Disclaimer: This blog contains sensitive pregnancy photos. I ask everyone to be respectful and any negative comments will be deleted. It took a lot for me to be vulnerable to share these images. With my health history, I wanted to be as transparent and open as possible with this miraculous pregnancy.
Many of you already have been following my journey and know that my health history has been plagued with illness, numerous surgeries, and plenty of setbacks. I had my colon removed in 2008 because my Crohn’s disease was so progressive. Doctors, worried about the dangerous potential of colon cancer and with fast deterioration of my colon, removed it to save my life. That journey was wrought with so many setbacks and ongoing severe illness. Chemotherapy, biologic treatments, thousands of procedures, multiple ostomies, hospitalizations, and repeated surgery had severely impacted the quality of life I was living in my late teens into my 20s. Most of my dreams were put on hold just to survive.
The one dream I held onto and hoped for was to one day be a mother. Doctors could never give a definitive answer as to whether or not pregnancy could even be possible. It was always a “wait and see” possibility. Without my large intestine or parts of my small intestine, even carrying a baby to term was a huge risk. And, it has been. This miraculous pregnancy has been filled with many issues, illness related problems, and so much worry. Yet, this sweet little boy growing inside me is a fighter. Just like me.
That is why, as we came closer to my due date, I dreamed of having pregnancy photos taken to mark this extraordinary time in our lives.
My colo-rectal surgeon told me last week, despite all the complications, try to enjoy this. “Enjoy being pregnant, Nadia.” She said, “Time goes so fast, we forget these moments. Try to remember how exciting it is to feel him moving…” And it is! This is so true! I have to appreciate everything I am going through to bring him here, and I love him so much that I don’t care how much I have to endure. This is temporary and so worth it.
Next week, I stop the last of my medications needed to keep my disease in remission, so our baby has the best chance and can be his strongest at birth. That part is very unsettling because I don’t know what my body will do without those medications. I am hoping that the last dose will sustain me through the final weeks until delivery and beyond. With that in mind, I decided now was the best time to do these photos. While I felt as good as I can expect to feel, I wanted to capture the power of this moment and the profound feelings of this health and pregnancy journey. I channeled my inner “life-giving goddess” for these powerful images!
I want to thank my mom and dad for their help in bringing my vision to life through these photos, and a huge thank you to Nate for being the most amazing husband and best friend on this journey. I couldn’t have done this without him..obviously..haha!!
“Life reveals her beauty one precious miracle at a time.” ~Flavia
Enjoy the photos.
~Nadia
Thank you so much for sharing such a private moment. Your pictures are gorgeous, simply gorgeous!! The black and white ones are so artistic. I love them all though. I’m so very happy for you and your hubby! I pray God will bless your little family.
Absolutely beautiful!!!!! You are a true inspiration Nadia.
You are Amazing!! Thank you for sharing your story. Blessings to you and your family❤️
Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. Praying for you and baby. God bless your family.
Wow! Like you said, amazing, vulnerable yet courageous, and absolutely beautiful! Wish you the best!!!! Thank you for sharing this. ❤️
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and leave a comment. We are so excited and happy too!
Best of luck, I will keep you in my prayers!!
Thank you so much!!!
You look amazing! God bless your little family!
I have two family members with Crohn’s, my husband and my sister-in-law. These photos are absolutely beautiful and a true testament to what you have been through and the miracle that is growing inside of you. Best of luck with the remainder of your pregnancy. Enjoy every minute and know that precious baby is worth it!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I appreciate all your kind words. I am definitely going to try to enjoy the rest of this time, but also, I cannot wait to see his cute little face! 🙂
Beautiful!
BEAUTIFUL!!!😍😍💓💓💓💓💓
Thank you so much!! I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog!
Nadia, your story and your photos are beautiful. There is beauty in the kind of strength it has taken you to come so far in your journey. I wish you all the best as you embark upon this new path called motherhood.
You are going to be an amazing beautiful mommy.. remember you are loved .. by those that took the pictures(dad&mom) and the one who is also shinning in the pictures(Nate). Wishing you and yours the Best of the Best…
Beautiful pics of you both. I wish you well as you enter the final weeks of this incredible journey towards motherhood – a miracle indeed! God bless you, Nadia x
Beautiful photos of a beautiful story! I will continue to pray for the last part of your pregnancy. You are a strong, gorgeous & courageous woman! Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post today. I felt very nervous and insecure before doing the photo-shoot but seeing these photos makes me so happy that I did this so one day I can look back on these memories and be grateful for everything I have been through.
