enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

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Hooray, hooray…we're almost there.

Tomorrow is my due date. Sometime in the next week, we'll meet this little girl. It feels like it's been forever since we knew there was a baby on the way and it feels like just yesterday that I was wishing for another family member.

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I wanted to share today some of my favorite photos from the maternity shoot that I had with the fantastic Tara Whitney last month. Because this was my first pregnancy, I was unprepared for and fascinated by all the body changes – especially in this final trimester. And while FaceTime is awesome, it's been hard having Paul across the globe and not able to celebrate this experience in person with me. Having these photos taken was a way to document this crazy time period for both of us.

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And Tara is just magic with the camera.

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I have loved being pregnant. Yep. I'm one of those annoying women. But I am also thrilled that soon she'll be out. And here. I'm can't wait to really get a look a this little person who dances in my belly. I feel a bit like I know her and I am so excited to finally introduce her to her dad and my family and friends that love her so much already.

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I told Paul a few weeks ago that I had a moment where I realized being sad about him potentially missing the birth is like scheduling a lifelong excursion together and then being sad that we had to take different planes on the first flight. Lame? Yes. How rad and exciting it would (or will be!) to start this adventure together, in the same room, in the same moment. But at the same time, that flight is so minor compared to the full trip. When you're pregnant, it's easy to think about the birth is this huge event that marks the end of it. But, of course, the birth is this huge event that marks the beginning of it.

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And the beginning.

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Oh, how thrilled I am to be almost to the beginning.

And for the memory keepers or those curious to what I'll do with these photos… One or two might be framed and hung in our master bathroom. Then, I am going to design a book with just photos from this shoot and all the letters I have been writing the baby since I found out I was pregnant. It will be hardbound and if I do it right – awesome. I'll share here once it's made.

All photos by Tara Whitney. Tara, you are the most rad. Thank you for helping me capture this experience. Cannot wait for the shoot with Paul AND the little one.

 

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87 responses to “we’re almost there.”

  1. Leona Lane Avatar

    Elise, you’re a GORGEOUS preggo lady! All the best wishes for your delivery, and crossing all my fingers that Paul makes it home:) Congrats!!

    Like

  2. Claire Avatar

    Woohoo! So exciting! You look FAB in these photos, so natural and my fave is definitely the one with you faded out on the beach. Beautiful. All the best – sending well wishes and hoping that everything goes smoothly. How will you announce it to the blogging world that your little girl has arrived? Instagram/the blog? I just want to know where to keep an eye out! hehehe

    Like

  3. eeny Avatar

    these pictures are beautiful and so are you.
    what an exciting time now, almost time to hold her in your arms. eagerly waiting for a “she’s her” post/tweet/instagram from now on. =)

    Like

  4. Jody R Avatar
    Jody R

    I love the bikini shot with Baby E’s quilt. Totally perfect!

    Like

  5. Skye Avatar

    You look amazing and have an amazing attitude. I absolutely love what you wrote about the plane comparison and about this being a huge, wonderful beginning. I am so happy for you being able to meet your little girl soon!

    Like

  6. lisa fine Avatar

    Gorgeous photos. I got goosebumps reading this post, seeing how magical this experience has been for you. Love seeing you in all the different outfits and colors – you look so happy! Wishing you lots of health and love for your delivery.

    Like

  7. Kelsey McEvoy Avatar

    Pregnancy looks stunning on you, Elise! You’re absolutely radiating.
    I LOVE the analogy you used, as it is so, so true. I almost had to deliver my second child alone, and in the moment the thought was terrifying. But once I was able to step back and see the situation for what it was, I got more and more used to the idea of having that experience alone. In the end I didn’t have to go through it alone, and I so totally hope Paul makes it home in time 🙂

    Like

  8. Stephanie Avatar

    Wow, you look AMAZING! And I am so impressed and inspired by your attitude.
    I must admit I feel like a bit of a stalker, since I dreamt about you last night. In my dream I read that baby girl was born, and that you had changed her name to Ula, instead of the E name you had originally planned. How weird is that..?! (I have absolutely no idea where that name came from, either)
    Anyway, I’m so happy for you and Paul that the time has almost come to meet your little lady. I hope and pray that everything will be just right for the three of you 🙂

    Like

  9. Kasia Roddy Avatar
    Kasia Roddy

    I’ve never commented before, although, I’ve been reading your blog for years. You made my heart happy so many times, this post made me almost cry:)
    I wish you the delivery you wish for:)

    Like

  10. lori Avatar

    you have a way of writing that makes me cry a bit – happy tears. Enjoy it all as I know you will….

