Self Portrait Tuesday

This is my self-lesson for the day in letting go of perfection. I had a clear idea of a shot I wanted with all three of my babes in it, and the pictures all came out kind of like this one--most of them even more unclear. But rather than try again to recreate a "moment", I'm sticking with this one and learning to like it. Next to toes and bums, my other favorite baby body part is the top of their heads. So here are my two sweet baby heads, and probably right about where they're kissing is a baby bum hiding behind the belly.

Wow, might this be my last "belly" Self Portrait Tuesday? As we're nearing the end, I'm having so many mixed feelings of excitement at meeting this new little one, combined with a little sadness about no longer being pregnant, particularly knowing that this will be the last one. As cliche as it is to say this--it really is just an amazing process to experience--each and every little kick feels like a miracle for the first time. And I love the way Calvin and Ezra interact with the belly babe-- Calvin telling the baby all about our family and patting my belly as he walks by me; and Ezra singing into my belly button and saying, "hello baby, baby" all the time, then laying his ear next to my belly button hoping for a response. Lately, he's taken to calling my belly a "watermelon" (which  is fitting since my nightly obsession for banana splits has morphed into an insatiable desire for MORE and more watermelon). Anyway, I'm just feeling a little bittersweet about the transition from pregnancy to baby--wanting to hold on to and remember as much as I can about this part of it before the new life begins.

Many more Self Portrait bloggers found here, with the Flickr gallery here.

Comments

[Toni]

I know how you feel. I always seemed to
have that tinge of sadness a week or two after
baby...kind of mourning the loss of having
them soooo close allllll of the time. I guess
motherhood is filled with "letting-go's"
I don't really care for that part, but know
it's nessesary.

[erinay]

oh, that makes me teary... the photo and the sweet sentiments. What a lucky baby to be born into such a loving and welcoming home. Good luck, again. Best wishes. erin

[Tania Jo]

Gorgeous!
I'm all teary!
xo

[Heather]

I'm so excited for you!!. Being pregnant is so amazing, and so is meeting your new little one. Enjoy!!

[Sarah]

I know exactly how you are feeling, as I am still dealing with PPD and part of my issue is feeling like I'm not done being pregnant with Ruby and grieving the end of the pregnancy and knowing this is probably our last baby. Sounds really wacked I know... but I can understand those bittersweet feelings of wanting the baby here, but not wanting the pregnancy over or things to change.

[beki]

That really is a very sweet picture. I went through a period of pregnancy mourning after the birth of both of my children. What got me through was knowing that I would be pregnant again in the future (or wanted to be). I know that if we were to have another baby I will feel bittersweet because it will be my last pregnancy.

[Dee]

I know exactly how you feel mama. I'm pretty sure our new baby is our last and it makes me a little sad. Seeing how much he enjoys his siblings and vice versa is *so* wonderful though. They were both present at his birth and seeing their extreme joy was one of the happiest moments in my life! :)

[suburbansider]

That photo is amazing. So beautiful. One to treasure.

[joleen]

Ah, so sweet, Amanda. I got teary eyed just reading this. It must be so bitter-sweet for you. I'm so looking forward to next Tuesday! If you've had the new wee one we'll have to have a family photo for sure! :D hehe.. or even if you don't.. could be your last one with the belly. :) Good luck to you dear. I'm thinking about you!

[Lisa]

you are making everyone cry, amanda. i am so excited for this new journey you are about to embark upon. the photo is gorgeous. i am thinking of you!

[Sue]

It's a beautiful picture. Your sentiments are shared. My little one is already 7 mos old and I'm still trying to savor and remember the pregnancy (and hoping I will be able to have another one day). Best of luck with your new one's arrival!

[maria]

L O V E L Y ... oh how you inspire us all. best to you in these days. i am thinking of you from a far {work travel, ugh} and wishing well... cheers! mav

[leesa]

you made me teary too! but in a good way (even more teary and I've forgotten what I was going to say! - oops!)

[kelly]

Being pregnant was so wonderful... I really miss it, especially since I probably won't go through the experience again. Enjoy these last days of pregnancy knowing that soon you'll have a sweet, cuddly one to hold on to!

[Suse]

Everyone's already said it, but I will too. The day I went into labour with our third babe I was really sad, knowing that it was probably the last day I would ever have a pregnant belly. And the day he had his last breastfeed (at 3 and a half!) was very emotional too, knowing I would never breastfeed another babe.

By the way, lots of watermelon is a Russian (?) folk remedy to bring on labour. (I remember my midwife saying so when I was 10 days overdue with Son No.1 and desperate for a baby!)

[joy madison]

I felt the same way at the end of my 3rd and final pregnancy. I can't wait to hear about your new little one. and the SPT is AWESOME!!!