Tummy Lovin. Columbus Maternity Photography

The Alexander Fam. Baby Bump.

Isn’t she absolutely stunning?!  YES!

SWWWWWOOOOON!

Cute family alert!

So sweet!

Session fave.  Bottom right!

Here are a few fun facts about this family….

Tell us a little about your family dynamic. How you met your husband, how long you’ve been married, names and ages of the children.
Ryan and I met through a mutual friend, not on purpose. We knew of each other but had never met. I was home for the summer while finishing my masters and Ryan was already teaching at GCHS. I was out with all my old high school friends and one of them had gone to college with Ryan. He happened to be at the same place we went out that night…. (That’s just a fancy way of saying we met at ‘Brothers’ LOL)

We have been married 6 years, together 8.
We currently have two gorgeous babies- Avery Meredith (5 years old) and Ryder Matthew (2 years old)… ONE more beautiful baby on the way (Harper Zana, due in December!)

If you could be any person for one day, who would it be?
Melissa- A stay at home mom… Love being with my babies and wish I could be with them more!
Ryan- Lebron James- he’s the greatest athlete of the present era.
Avery- “A PRINCESS!” (why?) “Because I look like a princess!”
Ryder- “Chase” (from paw patrol)

Are you more like your mom or your dad? (parents even answer this one!)
Melissa- As a parent myself, I would say I am much more my mother- the scheduler, very consistent, the disciplinarian, but the one the kids want as soon as they are tired, hurt or need ANYTHING.
Ryan- Mom, because I’m outgoing and can work for hours on end.
Avery- “I’m more like daddy because I have his eyes and we are both crazy”
Ryder- “mommy…” (why?) “my eyes” (He heard his sister’s answer first… haha)

How did you find out you were expecting?
We were specifically NOT trying that month because I always felt bad for my friends who had birthdays around Christmas. So of course, I knew we would get pregnant that month… I took a test one day after work, just to rule it out after being late… I had it on the table and waited for Ryan to come home and showed him… He said “NO WAY! It can’t be! We weren’t trying!” Then he proceeded to gloat about how strong his swimmers must be!
Avery- I went to your doctor’s appointment and saw her.
Ryder- no comment (still in denial)

What’s your favorite thing about being pregnant? Least favorite?
Melissa- My favorite thing is the 2nd trimester- feeling that baby flip and roll around… and of course when that little miracle comes out… IT’S ALL worth it! Something new with baby #3 is having an older child who understands what is going on (to an extent) Avery loves laying with me and feeling the baby move, picking out new outfits at the store so they can match, talking about holding her and how cute she is going to be. My least favorite… the 3rd trimester- constantly being uncomfortable, swelling, stretching, burning… etc.
Ryan- BEST- the excitement and buildup of having a new baby in the house. WORST- Not being able to do some of the activities we love to do.
Avery- BEST- because I really want to have a baby sister… Worst- you can’t ride roller coasters with me.
Ryder- Best- “a baby in there” Worst- “hurt you”

Did you find out your baby’s gender?
We weren’t going to at first but Avery was so insistent that if it was a boy she wanted nothing to do with it… So we found out. I had my mom go and I didn’t find out at the appointment. After she ordered cupcakes for just the 4 of us and we all took a bite together and found out… Ave was so pumped… I think Ryan and Ryder are still in denial.

Is there a nursery or shower theme you’d like to share?
Poor baby #3 gets the last and smallest bedroom so we tried to do something extra cool for her room. We broke down tons of pallets, sanded, painted and put up a very cool pallet wall. We also made a window box and mobile. A good friend of mine crocheted a matching blanket for her bedding… It’s my favorite of the 3 nurseries I’ve been able to do!

A baby is coming! What are you looking forward to the most?
Melissa- Cuddling!! Baby cuddles are the best!!
Ryan- Every stage of the kids lives have been awesome. The baby stage is exciting as well.
Avery- I’m gonna hold her and I’m gonna love her and give her kisses.
Ryder- no comment.

How was your experience with Crystal Jo?
Melissa- Awesome as always!!
Ryan- Crystal is the best- her energy and positivity make the day of pictures very easy on our family.
Avery- Good! Because I got to smile real pretty!
Ryder- no! (That’s about how he was at the shoot as well… These terrible twos are no joke!)