A very animal Christmas. Columbus Family Photography

We are high school sweethearts. We actually started dating after friends at band camp thought we would make a good couple. At first, we both weren’t really looking to date anyone but agreed to go out on at least 2 dates because our mutual friends were insistent. Now 16 years later, we figure we have a pretty good thing going and are really excited about adding a child to our lives.

How did you find out you were expecting or how did you announce it?

We had been hoping for a baby for a while so it didn’t come as a complete surprise, but we were ecstatic to finally get the chance when the doctors told us the amazing news. Mariah got the call from the doctors and instantly started crying with joy. Mariah beat Matt home that day and had a “Big Bother” bandanna tied around our dog’s neck. Luther (the dog) greeted Matt at the door when he came home. Matt saw the bandanna and was super excited.

What’s your favorite thing about being pregnant? Least favorite?


I’ve mostly really enjoyed my pregnancy. My favorite part is getting to feel her kick and move. The further along we are in the pregnancy she has even been reactive to me or anyone touching my stomach. If I poke at her foot, she’ll kick me back. I think it is amazing that a little being can already interact with the outside world even before she’s been introduced to it.

I hate to really complain about anything regarding the pregnancy, feeling so blessed to have the chance to be pregnant, but I’m definitely looking forward to being able to move, bend, and sleep in whatever position I’d like.

Did you find out your baby’s gender?

It’s a girl!!!

Is there a nursery or shower theme you’d like to share?


The nursery and shower followed the same theme. Animals; zoo/jungle animals mostly. Mariah’s mother who passed away in 2012 had always really looked forward to a grandbaby. (She and Matt’s mom were already discussing the potential for grandkids at the wedding reception!) After Mariah’s mom passed we found a secret stash of hers in which she had already been collecting cute things for a future grandbaby. Most of what we found had something to do with animals, so we thought it would be awesome to incorporate the things she had into the baby’s nursery and so the theme was born. Of course, Matt’s side of the family wanted equal representation so we also have a scattering of various farm animals in the mix (they are from the Nebraska farm country.) We are an equal opportunity for all animals kind of family. 😉

A baby is coming! What are you looking forward to the most?

We just can’t wait to meet her! While Mariah has had the chance to bond somewhat with her while in the womb, both she and Matt are looking forward to Matt getting to hold her for the first time. That will be really special.

Our families are also anxious to meet her but we have been keeping the baby’s name a surprise, so they are also anxious to learn her name.

How did you find Crystal Jo?

Mariah’s best friend also recently just had their first baby and used Crystal Jo and had some of the cutest pictures I’ve ever seen. I’m biased because of the baby that was involved, but my friend also talked about how much fun and how easy Crystal Jo was to work with.