“My journey to motherhood looked so different than I expected.  We didn’t have trouble getting pregnant, but shortly into my first pregnancy I realized something was not right.  We thought that I’d had a miscarriage, but a week later the doctor called and needed me to come to his office immediately. He confirmed that I had not had a miscarriage, but was having an ectopic pregnancy.  After the trauma of that was over, I was filled with so many questions, so many doubts, and what felt like so many unknowns.  On top of all of the emotions from losing our first baby, we weren’t allowed to try again for almost a year.

Once we were pregnant again, the doubts and fears crept in.  On its own pregnancy brings about so many emotions.  I was filled with overwhelming love for this new baby, elation, and excitement.   All of those emotions were coupled with so many doubts, fears, and questions; wondering if we were facing another loss.  We were so thankful that the pregnancy continued and several months later we welcomed our sweet daughter, Ellie, into our home!

Two and a half years later we were ready to add a sibling for Ellie to our family. I’ve learned so many lessons through these three pregnancies: it’s ok to be mad and fearful and to have the emotions that come after experiencing a loss, but don’t let the fears overwhelm the beautiful journey of pregnancy.  Savor the moments of pregnancy because it really does go by so fast. Though the trials of pregnancy, especially pregnancy after a loss, can be so isolating. I realized I’d closed myself off.  When I began to slowly share my journey I experienced growth and found a support system.  As difficult as it may be, let go of your fears.  Trust that God is present.  Be patient with yourself.”

As an interior designer, being able to design a nursery is probably one of my favorite projects.  Designing a nursery for my own little one was such a unique and special experience. For Parker, I wanted a calming, neutral color palette with lots of layers and textures that he could grow up with.  The room is filled with shiplap inspired walls, soft blues and grays, and lots of textures. We love to travel and I wanted to capture that yearning to explore in his nursery.  We want him to explore places and ideas.

The “Little Explorer” sign was the catalyst for this theme.  Many elements in his nursery were handcrafted by me or someone in our family. One of the textures in his nursery is wood.  That texture is present in the little wooden car that we found at an antique store.  The map was something I put together with wood stained to match the “Little Explorer” sign and then added rope and a metal hook to create more texture.

The metal fan that is reminiscent of an airplane propellor is really a blade from a vintage lawnmower and was found on our property as we began to build our house. We sandblasted it and cleaned it up.  Between this “propellor” and the antique airplane, we felt like we were extending the idea of adventure and exploring. That theme is furthered with the “You Are My Favorite Adventure” sign.

We repurposed the crib and added pops of color with the bedding and the animals on the wall.  A vintage toolbox was repurposed to hold toys. Continuing with the warm wood tones, the small table beside the chair is a wood slice to which we added metal legs.

Becoming a family of four was our own adventure.  We are thankful for the journey and the growth it has brought about for us.  Our desire is that our Parker realize an adventure awaits him as he journeys through life.”  Ashley, Mother

SHAUNA VEASEY PHOTOGRAPHY