Hey everyone 👋☺️

So, we’re 32 weeks and 2 days pregnant, and all I can think about is the non stop pain this little babe has brought me so far 😭

I have to be honest with you guys: with Gracie – my pregnancy was a breeze. I didn’t feel ANY of the pain I am experiencing and have been experiencing thus far until I was in the hospital with her. With this little boy however, pain since AT LEAST 20 weeks that has progressively only gotten worse…. Sciatica and varicose veins are just a couple of my everyday struggles you guys… It’s AWFUL! Especially at night time… I just want to sleep little dude. Lettttt mama sleep. PLEASE 😩

At our most previous doctor’s visit just a few short days ago, we found out baby boys head is really low. I know I’m not full term, but I could swear he wants to make his presence early lol. We’re praying however that that isn’t the case and that he is brought into the world as healthy as can be. Our doctor won’t check for dilation until we are 36 weeks pregnant (even though I wishhhh they could check sooner), so we’re hanging in there. We were advised however to be put on bed rest. Which means our traveling has been put on a short hold. We do have mini getaways planned. But they aren’t any longer than a day to two days, and our doctor is fully aware.

Zack and I have come to, kind of a major decision if you will. Once baby Rylan is due, we have agreed to – Zack getting a vasectomy, and I getting my tubes tied. We feel two babies is the perfect number FOR US! We absolutely love being parents, and we adore every stage of pregnancy, but we love the idea of being a family of four. Plus, our two kitties and our puppy (although he’s not really a puppy. He’s seven – Gracie just likes to call him her puppy 😅🐕🐾).

They are totally best friends you guys ❤️

So, as hard as this pregnancy has been for us mentally, physically, and emotionally even, we’ve been cherishing every second.

We’ve been experiencing intense Braxton Hicks contractions, and a whole ton of pressure, and we’ve been just trying to smile through the pain. It’s always a guessing game these days. Is he coming? Is he just pulling a prank on us? Lol, so we’re extremely thankful for contraction trackers. We have an app on our phones that allows us to keep track of the contractions duration and intervals between each new set, and it is a MAJOR lifesaver 🙆🤰

Some things we’ll really miss being pregnant though: for one: all of the baby wiggles and kicks. It’s the most beautiful thing feeling those little flutters and movements. And then as your belly and baby get bigger, SEEING those movements. Zack and I will literally lay in bed at nap time or night time, and watch his little butt move from the left side of my belly to the right, then back to the left again. Or watching my tummy just go up and down because Rylan is kicking and we can see his whole foot print literally. Another thing we’ll miss is totally the belly itself. I’ve always loved having a pregnant belly. They are just the cutest. I really love dressing the bump. Give me all of the bodycon dresses please since I was pregnant BOTH ✌️ times in the summer heat 👗😅

And what makes this pregnancy extra special is now, rather than just Zack kissing and talking to Gracie in mommy’s tummy – Gracie and daddy are both kissing mommy’s tummy and talking to Rylan. Gracie is going to be the most amazing big sissy. Every single day… It never fails – she will ask “mommy, is baby brother coming today?” She cannot wait to show him the world. To play with him, sing to him, take care of him, teach him new things. She cannot wait to tell him alllll of her stories (this girl has a lot of stories believe me 🤚), make up new and exciting games with him, and literally just be his little best friend. Our hearts are so full. She has the most beautiful personality inside and out, and we’re so anxious to meet Rylan and see what he will be like ♥️ is he going to be outgoing, energetic and full of non stop energy like sissy? Or, is he going to be more quiet and reserved? Is he going to have an explosive imagination? Will he love to sing and dance? Will he LOVE Disney movies as much as we do? Will he be artsy? And then the more obvious questions like: will he have hair? Lol, big blue eyes like Gracie? Or, big brown eyes like mommy and daddy?

Little boy, no matter your looks, personality, interests, or whatever else – we will love you endlessly. Mommy, daddy, and Gracie cannot wait to meet you. We cannot wait to travel the world as a family of FOUR! We cannot wait to kiss your little face, hold you super tight, sing to you every night, and watch you grow into an incredible person. 54 more days to go ♥️♥️♥️

Zack took some Incredible maternity pictures, but we’re hoping we can get a few more shoots in before baby boy arrives.

Here’s just a few so far 😊🤰

The one of Gracie is just a bonus 😁

Shoot one of four (hopefully 🤞), one of which I want taken at the hospital not to long before we meet Rylan so that we can forever remember and celebrate the beautiful joys of pregnancy, and moving forward – Growing our little tribe ♥️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🐕🐈🐈

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog post. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Or, simply say hi 🙋 we would love to hear from you.

Dress is from @motherbeematernity – I had the pleasure of working alongside this gorgeous maternity brand. If you’re an expected mama to be, or if you know someone who is, I strongly suggest checking them out. They are affordable, GREAT quality, and the owner – Nicole is a doll ♥️

Photographer – @zjgphotography – (better known as Zack, my husband 👨‍⚕️📷). He is a travel photographer and loves taking maternity and family photoshoots. And his heart is set on landscape photography. Take a look at his work. It’s stunning and I think you’ll fall in love 🤗

Until next time…

XOXOXO

Jessica, Zack, Gracie, and Rylan Mikolajczak