expectant.

i need to backtrack a little for my own memory. i collect the memories

here because i've found that even though i think i'll always remember 

something, it really does slip away.  

the way they felt inside me.  stretching, pushing, kicking, rolling.

how i tried so, so hard to cherish it and that meant trying not to

complain about it, but i want to remember now.  the pain, the tired,

the hunger, the sleeplessness, the migraines, the nausea...oh my the puking.

anytime my mind went to the hard, i tried to take it captive to what the end

result would be.  [and, man, has that end result been sweet.]

the way we loved to watch my belly grow.

truly amazing.

the joy that it would bring to perfect strangers as they found out that two

little lives were growing inside me.  the way the babies responded to the

older girls singing to them every night.  how the kids kept track of my growth

from who could still hug all the way around me.  how my husband served me

selflessly & without complaint.

how the babies turned whichever way necessary to keep their little heads together.

how emelia got the hiccups every night.  how chill evie was every ultrasound as her

big sis bounced every which way.  how we named you on date night at Dish 

with a Sharpie on their paper tablecloth.  our waitress was the first to know your names.

how i'd lie in bed...

rubbing my stomach and feeling your little knees, elbows & feet.

watching you stretch & turn.  

talking to you about this big ol' family that loves you.

waiting with hopeful expectation to see your precious faces.

so, so grateful to have been chosen to be your mom.  
 

photos by Hannah Grace Photography