First Baby List, Second Baby List | A Comparison, and a Confession: We didn’t use half of the stuff we thought we would

Parents-to-be and veteran parents alike are bombarded with all kinds of ads for baby. I found myself overwhelmed by choice overload with Baby #1. What would I actually need? When it came down to it, much of what was on our registry for Baby #1 we rarely (or never…) even used at all. So with that, I give you: What I gathered in anticipation of my firstborn, what we actually used, what we added to our collection, and what we never used at all — and how our previous experience is impacting our preparation for Baby #2.

Shay's Got News...

Our journey through pregnancy, loss, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, & now pregnancy again — it's taught me (still teaching me) SO MUCH. One takeaway? It's true what they say — no two pregnancies are alike! And I am not the same woman.

Maternity Floral Milk Bath | Grand Rapids Maternity Photographer

Floral milk baths are a gorgeous and unique way to celebrate your pregnancy. If you are worried your bathtub is not pretty enough, these images prove that even if you have a small bathtub with no natural lighting, your images will be beautiful.

Black Friday Deals with a Mission | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer

Snag my last openings for winter births, milk baths, and in-home sessions with these Black Friday Deals! I only have a few spots remaining this winter and they are filling up quickly.

The best part of the deal? Not only are you saving money, but the amount you save will be donated to Shiphrah Birthing Home in the Philippines.

Maternity Self-Portraits | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer

It's taken me a while to share these images - it turns out that it's far easier to share images of the vulnerable, beautiful, life-changing moments of other people's lives than to share my own.

In the spirit of practicing what I preach, I am sharing these self-portraits that freeze in time the incredible body God has given me to grow this precious and loved baby of ours.

Waiting for Baby Don | Grand Rapids Maternity Photographer

This couple was so thrilled to be anticipating the arrival of their first child. Zarah was absolutely glowing during this entire session - and the late afternoon golden light on UPLB's campus was simply stunning. Green and blue are my favorite colors, so naturally, these photos make me so happy!

Waiting for Akira | Grand Rapids Maternity Photographer

On the occasion of Akira's birth, it seems appropriate to finally blog about this beautiful maternity session. My friend Nita and her husband Buyung are dear friends of ours. They are from Indonesia, have lived in the US, and we met in the Philippines! I had the privilege of taking photos of Nita, Buyung, and their daughter Io as they anticipated the arrival of their son - baby Akira.

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