Week 36: Of all the love stories there are, ours is my favorite.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. 

I think it's worth a thousand emotions. Finding someone who can photograph your story for the world to see is truly an incredible thing. 

When I look at this picture I see my life in a still frame. 

Crazy. 

Full of life. 

Holding on by the seat of our pants. 

Love that holds us together. 

I seriously didn't think I would get a second maternity shoot, because I really didn't want the focus to be on me. I didn't want a super artsy shoot. I wanted something that would capture us in the crazy, unpredictable life we have. 

Allie changed our lives in the best possible way. She started us on this journey of parenthood. In the past two years, i've learned more about myself than ever before.

She's taught me patience and love, a much deeper love for myself. Sounds weird when I type it out like that. She taught me that I am more than enough for her.

Being present is the most important thing.

How in the world we got this lucky to be under the Manhattan Beach Pier at 5pm on a Sunday with all kinds of people around with a shot like this?! 

My photographer Danie Henry is amazing. Let me tell you I showed up 15-20 minutes late in the wrong location and she still showed up with a smile on her face, ready to go. When I got to the shoot I was sweaty, hungry and not really feeling that glamourous because of the heat. 

But then we started our shoot. It was comfortable and we just got to be ourselves. She didn't hurry us and she always listened to all my input. Would I go with her again?! 

Yes. 

Mamas in the South Bay area or anywhere in Los Angeles, I would really have you consider her when needing a pictures of your family. Danie is a mama of 5, and totally understands all the obstacles of getting everyone to look at the camera at once. She's is super flexible and just really makes you feel at home. 

A very special thank you to Danie for all your hard work and understanding of my preggo brain. You're amazing and my family thanks you for helping capture us in the most perfect way. 

This outfit made a come back. It was one of my favorite outfits for Allie's shoot. It was one that made me feel like a really pretty preggo lady.

Sometimes, it's weird seeing us in pictures today. I remember of all our pictures over the past 12 years and sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago and how different we were back then.

But then when I look at this little lady, I realize, Yes, we aren't the same, we are much better than I could have ever hoped for. 

We communicate better, we don't sweat the small stuff, and we're all around a better team. 

How did we take pictures in the witching hour of toddler life? Bribery and M&Ms. Lots of M&Ms. 

I cannot describe the love I feel for this baby in this picture. 

There are lots of stages in life that couples go through and I have to say with all the chaos and unknowns, this has been one of my favorites. 

I love you, Matt. Thanks for being on this journey with me. 

A very sappy lovely week indeed. 

Baby Coates the Second, we are absolutely ready to meet you. 

Love, Mama