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. Angie Avatar

    Oh my goodness, so soon! So excited for y’all – I say that every time, but it’s so true. Congrats, lovely lady!!!

    Like

  2. Meghan Avatar
    Meghan

    You are one of those women who just look amazing pregnant! And these pictures are gorgeous!

    Like

  3. emily Avatar
    emily

    Early congrats! I was due June 15, but had my little girl, Avery, 2 weeks early. She’s now 11 days old. 🙂

    Like

  4. Kathy Avatar

    Love all the photos and my first pregnancy (9 years ago) the due date came and nothing…went to the movies. So for 9 months you wait for this one day and then when it comes….nothing happens……it felt weird sort of like an anti-climax. James was born by c-section a week later. All the best and you will be crying because it is such an amazing time, your little girl will be here soon. And all the best to Daddy for being at the birth (hopefully). Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

    Like

  5. Taylor Avatar
    Taylor

    You probably wrote this already but when does Paul return home? Just remember that you are not alone. Your and your baby get to go through this experience together! Your first of many adventures together 🙂 I am so, so excited for you and for what is in store. Take good care.

    Like

  6. Rachel Avatar

    Love this. When you do meet her, and look into her eyes for the first time, you realize you already recognize her soul. You knew her long ago, and that is magic.

    Like

  7. Eri Avatar
    Eri

    Good luck, we’re thinking of you!

    Like

  8. cj Avatar
    cj

    Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing with us. You’re book for baby e sounds like a gift that will be treasured forever. So happy that your family to be together soon! Looking forward to ‘meeting’ baby e. 🙂
    You’re amazing Elise, you handle every situation with such grace and you have an incredibly positive attitude. Parenting will be a joy to you, and I’m sure you’ll excel at it. Best Wishes!!!!

    Like

  9. Melonie Avatar

    Cannot wait to get a glimpse of your book. I journaled throughout both of my pregnancies and those journals are some of our most prized posessions. To have a collection of your letters with Tara Whitney photos scattered throughout? Beyond amazing!! SO happy for you and Paul and your positive outlook about everything that comes your way always makes me feel braver!!

    Like

  10. Andi Avatar
    Andi

    Your pictures are amazing, and every time I read your blog I think how much courage it must take to be open. I think you said it perfectly when you said even though it’s the end of the chapter, you’re about to begin a whole new journey and that’s what’s most important. God bless and I pray a safe and wonderful birth experience for you and baby Cripe:)

    Like

  11. Alanna N Avatar

    You are absolutely GORGEOUS Elise! Thank you for your willingness to share your journey with us all here in blogland. Can’t wait to see photos of your little princess! My guess is Elena. I stumbled across another blog the day after reading your nursery post and it stuck in my head! All the best for your birth journey – and I have my fingers crossed that Paul will return in time 🙂

    Like

  12. Brooke Avatar

    So excited for you!!! And yes, acknowledging that it’s just the beginning is so right. With my first child I remained open minded about going with the flow for the birth, but I forgot that I also needed to prepare myself that after he was born it doesn’t stop. One big awesome roller coaster. That boy is almost 5 and every day is awesome. We celebrated him reading an 11 word sentence by himself this week.
    Good luck to you. I might be checking all your social media outlets too often for news. Just enjoy her!!

    Like

  13. Sandy Avatar
    Sandy

    Rooting for healthy babe, healthy mom ….love from Canada XX.

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  14. Amanda Avatar

    These photos are gorgeous, Elise! YOU are gorgeous! I love the one with baby girl’s quilt!

    Like

  15. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Elise, it is YOU who is rad..!

    Like

  16. Sinnestau Avatar
    Sinnestau

    Oh gosh, I’m here in germany and I’m so excited for you! So I look everyday whats going on! I wish you and your little family the best! AND: that your husband arrives at time!
    Sunny greeetings!

    Like

  17. JeanD Avatar
    JeanD

    Elise you have been inspirational in your attitude during your pregnancy. It would have been so easy to feel sorry for yourself, but you haven’t (well I’m sure you’ve had moments). I know that all that positivity will be beneficial for your little one and for your family. All the best in this next stage as you welcome her into you arms, she’s already well and truly in your hearts.

    Like

  18. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    I’m excited for you and this new arrival. I know your posts will slow down when this new life comes, but I sure will miss seeing your blog daily. I’m old enough to be your mother and I already have grandchildren but I’m really enjoying you sharing your life with us. I’m also using Seafoam for Project Life which is full of pictures of my grandchildren just like I know your and Paul’s parents will be. God bless you and your wonderful little family!

    Like

  19. Carrie Avatar

    You are just the cutest!

    Like

  20. rossana Avatar

    un grandissimo in bocca al lupo, che tutto ti vada bene, non avere paura: siamo tutti con te!!

    Like

  21. Michelle Avatar

    Good luck to you and P and Lil E! We will be waiting to “meet” her here!

    Like

  22. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    Tara sure is magic. I think I would be too self-conscious to have her shoot me, though.

    Like

  23. Michelle Avatar

    I love the name Avery!

    Like

  24. jodi Avatar

    so beautiful!! good luck to you, sweet mama.

    Like

  25. kirsty mitchell Avatar

    Hi Elise – just curious, if your baby girl goes past her due date what do you do in the USA? Here in the UK we wait until the pregnancy is two weeks overdue and then we get induced to hurry along the process..
    xxx

    Like

  26. KellyRae Avatar

    You are breathtaking in your joyous pregnancy shots. LOVE the beach shot especially. I am so happy for you that sweet baby girl within will soon be making her appearance.

    Like

  27. elise blaha Avatar

    The birth is a HUGE deal. I don’t deny that. But we’ll get what we get. 🙂

    Like

  28. elise blaha Avatar

    Congratulations! And love the name too. 🙂

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  29. elise blaha Avatar

    Soon! But I can’t share specifics since it’s military travel. 🙂 I’ll update when he is back.

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  30. elise blaha Avatar

    Thank you! It is difficult to lay it all out there sometimes but sweet comments make it worth it. 🙂

    Like

  31. Stephanie Mathena Avatar

    Great way of putting it, the birth and all.
    http://thewearwithal.typepad.com/

    Like

  32. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    I’ve been following your entire pregnancy journey, and I must say it’s been quite exciting! I, too, am expecting our first little one, and tomorrow is my due date 🙂 And like you, I am one of those annoying women who just loves being pregnant. I’m actually sad that this part of the journey is ending, but I’m certainly excited for the next step. I’m especially excited to meet this baby because we still don’t know if we’re having a boy or a girl. I figure it’s extra incentive to push 😉
    I wish you and Paul a most wonderful birth experience!

    Like

  33. veronica Avatar

    oh that belly!!! love! My prayers for a beautiful, wonderful delivery.

    Like

  34. Sandy Avatar
    Sandy

    You look beautiful! Love all the photos. Tara is so talented. I can’t wait to see the book, I’m sure it’s going to be great.

    Like

  35. Jerrica Avatar
    Jerrica

    That was a beautifully written post! Your happiness is radiant. 🙂

    Like

  36. creole wisdom Avatar

    These are just lovely, Elise! You are lovely! Your positive, joyful attitude is greatly admired.
    I love Tara. She basically revolutionized lifestyle photography and started a lot of things… great work!

    Like

  37. Jamie Avatar

    i’m just catching up. these shots are gorgeous. i know that everything will be perfect, with or without p at the birth. but man i hope for you BOTH that he gets to see you THIS pregnant and feel your tummy before she arrives. you’re a gorgeous pregnant. ❤

    Like

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