Mommy in Bloom. Columbus Maternity Photography

Monaghan Fam. Baby Bump.

Amanda, you are the prettiest purple haired pregnant chick I’ve ever seen. I adore ALL of your spunk and ALL of that bump!

Brynleigh, my sweet girl, you are about to become a BIG SISTER.  I couldn’t be more excited for you.Cute family alert!

Session fave.  It just makes me stare at it.

Here are a few fun facts about this family…

Tell us something fun or unique about your relationship.
Mike works days and Amanda works night shift.  Finding the time for “making the magic” happen can be tricky…..but clearly we somehow found a way.

How did you find out you were expecting?
We thought we were done with one kiddo.  There was an undisclosed deadline. “If Brynleigh turns 4 and there isn’t 1 on the way or we weren’t actively trying, she was going to be it.”  She turned 4 Feb 8^th,  2016.  I went to day shift for a month in January 2016 to prove to Mike it wouldn’t be any easier with me working days to make a baby and be a family.  I was exhausted and mean and cranky….all the time!  I thought it was the day shift wreaking havoc on my system.  Nope, I found out 15 days into my trial month of day shift that we were expecting a surprise!  I was 5 weeks pregnant.

What’s your favorite thing about being pregnant? Least favorite?
I love baby kicks.  There is something special about feeling all the movement happening inside.  I missed it so much after I delivered my first little one.  This time around, I felt a little jipped.  I have an anterior placenta (it lies in the front of my belly).  So it blocks a lot of movement I would normally feel.  But I hold onto what I can feel because I know it will be my last.  I make Mike feel the kicks because it will be his last time to feel them.  I have Brynleigh feel my belly kicks too.  She thinks her sister is a karate kid.  This pregnancy has come with a lot more aches and pains.  Everything from sore hips, more contractions,  to peeing every 10 minutes,  and chronic insomnia.  But I would change any of it knowing I am part of our own little miracle.

Did you find out your baby’s gender?
I am too much of a planner not to have found out.  We are having another little girl.  Her name is Cora Elizabeth.  Apparently Mike is really amazing with producing and loving the women in his life.

Is there a nursery or shower theme you’d like to share?
We are doing a dandelion theme.  There is something sweet about little one’s wishes as they blow away the dandelion bulbs.

A baby is coming! What are you looking forward to the most?
Watching Bryn bond with her new little sister.   Seeing how she loves her so much already has me so ready to watch them grow up together.

How has your daughter adjusted to the news of a new baby?
Brynleigh is so ready.  Or at least she thinks she is.  She has already told me I won’t have to lift a finger.  She plans to feed, rock, change, etc the baby.  I think the problem in our house will be, “ Who is actually the Mommy.”

How was your experience with Crystal Jo?
We LOVE Crystal Jo!  Our 1st bump package was a gift from my sister in law.  I knew we could not pass it up again.  Thankfully my sister in law loves us and gifted us Crystal’s services.  Crystal is so engaging and really loves what she does.  You can tell in the pictures she takes.  We will always be return customers!!!!!  Love us some Crystal Jo.