After a solid week of rain at Jacksonville Beach, we finally had a dry, but cloudy day. Not wanting to push off their maternity session any further, we decided to give it a shot, and what do you know…it ended up being a gorgeous, golden evening!

First-time parents Kelsey and Cody were kind enough to share their experience being pregnant at this exciting, yet stressful time in their lives. I’m so excited to see them again in a few weeks for their newborn photography session with their little one!

What was it like to find out that you were pregnant?

It was a complete shock! Cody and I both knew we wanted kids, but we were not trying at the time. I was so confident I wasn’t pregnant that I actually walked away after taking the test. I couldn’t believe it when I saw “pregnant.” It was surreal!

How did you tell your friends and family?

Our friends and family had the best reactions! The first to find out was my sister in law, who kind of coached us through the whole process of getting the test and when to take it. She was so happy to find out we were pregnant! We then told my best friend who was equally as shocked as we were.

After that we told Cody’s family since we were visiting his family for the holidays. His family was so happy. His little sister said she knew since I wasn’t drinking any wine! We then held off telling anyone until Christmas when we went to visit my family. My parents were both so happy to find out we were having a baby. I have the best video of my dads reactions. We then told the rest of our close friends. The feeling of love and support was the best!

How has your pregnancy been so far?

My pregnancy has been amazing and I really can’t complain! I never experienced any type of morning sickness or tiredness...until the third trimester! I’ve started to get very sleepy in the third trimester. I try to remember to relax as best as I can before the baby comes.

The best part of pregnancy has been watching the baby grow. I’ve been taking weekly pictures of my stomach, and it’s amazing what our bodies can do! The biggest challenge has been not being around close friends of family. We recently moved to Jacksonville and our families are both a plane ride away, so it’s made it difficult to see people.

Do you feel like you are in tune with baby's personality?

Definitely! He seems to be a little stubborn! He has also been a great baby, and I’m hoping he stays like this once he’s out in the world!

Has COVID changed your pregnancy or birth plans?

COVID has unfortunately changed things for us. I think the biggest challenge has been that Cody has not been able to come to basically any appointments with me. So while ultrasounds are always so exciting, I get a little bummed that I can’t experience them with Cody.

Another thing is that with social distancing, many of my friends and family have not actually seen me pregnant. My baby shower was canceled, so I wasn’t able to see my family or friends. We have also not been able to fly anywhere to see anyone, and people have not been able to come and see us.

Have you picked out a baby name yet?

When we first found out we were pregnant, we were calling him “roo.” Once we found out we were having a boy, we pretty much immediately picked out a name, Carson!

What is the thing you are most looking forward to about your baby's birth?

That is a hard one, because honestly I’m looking forward to so much! I think I am the most excited to see him for the first time. We feel like we know him so well already, so being able to meet him will just be the icing on the cake!

How do you think your dog will react to the new baby?

This has been our question too! Our dog will either be very excited and curious or not care at all, ha ha!

What is one baby product that you are super excited to use?

We recently got the Boba Wrap so I’m excited to be able to wear and carry him around in that. I’m also really excited to take him out in our stroller!

If you could tell your baby one thing right now, what would you say?

Baby boy, you have no idea how loved you are!

Congratulations, Kelsey and Cody! Your beach maternity session was an absolute joy! I can’t wait to meet baby Carson in person for his newborn session in just a few short weeks!

Pregnant in Jacksonville and thinking about maternity photography?

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