Beck. I really believe so too. We can only do our best and hope they turn out ok.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 23rd, 2013 @ 8:52 pm
Emily Trawn
on Jan 23rd, 2013
@ 7:57 pm:
You look amazing Dani! I only wish I looked as gorgeous as you when I was pregnant… Such beautiful shots!
xxxxx
As for the ’4 kids will be hard’ I agree with you. If your calm, everything is easier. Kids pick up on everything & your 3 thus far are a prime example of how going with the flow really does make things easier.
Best of luck with the new addition… Can’t wait to see pics of the little guy/girl
[Reply]
Trust me its pure dumb luck
not long now.
[Reply]
See – easy going!
[Reply]
Emily Trawn says:
January 24th, 2013 @ 8:47 pm
Danielle says:
January 23rd, 2013 @ 8:51 pm
Rhi @ Hummingbird's Song
on Jan 23rd, 2013
@ 8:04 pm:
Good on you Dani! You look just beautiful. And that background! What a perfect location for a photo shoot! xx
Rhi @ Hummingbird’s Song recently posted..Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie
[Reply]
It is kind of awesome isn’t it. I only discovered it the other day. I’m hoping the rain lets up so we can drag the kids down there for some family shots before this one arrives.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 23rd, 2013 @ 8:51 pm
Tabi
on Jan 23rd, 2013
@ 8:09 pm:
Simply gorgeous Dani, I was thinking the other day what a joy it has to watch you grow from young mum to a gorgeous woman, with the world at your feet. It’s been wonderful watching you grow ❤
[Reply]
Thanks Tabi. It has been quite a journey hasn’t it and its not over yet . So many exciting things still to come.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 23rd, 2013 @ 8:50 pm
Jess @ myheartisyourhome
on Jan 23rd, 2013
@ 8:33 pm:
Dani these are just so breathtakingly beautiful!
The scenery, the bump, you! Amazing!
xx
[Reply]
Thanks Jess. You will have to get hubby to take some on the beach
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 23rd, 2013 @ 8:48 pm
Talia
on Jan 23rd, 2013
@ 8:35 pm:
You look wonderful!
[Reply]
Thank you x
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 23rd, 2013 @ 8:48 pm
Alex
on Jan 23rd, 2013
@ 9:08 pm:
What a beautiful post and location. Good luck with what’s coming next, love your stories and pictures.
[Reply]
Thanks Alex x
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 24th, 2013 @ 2:22 am
Bettina
on Jan 24th, 2013
@ 5:51 am:
You look amazing! Bikini and dress, both winners! Can’t wait to see you little Mr or Miss.
Bettina recently posted..Light On Yoga Challenge
[Reply]
Me too. Very close now.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 30th, 2013 @ 4:23 am
lecinda @ bohemian beautiful
on Jan 24th, 2013
@ 8:53 am:
You are one hot mama!! that bikini looks awesome on you!! and only a few more weeks to go sporting your baby bump too =) xo
lecinda @ bohemian beautiful recently posted..Weekend Wanderings – Brunswick
[Reply]
Why thank you Crighton back atcha
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 30th, 2013 @ 4:23 am
Must learn how to spell.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 30th, 2013 @ 4:24 am
Cassie Nguyen
on Jan 24th, 2013
@ 9:41 am:
Gosh, this is a beautiful post, Danielle. You look so, absolutely gorgeous and it’s so special for you to have shared that beautiful bump with us. I haven’t been clucky in the *slightest* until I saw this post. Your photos remind me of that time – feeling so big and so full of baby, but full of BABY! Our bodies grow little people. Unreal.
I don’t think I’d ever feel confident enough to post in this manner, but you inspire confidence in the way you share your life and your thoughts with us. Thank you!!!
Cassie Nguyen recently posted..3/52
[Reply]
Thanks Cassie. It’s the only way I know, I don’t think I could tell my story if I didn’t tell it any other way.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 30th, 2013 @ 4:22 am
Lisa
on Jan 24th, 2013
@ 10:01 am:
such a beautiful bump! You look gorgeous. Screw people, they say all sorts of stupid things at times. You will be wonderful as a mum of four.
xo
Lisa recently posted..this weekend.
[Reply]
Thanks Lisa. I agree sometimes I just don’t get why people open their mouths.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 30th, 2013 @ 4:21 am
Sarah Owen-Green
on Jan 24th, 2013
@ 5:20 pm:
Stunning!!! You look amazing. And you are 10000% right. Balance is key. As is being the most chilled out parent you can be… Because there is nothing quite like a chilled out kid
or four! Hehe.
[Reply]
Thanks Sarah
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 30th, 2013 @ 4:20 am
Melissa {Suger}
on Jan 29th, 2013
@ 3:38 pm:
Dude, you’re way too good-looking. xox
Melissa {Suger} recently posted..From Zero to Major Flood in One Week.
[Reply]
Why thank you mam. If only I looked like this always and not just a few minutes to take photos. The lighting really done wonders and my camera woman seriously needs to be paid more.
Actually scrap they she costs me a fortune in Polaroid film :p
[Reply]
Danielle says:
January 30th, 2013 @ 4:20 am