i so totally understand what you mean about it being a healing process, as much as it might hurt. i'm on my way to becoming a certified nurse midwife, and though i know i'm going to struggle with infertility all my life, the thought of helping women get pregnant, of empowering them, really revs me up. i feel so strongly that this is what i was meant to do, and that even if i'll be reminded all the time of how my body is failing me, i can look at all the miracles around me, at all the pregnant women, and genuinely celebrate for them and with them.

Beautiful shot- thanks also for the encouragement to 'make art' this week! It's something that's been weighing on my mind. I find it thrilling and terrifying all at once.

And how gorgeous do you look in the previous post? You're a stunner.

Take care, I hope you have joyous experiences making art this week :)

What a wondeful photo of a lovely mom to be!
Thank you too, for sharing your heartfelt and honest words.
Your wonderful art is healing and graces the world with such beauty.
Blessings to you always.
:)

There is something that cuts me to the core every time I see it, and I try to avoid it (and the resulting depressive episodes) at all cost. I wonder if photographing it instead of merely looking at it will heal me. Thank you for the idea. I am going to give it serious thought.

Beautiful photo! I can only hope to look that good when I pregnant! Do you realize how much she looks like Rene Russo? She is the spitting image of her! Especially with that hair and skin tone!

Beautiful photo! I can only hope to look that good when I pregnant! Do you realize how much she looks like Rene Russo? She is the spitting image of her! Especially with that hair and skin tone!

Beautiful photo! I can only hope to look that good when I pregnant! Do you realize how much she looks like Rene Russo? She is the spitting image of her! Especially with that hair and skin tone!

beautiful portrait Andrea :) beautiful post :)

This picture is beautiful. I don't know if I ever looked that peaceful when I was pregnant but I sure wish I had a friend like you who could 'find' it with the camera! Her outfit, the background, her hair, and her facial features are just absolutely breathtaking--astounding!!

This is a gorgeous photo. And a lovely post--your honesty is inspiring. The last paragraph was perfectly timed for me as I've been struggling with creativity "in theory vs practice". So, thank you.

thanks for being so honest..it makes those of us who felt/feel those same shameful jealous thoughts feel more 'normal'...whether it be infertility or in my case pregnancy loss, those feelings are so common, they are so horrible and yes as you point out they are so undeniable and real.

beautiful photo and post. what kind of lenses are you using these days?

breath taking.

LOVE this post!

Thank you for sharing.

Hmmmm. What art will I make this week?

Perhaps indulge in my desire to learn how to knit?

Laura looks luminous in this photo....

Beautiful photo. I can see a future coffee table type book and all the photos are of pregnant woman. That would be incredible, have you thought of that?

kate

Amen to the healing power of art! I spent about 2 hours at my local Michael's last night browsing through arts/crafts supplies, thinking "I'm seriously in need of some good art therapy"!

I'm also on the infertility journey, and feel that I am racing against the clock as well. (I will be 41 in April.) I've loved reading your blog, seeing your beautiful photographs and especially that sweet little elf you found in your kitchen one day. ; - )

Thanks for all of the positive and hopeful energy, Andrea. It inspires me on a regular basis.

Lovely photo.
I wish I looked that good when I was pregnant!

Wow she's amazing! So lovely...
And you - your words and thoughts are beautiful and as always full of lessons and things that give us pause to reflect on our own lives.

Your post and my recent fears and nightmares about my possible future infertility led me to dig deeper into your blog and read about your struggle and the lessons you learned in the painful process. I have been a devoted reader of your blog for some time now and passionately experienced your family's joy that has truly echoed in every word you have written and shone from every picture you have shared with us. It was a remarkable experience to explore also the painful path that has brought you here. I want to thank you for sharing those glimpses of joy and waves of grief along your journey. I am sure I will, at some point, find myself reading every single entry in your blog, both laughing and in tears.

It is odd how even completely irrational thoughts can give you a great sense of hollowness. My hope of getting a child is lingering somewhere way far in my future, but still the fear is already creeping into me. Your story gives me great hope and a weapon against that hollow feeling. Thank you so much for your contribution. Your openness and honesty have created an inspirational nest that makes us all feel like superheros.

Andrea - what you did takes so much courage. When I was going through my infertility experience I avoided those encounters. I admire your example.
And your comment about creating art is so perfect for me today. After months of nursing a weak and painful arm, I finally started to scrapbook again and it's causing my spirit to soar! Art is definitely healing. :-)

How is your cute little Ben doing? It seems as if you are back into working (quite hard)...and enjoying doing your art?! xx

I'm a new reader, and I just wanted to tell you that I find your words and images so inspiring. Thank you.

You are so wise. And real. Love your posts.

gorgeous image. beautiful woman.

i am constantly amazed by your ability to so eloquently speak your truth. your words are so inspiring.

YOU are a beautiful woman, a!!!!!

such a beautiful shot. i wish i
had embraced my belly when i was
pregnant. i look at my three
blessings and now i miss those
moments. thank you for sharing
all your lovely images and lessons.