Oh my goodness! I read this and was in tears of happiness for you! I have read your post on your many struggles and you have an Angel looking out for you! Congratulations to you and your husband for the new baby that will be in your arms soon! Amanda
You are such a strong, amazing and beautiful woman x
Thank you so much for all the love and for reading my blog. We are so incredibly excited to finally meet our little guy in just a few short weeks!
Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing. I will keep you in my prayers hugs
Thank you for all your prayers, love, and support!! It means so much to us!
All the best to you on your pregnant I hope you have a fantastic delivery experience!! Congratulations 💗💗 You and your family will be in my prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Can’t wait to see photos of the little guy 👶. 🥰
Thank you so much!! I felt very nervous before doing the photo-shoot but I’m so glad we did this. Just a few short weeks left and we will be holding him in our arms!! Can’t wait!!
So happy to see you are doing well and your spirits are high! Please keep us posted as you march into Motherhood… Prayers from Lindale, Tx to your doorstep!!
Thank you so much, we are doing very well. I will definitely be updating often in these last few weeks of pregnancy. Thank you for all the love, prayers, and support!
How fantastically happy you both look.
Delighted for ye.
Simply beautiful!
Thank you so much!!!
You are so beautiful. I will keep you in my prayers for the rest of your pregnancy to be as uneventful as possible. Blessings to you and your growing family.
You are beautiful inside and out. Blessings to you and Nate.
You are beautiful inside and out! What an incredible inspiration you are for others with health issues. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for taking the time to view my blog post and comment. I’m blessed with so much support from this amazing community, and from my friends and family. Although, I was a little scared to share these, the awareness it builds and the hope it can inspire, far outweighs any fears about showing my scars or ostomy pouch.
You, Nate and your precious boy are in my prayers. We can’t wait to see you holding your son. Keep strong. Carole
Nadia , This is the most precious time for you and Nate !! The both of you are beautiful !! You are beautiful Nadia !! And your little man is such a fortunate little guy !! He’s almost here !!! And we can’t wait to see him !!! ♥️♥️
Thank you so much Neana! I cannot wait to hold him in my arms. Thank you so much for allllll of your love and support. You are so sweet. I just know that one day I will look back on these memories and be grateful for everything I have been through.
Nadia, Nate and beautiful little boy, I pray for you daily. Reading your incredible story brings tears to my eyes. I have followed you though so much of your health issues but also through your joy and happiness. I pray that God will continue to bless all three of you on this amazing journey. You are such a strong incredible beautiful woman and will be a wonderful mom.
Thank you so much for your constant prayers and support. We are so incredibly grateful for all the love we are experiencing. Although, I was a little scared to share these photos, but the awareness it builds and the hope it can inspire, far outweighs any fears about showing my scars. I just can’t wait to hold him in my arms–very soon!
Wow, what a baby bump..all baby.. these pictures are nothing but beautiful. Thanks for sharing them. Had to have been hard.
P.s. your belly looks better than mine. Maybe your to hard on yourself. .. Yup you’re super pretty too. You really need to love your body more. Really outside of some battle wounds you’re drop dead gorgeous. Be proud of them battle wounds cause you Won!!.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and for saying that. I think I really needed to hear/read that today.. I know we all pick apart our flaws, but I am working on more self love and acceptance of my body image. I was very nervous to share these photos but I wanted to spread more awareness for women who have had to have surgery and deal with scars and stretching. I also realize I am growing a human and that is the coolest thing ever! I cannot wait to hold him in my arms!
Beautiful photo’s, cherish every moment as time flies by so fast. Be proud as your beautiful inside and out.
So beautiful! Congrats and sending you lots of positive thoughts and warm hugs for your delivery. So happy for both of you. What a wonderful blessing!
You are an amazingly strong woman. The photos are stunning (especially the black and white silhouettes).
