#18weeks today and I’ve NEVER taken so many pics while pregnant. ✨✨✨ I remember during my 2nd pregnancy my MIL wanted to take a picture and I shied away from the camera. She said, “Come on, you want this baby to know you’re proud to be carrying her.” Okay yea, that’s cute but truth is I wasn’t proud. I was excited to be having another child of course, but I hadn’t shaken the shame & guilt imposed on me from my first, less-traditional, pregnancy. ✨✨✨ I can’t stress enough that marriage or getting married has never been the answer. 1 pregnancy out-of-wedlock, 2 with my husband, and I felt the same shame, guilt, depression and condemnation with all 3 of them. ✨✨✨ What’s different this time around? I finally found myself and my purpose. That’s the only way I’ve been able to move forward and begin celebrating my life. And, that’s what I want for every mother - to feel celebrated while creating a life and lifestyle worth celebrating. #goals
