Belly Photos by Kyle Hitchcock

So, it seems that the running theme during my pregnancy has been...me running late - Me Procrastinating! (Unfortunately, that's not completely out of character for me.) I scheduled our 4D sonogram one week after the preferred time; the nursery still isn't complete (we're only 2 weeks away from the due date). In fact, we haven't even started on the nursery. The bedding should arrive tomorrow (July 10th) which at that time we'll decide on wall color.

Then, on July 4th, Sajid and I had photo shoot with Kyle Hithcock. Keep in mind that these too are typically done between 32 and 35 weeks. I WAS 37 AND 1/2 WEEKS!!!! It was totally my fault - again. In my mind, the 4D experience would replace the professional belly photos. As time (quickly) passed, I quickly realized that I had no photos of my pregnant belly, and even though I wasn't excited about showing off my rather large physique, I knew I would regret not having those memories. Like I wrote on Kyle's blog (http://kylehitchcockphotography.blogspot.com/), being almost 38 weeks pregnant and feeling "photo worthy" don't really go hand-in-hand. I had a lot of hesitations; not about Kyle's abilities, but about my size. It turned out to be one of the best experiences. Kyle is such a wonderful, fun-loving person. She made me feel like I was the most beautiful pregnant person and that Sajid and I were the most adorable couple she'd ever photograph. Now, I realize that I'm not and we're aren't, but it was the atmosphere that she created that made it enjoyable and extremely comfortable. In fact, out of all the pictures I've ever taken - candid and professional - some of my favorite are those Kyle captured (and I'm the biggest I've ever been - obviously and for good reason). All of our pictures can be viewed at: http://khitchcock.photobiz.com/cart/gallery.cfm

Something else I've been toying with is having Kyle "capture" Ethan's birth. I knew I wanted it, but I didn't know how Sajid would feel. I was also timid about asking Kyle. Well, as we were wrapping up the belly shoot, I began flipping through a photo book of The Sappe's ceasarian birth of which Kyle photographed. It was at that time she mentioned photographing Ethan's arrival. She also informed us that she had never done this type of "shoot" before and her services would be free of charge. AWESOME!!! However, since Sajid and I had not discussed this beforehand, I told Kyle, we'd think about it and get back to her. I didn't want to put Sajid on the spot - especially since I thought he wouldn't be comfortable with it. I'm not sure if Sajid could see the glow in my eyes at the thought this possibility or if the thought of him not having to be responsible for taking pictures while in labor and delivery was appealing, but HE said, "Let's do it; let's go ahead and make arrangements for Kyle to be there." I can't explain how excited I was - and still am. I know Kyle is going to do an awesome job. THANKS SO MUCH, KYLE!!! We can't wait.

P.S. Don't worry, Everyone! There will be no "graphic shots." I haven't lost all modesty yet.