Don't let self-conscious feelings prevent you from doing maternity photos!

I had almost talked myself out of it, but luckily my sister-in-law insisted: It took years for me to get pregnant, this is my husband and I's first child (possibly only child), and if I didn't have some photos to look back at, I would likely regret it.

I made the mistake of blaming finances for not having any done. She promptly told me she was happy to take them for us with her camera, so I had no excuse about paying for photos. Yesterday she took us to a local park and beach and I'm thankful she did.

They came out great and while I admit I didn't feel it at the time, looking at these photos now I see the beauty in myself I struggled to find for most of my pregnancy and adult life as a plus-sized woman.

I will cherish these photos forever. I can't wait to take some with our son as a family.