    Like

  11. Deneen Avatar

    Just beautiful. You will be so happy that you have these in the future and your wee little one will treasure them 🙂

    Like

  12. Martina Avatar

    The photos are beyond beautiful – you are a beautiful pregnant lady and I hope that when I’m pregnant I look half as good as you do! I’m so happy that you’ve made it to full term and that hopefully now your new beginning will take place with your and Paul together.
    Wishing you a safe and happy delivery
    Martina
    http://snapshotsandwhatnots.typepad.com

    Like

  13. Mindy Avatar
    Mindy

    gorgeous!! pregnancy definitely agrees with you 🙂 so exciting for you & your husband!!

    Like

  14. Gina Avatar
    Gina

    What an exciting time! I hope your husband will be able to be there at delivery! I could not remember the first year of my sons life, as it was a blurr due to 1st time mommy worries and exhaustion. But I am so thankful I took a ton of pictures! I can look at them and remember the precious moments I forgot. Project life has been a lifesaver. I am sure you will take lot’s of pictures, so get lot’s of rest and may god bless you, your husband and baby at this joyous time!

    Like

  15. elsiecake Avatar

    beautiful, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL!

    Like

  16. alison Avatar

    So so sweet. You look amazing and I hope your husband gets to experience the birth with you. And if not, it will be special and perfect anyway. Good luck!

    Like

  17. Cerise Avatar

    Just stunning photos. I wish I had, had some taken when I was pregnant with my boys. I loved being pregnant with mine too. I just couldn’t understand why everyone else didn’t love it too! Can’t wait to see the album you put together.
    I hope the baby is able to wait for Paul.

    Like

  18. elise blaha Avatar

    I’m sure it will be on instagram and the blog. her name will be on the blog first for sure. 🙂

    Like

  19. Bekah Avatar

    You are so stunning! Wow. So excited for you! Thanks for letting your readers in on this special time in your life. I hope all goes well and #babycripe makes her debut happy and healthy! 🙂

    Like

  20. Amanda in Austin Avatar
    Amanda in Austin

    Can’t wait to see the book.

    Like

  21. Caroline Avatar

    You are how I wished I looked when I was pregnant! You are absolutely glowing and though I’m sure you must be uncomfortable, you look so graceful and at ease.
    I’m in the UK and my brother and sister and law just had their first baby in NYC. I knew your babies would be delivered close together and now I can’t wait to ‘meet’ your little one.
    I’m so in love with the tiny niece I won’t meet for months and I feel I understand a tiny bit of what you must be feeling being seperated at this time. Paul will be home in the blink of an eye and you’ll be Mummy!

    Like

  22. Barbara Uechi Avatar

    Have a wonderful birthing experience, Elise. Thank you for sharing the many facets of your pregnancy. I look forward to seeing the “after” pictures!

    Like

  23. elizafitz Avatar
    elizafitz

    Beautiful photos, Elise, absolutely beautiful. The one w/ the trees is gorgeous but the blurry photo is surreal and dreamy and magical… Can’t wait to see the book and of course, little e 🙂

    Like

  24. Erika Avatar

    Beautiful photos!! So excited for you that you get to meet your little one so soon! Good luck with your labour and delivery:)

    Like

  25. kate Avatar

    yay! name guess time: elaine. i like that both would start with el and end in e. 😉 beautiful photos!

    Like

  26. joy Avatar
    joy

    ❤ you’re entitled to your feelings, the birth is a big deal. Beautiful photos, can’t wait to “meet” her!

    Like

  27. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    umm that black and white swimsuit belly photo?? gasp! AMAZING. totally a picture little e will want to have with her as an adult. THIS is how you do a pregnancy shoot. rad rad rad.

    Like

  28. pianoB Avatar

    These photos are rad. Your smile and your being-positive are rad.
    Thanks for sharing your experience with us, you’re a great inspiration.
    Good luck, can’t wait to “meet” your baby! 🙂

    Like

  29. Ffion Avatar

    You look so radiantly happy and healthy in these photos 🙂 Can’t wait to meet baby Cripe through the blog.
    I really love the out of focus shot of you, not sure why, but it really strikes a chord.
    And what a gorgeous set of photos! Well done on managing to plan this shoot into your schedule! I’m sure these are photos to be cherished for a life-time to come by the whole family.

    Like

  30. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    Beautiful pictures Elise! You are gorgeous!
    Enjoy the last moments of your pregnancy. I wish you a safe, fast and happy delivery. Can’t wait for baby’s news. All the best for your family!!!