All I can say with tears…ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
Nadia you are so beautiful. It seems that you have chosen wisely in marrying Nate. You are blessed. Prayers and love coming your way. 😘
It was definitely a wise choice! I am so lucky. He helps me in every single way and is going to be the best father. I just know it! Thank you for all of your prayers and love!
Nadia you look truly beautiful and happy and so does Nate. I feel privileged to have been allowed to see these precious photos. I continue to hope and pray for both you and baby. Thanks so very much for including the online world in your journey.
Nadia, thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with us! So happy for you! 💕
Nadia and Nate— these photos are beautiful. Enjoy your time together and the joy of your little one.
Nadia— thanks for sharing your journey. My family is impacted by Crohn’s and a teen with it. We’re still sorting this all out. But, it’s so lovely to see you doing well.
I read your blog post and made it through most of the photos without crying. Once I saw the closeup of your tummy I burst into tears at the sheer miracle it represents. Many blessing to you Nadia and Nate and baby boy! You’ve got this! ❤️
You have created beautiful memories. I am praying for you and your family. You are blessed to be surrounded with such wonderful people. I can not wait to see your beautiful baby!
These are beautiful photos and you are glowing. I believe that our thoughts create our lives. Your strength determination and love have brought this baby into you life. What a lucky little guy to have you. Sending you love light and many blessings.
I absolutely LOVEEEE these pics….they made me cry (happy tears) …I can FEEL the Love in them. This baby boy will be sooo blessed to have such wonderful loving parents. I wish you and the baby a happy, healthy, safe delivery. Sending you much love…blessed be. You are a beautiful soul inside and out. I follow you on FB so I can’t wait for the happy day to arrive!! 🙂 <3
Absolutely beautiful! Many blessings to you and your family😁
You look absolutely beautiful, you are an amazing woman and an inspiration ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Praying that God wraps his arms around you and continues to bless and grace you, Nate and your baby boy.
Congratulations! Be happy! You are such a fighter! You will continue to be in my thoughts. I wish you only the best!
Nadia you look like a princess!!!! I’m in love with the pictures they are just amazing!!! I want to say they are breathtaking. Many blessings to both of you and the bundle of joy that soon is going to be with you and your family. Once again many blessings!!! I send you a hug from the bottom of my heart💝😘🤗👶
Congratulations! You get it, girl! You will never look back and remember the struggles – you’ll look at your baby and be overwhelmed with love and gratitude. Take it from a mama who moved heaven and earth to have her babies.
You are so amazingly, amazing you beautiful souls, what courage you both have. I send you love, love for your dear lil son to come!
You look beautiful Nadia I pray that the birth of your precious little boy go smoothly and that both you and your little one will be healthy and strong.
You are so beautiful and radiant. It shines thru. You are both so thoughtful to share this precious moment with us. This baby will be so treasured and loved.
I pray a blessing over you and your baby. I pray that God will send hihis angels to sustain you an d help you through to the end of your pregnancy. You will deliver a healthy baby boy and have the health and strength to nurture him. You are lovely pregnant.
Wow beautiful moments. Wishing you all the best. A true inspiration and your baby is very lucky to have such a wonderful mommy and daddy.
These photos made me cry .you are a beautiful strong woman .
Nadia, the best of luck to you, yr baby and Nate. God bless you and pray that everything works out well for you and your baby. You are a fighter! You are an inspiration!
Your pictures are absolutely beautiful, just as you and Nate are and I am positive ur little bundle of joy will be also. Enjoy this time because it does fly by! Many blessings to u and ur family 💜
Thank you for sharing your story with us. The photos are beautiful and your joy shines in each of them.
These are the most beautiful maternity photos I have seen. True beauty! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us all. Xo
Beautiful pictures. What a blessing for you both. Your strength of character is amazing. What a blessing.
You are beautiful. The photo shoot is amazing. Congratulations on this next journey!!!!
Absolutely Beautiful!Thank you for sharing your journey and your lovely, tasteful pictures, and I look forward to seeing you and your family grow.
Your pictures are very beautiful as are you. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
beautiful… thank you for sharing… and your dad is an incredible and sensitive photographer!
Such a beautiful story…thank you for sharing, you are a beautiful mommy and I pray for you and your precious baby boy and family…
Nadia, you are gorgeous, inside and out. You presented a radiant image before Nathan and now, you two both together are the image of perfection and of love.