I didn't realize at the time how sentimental this dress would become, but it's officially been worn for 4 very special occasions - during our pregnancy announcement with my oldest + 2 maternity sessions + a mommy-and-me session when Elizabeth was 4 months old! So I thought it would be special to put together a collection of photos taken of me wearing my "little white dress".  I'm pretty sure this dress was purchased off the clearance rack at Target 3 years ago. I had no idea at the time that this would be THE DRESS I would wear for all of these special moments. So let's take a walk down memory lane together, shall we? 

After a very heartbreaking miscarriage, we found ourselves pregnant again with my oldest daughter. We were married 8 years by this point and longed to be parents. I felt so thankful God blessed us with a child. She has enriched our lives in so many ways!

Flash forward a few weeks, this is me, 23 weeks pregnant with my oldest, Elizabeth, standing on a log in a frozen waterfall. Just put 2 photographers together and we will find a way to get an amazing shot! These photos were taken in San Bernardino mountains, CA. Fun fact, this is the same location that Parent Trap was filmed! I'm so glad she convinced me to take these photos. I was a goof and didn't really want to take maternity photos, but I'm so glad I did. That's my little girl in there, nearly 2-1/2 years ago. I absolutely loved being pregnant and cherished every little wiggle, kick and discomfort. They were all gentle reminders of this precious life growing inside me. What a special time of life awaiting my little girl. 

I'm so blessed to know some amazing photographers! When Elizabeth was 4 months old, we did a mommy-and-me shoot with Annie Vovan. Growing up, I wanted nothing more than to get married and have a household full of babies! Becoming a mother was a lifelong dream. Like most dreams, they aren't a fairytale ending. Motherhood/parenthood is a holy and life-changing task.  I wish I could say that mothering came naturally to me, but truthfully it was a rocky beginning. Through prayer, faith, humility, and trial and error, I am finding my way. It often feels like I'm shedding layers of my old self and discovering a new self that I never knew existed. I am being transformed daily into a new person and it's through this transformation that I find my purpose and meaning as her guide in life! I don't think there is more meaningful and important work on this earth than raising children. She brings so much joy, happiness, love and appreciation into our home and I'm reminded over and over again why we chose this life. She is my whole world and I wouldn't want any other life than the one we are living.  

For this shoot, I decided to use the same white dress I wore for my maternity shoot and I'm so glad I did! Who knew this dress would become so sentimental? Look at my little pumpkin!! I cherish these photos so much and am reminded of those early days when I was truly learning what it meant to be a mother. 

And just for fun... I'm adding these darling pictures of Elizabeth because OH MY GOSH SHE'S ADORABLE!

Finally, here is that same little white dress with my 24 week bump with baby #2. Although I'm not really a sentimental person, I'm pretty sure this dress will stay with me for many years, and maybe I'll pass it on to my girls to wear one day. It's unexpected what things will take on a special meaning, but this little white dress has definitely become something that brings a smile to my face every time I see it because it reminds me of the many milestones we've been through together!

This pregnancy has been so good, praise the LORD. I always joke that my family must be created to make babies because my mom and sister both equally love being pregnant. But I absolutely love carrying this little life and wonder often who she will become. Will she be like her sister? Or will she give me a run for my money ;) Either way, I can't wait to meet her and get to know her and watch her grow. Sometimes I have to pinch myself just to be reminded that this is my life, it's real! Growing my little family and loving every minute of it, struggle and all! 

Thanks for taking a walk down memory lane with me! You can follow along with my current bump journey on instagram with my hashtag #asceticlifebumpdate <3

-Destinie