    Like

  31. Giulia Avatar

    your attitude is such an inspiration! you should be really proud of yourself for seeing things the way you see them:) that last picture is you is beautiful!
    anyways, i hope little e stays in there a bit more because it definitely looks like you are enjoying it, this whole pregnancy thing!
    also, if she waits until sunday to arrive we will be birthday twins:)

    Like

  32. Robyn Avatar

    I hear you, I loved being pregnant too:-) Cant wait to meet her via your blog!

    Like

  33. Yours truly, Melissa Avatar

    These are perfect! Wishing you a happy & safe delivery!

    Like

  34. Kathryn - Collage Diva Avatar

    You are so precious and radiant. I’m very happy to see your joy.

    Like

  35. Becca Groves Avatar

    Oh these pictures are beautiful! And you will always be glad you had them taken! It has been pure joy to get to live this pregnancy with you, watching the nursery set up, all the joys and challenges along the way. Motherhood looks great on you already. Congrats to you and enjoy all of the soft focus, sleepy weeks to come. They are precious.

    Like

  36. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    Beautiful and amazing all the way….this precious little girl is and will be so loved 🙂

    Like

  37. Lindsay Avatar

    Great taste and beautiful photos, your really are glowing, I hope whenever we welcome a new family member in our home, it can be done with such grace. I think the book idea is the PERFECT use of your photos, and really inspired me.

    Like

  38. Melanie Routhier Avatar

    Oh Elise! Such gorgeous photos! You are stunning while pregnant and you are making me want another little one kicking inside me SO bad. And I hear you on all the body changes, I remember waking up a few times thinking “oh great now my body is going to do that?! eww, gross!” lol.

    Like

  39. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    All your baby posts seriously make my eyes water. Here’s to the beginning!!

    Like

  40. susi davis Avatar

    Elise, the photos are so ethereal and gorgeous. I love the idea of a book of these photos with letters to your daughter. I can imagine how wonderful and precious that would have been for my Mom to have given me a such a gift especially when I was expecting my first child. I wish you a healthy delivery, healthy baby and Daddy present for the birth. It’s going to be magic. Bless your growing family.

    Like

  41. Tameeka Avatar
    Tameeka

    Beautiful post. thank you for sharing… I am thankful for your perspective on the birth and Paul possibly missing it. its been over a year and I am still grieving over my own birth that was no where close to what I even hoped or wanted it to be. yes i have a healthy baby. and some days that is all i can hope to focus on as all the other stuff and my experience hurts way to much. it is so true it is only the beginning. 🙂
    PS june 19th is a fantastic birthday day 😉 all the best xo

    Like

  42. Camille Avatar
    Camille

    Wow, Elise I could not be more excited for you! I’ve been following the blog for years now, feels like I read your wedding post just yesterday. Sending so much love and luck as you embark on this new journey 🙂

    Like

  43. Christina C Avatar
    Christina C

    Beautiful! I love the ones of you in a bikini you are so stinkin cute! Yay for loving being pregnant, I was that same annoying person 😉

    Like

  44. Mel Avatar

    These photos are amazing. That blurry one toward the end is my favorite; please tell me you’ll try to paint it? What a great keepsake for little e.

    Like

  45. karen c Avatar
    karen c

    Great pictures! you are so cute pregnant! what a wonderful way to share with your husband. I love the joy that radiates from your posts. sending it right back at you. Your delivery will be fine because you sure do seem like you can roll with anything!

    Like

  46. Deb @ PaperTurtle Avatar

    Oh I love seeing these adorable photos, Elise! I hadn’t realized how addicted I am to your blog until I went for a few days without seeing you in my reader! Haha – so glad to see your smiling pregnant face today. I’ll be watching for some fun news and hoping all is well with you and your sweet family! Fingers crossed that Paul will be there holding your hand! xo

    Like

  47. J3SS1C4 Avatar

    Wow, these pics are stunning, Elise! You really are glowing, and look oh-so-cute pregnant!! Goodluck when baby girl comes along! I hope it all goes smoothly for you, and just think, Paul will be back in no time now, and your get to be a cute little family together 🙂

    Like

  48. Chrisy@goodnorthcoastlife Avatar

    Hugs to you Elise.
    Love your attitude, and how you’re getting things sorted in your head. It really is about how you choose to see things.
    Good luck with the next few days.

    Like

  49. Libbi M. (Ashland, Oregon) Avatar
    Libbi M. (Ashland, Oregon)

    absolutely beautiful shots. you look stunning. tara whitney is an amazing photographer. crossing my fingers baby girl waits until paul gets home.

    Like

  50. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    Beautiful photos!!

    Like

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