From a young age I learned that a person’s beauty is both external and internal. I have tried very hard throughout my life to never judge someone based on their appearance, including myself. I thought I had a healthy self esteem, that is until I got pregnant. I was prepared mentally for just about everything I would go through during the pregnancy, except seeing my body change so drastically. Even though everyone around me told me that I was “glowing”, I had never felt more unattractive. Every body part was stretched and swollen and sometimes I did not even recognize myself in the mirror. After giving birth, I canceled my son’s newborn session twice. Granted I was feeling awful from my c-section, but the thought of being photographed terrified me. My amazingly talented friend/photographer Brittany refused to let me cancel a third time and said I simply had to get in front of the camera with my son. She claimed if I absolutely hated the photos I could just delete them, but that I would regret not having taken photos with him for the rest of my life. I was shaking when she took the following shots. I tried to focus completely on Joaquín and it worked. When I saw the photos for the first time I cried, as I have never loved photos of myself more. I do not love the way I look, but I love the woman I have become and I think that my internal beauty is radiating. Being a Mother is the hardest thing I have ever experienced, however it is the greatest job I could ever imagine having. I am being challenged in ways that I never thought possible and I could not be more proud of myself. I am forever grateful to Brittany for pushing me out of my comfort zone and reminding me the truth about beauty. I hope this post reminds you about the truth as well. Next time you are being critical about your own looks, remember everything you have accomplished in life whether it is a higher education degree, volunteering on your weekends, or traveling abroad — these things make you more beautiful than a new dress or losing five pounds ever could!
Which photo is your favorite? To see the first and second part of the photo shoot click here and here.
Photos Taken By: Brittany Lauren Photography
I’m so glad you pushed through the fear and went through with the shoot! You are glowing! Motherhood becomes you, Andi. Give Joaquin a hug and kiss from me. I hope we’ll get to see each other in person again someday soon. Love you!
Thank you so much sweetheart! I know that usually in life when you can push through the fear the biggest reward is waiting you. Your kind words mean the world to me. I just gave him about 20 kisses from you!!! I can’t wait for you to meet him one day SOON. Love you!
Andi, how sweet is the second picture with Joaquín looking right into your eyes. *melts*
You look so happy, relaxed, and in love. I would never have guessed how nervous you were feeling beforehand.
I was literally shaking and sweating!!! Brittany had to coach me to focus on Joaquin. I LOVE the pic of Joaquin looking right into my eyes. It melts my heart too! He’s the best!!! <3
Andi, it’s obvious that you’re a beautiful person, on the inside and outside, and these photos of you and your baby radiate so much love. They’re so lovely! Wishing you all the best as a new mum xx
Thank you sweetheart your kind words mean the world to me!!! I wish I could give you a huge hug! XO
Awww this almost made me cry! These pictures are so beautiful!
Last year, I put on a lot of weight (not due to having a baby) and I’ve been trying to get it off this year. I’m learning to dance West Coast Swing and my friend keeps telling how badly she wants to video me because she thinks I am dancing so well, but I have been avoiding it because I HATE seeing the way I look right now and how I would look next to a man who is physically fit. I told her that I wouldn’t be able to notice how great I was dancing if I had to see the way my body looked at so many different angles.
This post really encouraged me to just go for it and accept where I’m at. You look amazing in these photos!
I wish I could give you a huge hug! Please please please let your friend video you. Like Brittany said to me, you can delete the video if you hate the way you look. But I bet instead of hating how you look you will be so proud of yourself for how good you dance! Now I want to see you dance!!! Thank you for your kind words, you’re such a sweetheart!!!
Ditto the other commenters here, and I’m glad you did the photo shoot. I understand why you felt fearful–I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin after pregnancy either and was so impatient when the weight didn’t come off as fast as I’d hoped. Later I realized that pregnancy doesn’t end when the baby comes out…the baby still needs his mama so very much for months, and your body needs time to absorb all the changes and stress. That second photo is totally adorable!! So sweet 🙂
You’re absolutely right!!! I will definitely give my body more time to heal. Thank you for your comment!
I know it must be hard to be on the receiving end of these kinds of compliments when you don’t feel 100% about yourself, but you really do look stunning. Your skin is creamy and perfect, and the hair suits you so so well! And your body has changed, yes, and I have no idea what this is like, having never been pregnant, but it is a telltale sign of being a mother, so for that reason alone it is a wonderful, beautiful thing! Not to mention, it is still a GREAT bod.
You rock my world! Love love love this comment!!! Any time I start to feel down, I’ll reread it. 🙂
Oh darlin, I love this so much. Your beauty, your love, your joy, your peace, your utter belonging. XO So proud of you for letting This You be captured with your beloved boy. XOXO
Thank you x a million! You always leave the best comments!!! Love you!
Well you do look beautiful, Andi — and not just in a “mom” way. You know you’re gorgeous! And so is your son. The black-and-white image is my favorite. The intimacy she captured gives me the *tiniest* bit of a mom twinge. 🙂
Oh and yes! I forgot to mention how much I love your haircut! Very chic.
Thank you!!! I’m starting to finally like it now…
Oooh for a pic to give you a Mom twinge is huge!!! You would be such an awesome Mom girlfriend! Thank you so much for your lovely and thoughtful words they mean so much to me! Hope you get to meet Joaquin soon.
What a little cutie, he is absolutely perfect and you look beautiful!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m feeling really uncomfortable having my photo taken now at 38 weeks pregnant and I’m sure I will for a few months after the baby is born. But seeing how amazing you look, even if you didn’t feel 100%, has totally made me realise it’s worth taking lots and lots of photos. I’m sure you’re going to treasure these forever.
Congratulations!
Thank you so very, very much!!! I sure hope this post inspires you to have your photo taken!!! I promise you will treasure the photos FOREVER. Congrats on meeting your little one soon. Your life is about to change in the best way possible. I get goosebumps thinking about it. Your heart will literally explode from love! <3
These are just beautiful. You’re brave for sharing these thoughts and insecurities… I’m sure it’s a struggle but totally worth it. Your little guy is going to be so tall – look how long he is!!
He is going to be SO tall, I can’t even believe it! He’s already almost 2 feet long. Thank you for your kind words my friend. Love you!
favorite – the second picture of him looking up at you. priceless, precious and a real framer.
Thank you, I love that one too! Definitely having it framed!!!
They are ALL gorgeous Andi – so beautiful. I always love black and white, so that is definitely one of my favorites!
Thank you sweetheart, hope you get to meet Joaquin one day soon!
Longtime blog reader here – you are truly wonderful and inspiring and I think you’ve never looked more beautiful! Enjoy your happy family.
Awww thank you sweetheart for so many different things!!! <3
Gorgeous baby!
Thank you!!!
These are gorgeous and I LOVE how you decorated the nursery!
Thank you so very, very much!!! 🙂
Absolutely love your sentiments. I’m going to remember that next time I’m being hard on myself. <3
Please do!!!
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