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Blog, pregnancy

23 week bumpdate


I realized I have never done any pregnancy update this time around (but really, does anyone care?) But then I noticed I never shared these fun pictures that Rachel of Apricot Studio took of me last month so I thought now would be a good time to throw the pictures up on a post and give a little update.

23 week bumpdate maternity pictures 1

I’m 23 weeks with baby girl. She still does not have a name–though we have a couple of names that we are debating. I have a feeling that we’ll be going back and forth until she’s here. Four out of five of our children have a LOST reference in their names (character/actor names) so I’ll give you a hint that part of her name will likely include at least some sort of LOST reference 😉

23 week bumpdate maternity pictures 2

So how am I feeling, you ask? Okay, you didn’t ask. But I’ll tell you anyway. Up to this point, this has been my easiest pregnancy. The only side effect I even have is extreme exhaustion. But let’s be honest, that would come with our without the human my body is sustaining! I’m enjoying the fact that I feel so well because I know that based on my history I will soon enter the stage where I can barely move because of hip and back pain.

23 week bumpdate maternity pictures 3
23 week bumpdate maternity pictures 4

I’ve been feeling this baby girl move since right before 16 weeks and I felt her move from the outside a few weeks later. A couple of the boys and Don all felt her kick a couple of weeks ago. But she’s not a very strong or active baby at this point (similar to my pregnancies with Liam and Evangeline.) So while I’m not feeling pregnant and not feeling much movement, it often makes me nervous. But all was well at the ultrasound we just had!

23 week bumpdate maternity pictures 5

The kids are all really excited to meet their baby sister. It’s been sweet to watch Liam’s excitement as he randomly will smile and rub my belly or give me hugs. He’s always wanting to feel her move so he will just sit by me with his hand on my belly, waiting for a little kick. Kai gives her two kisses every night before bed (he always gives us a kiss on the lips and a kiss on the nose and says “Night, night. I love you. Sweet dreams. I’ll see you tomorrow!”) So he’s continuing the tradition with his new sister.

23 week bumpdate maternity pictures 6

Kingston is just Kingston…and 4 years old. So while he is really excited to have another sister, he’s really just not as into it as the others. But when he sees his brothers feeling the baby kick, he will eagerly run over to put his hand on my belly and wait patiently for a chance to feel her move (even though I don’t think he has yet!) Evangeline likes to call the baby “baby Elsa” (no, we’re not naming her that, sorry Miss!) Every time I get something new for the baby, she asks “Is that for my baby sister?” in the sweetest voice. I can’t wait to watch their relationship. She needs another girl in this house who will choose princess shows over superhero shows on those days that I need a little extra rest and the TV comes on.

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23 week bumpdate maternity pictures 8

Four months can seem like a really long time to wait to meet her. I see newborns or all the tiny baby items that I’ve gotten for her and it makes me so eager to meet her. But with this being my 6th baby, I know how quickly (too quickly) time goes. I know that I will look back at pregnancy pictures and miss this time where it’s just me and her and my ever-growing belly. So I’m not trying to wish the time away this time (remind me to read this again at the end of September!!) Pregnancy is such a gift and I’m so thankful that I have been given the opportunity time and time again to experience this miracle!

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Anyway–I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again! If you need a photographer in the St. Louis area, check out Rachel’s website, Apricot Studio, and get in touch with her! 
And I’ll leave you off with a more recent picture from last week (at 22 weeks) that Don took in front of our house.

23 week bumpdate pink blush floral dress
Blog, bumpdate, pregnancy, product review

12 weeks with PinkBlush Maternity


Happy Spring! This is my favorite time of the year, a reward for surviving the winter. We spend so much of the winter stuck indoors so it’s nice to get out again. Yesterday we went out for the day and even though the kids were stressing me out, it was still so nice to get out of the house as a family. It was a great way to pass the time while we await my MRI on Friday. And any stressful day can easily be turned around with a stop to get ice cream–it never fails!

floral pregnancy dress from pink blush maternity

I can’t believe how much of a belly I have already at only 12 weeks!! This is about how big I was with Desmond at 18 weeks. So I’m a little afraid of how big that means I’ll get this time around. I’m nearing the end of the first trimester so hopefully that means I’ll regain some energy soon. But with 5 other kids to take care of, I doubt that’ll ever happen. I’ll just have to embrace a life with little rest!

floral pregnancy dress from pink blush maternity
Maternity dress c/o PinkBlush Maternity// Denim jacket via Old Navy// Shoes via Lulu’s (from a few years ago)// Belt (thrifted/Goodwill)


This dress from Pinkblush Maternity is the softest, most comfortable dress! Floral patterns are my favorite to wear during the spring and summer months. It can be easily dressed up for a nicer event or dressed down for a day out exploring with the family. If you read A Beautiful Mess, you may recognize this pattern as it looks like Elsie Larson’s dining room wallpaper, which I am in love with! I styled with a denim jacket and a belt for a casual look for the cooler spring months. Since it is a sleeveless dress, I will be happily wearing it throughout the summer. And the best part of all? I will still be able to wear it as a non-maternity dress! 

floral pregnancy dress from pink blush maternity
PinkBlush is an online maternity boutique with so many cute options, including a whole line of clothing for women who are not currently pregnant! Not only are their clothes affordable, but they also run so many great sales. I currently have my eye on this cute maternity dress and would love to have one of their beautiful hospital robes for after delivery. Nothing feels better than changing out of that ugly hospital robe and I know having something pretty to wear afterwards will definitely help me feel better, no matter how silly that sounds.
floral pregnancy dress from pink blush maternity


PinkBlush has generously offered to allow me to give away a $75 gift card to their shop for one lucky winner! Hop on over to my instagram and follow the instructions for a chance to win!

(Pictures c/o the sweetest friend, Rachel Gunby!)