One of my friends has placenta previa, and is on bed rest in what is now her 33rd week of pregnancy. She called a week ago, sad that she wasn't going to be able to travel to the photographer and get the obligatory happy pregnant belly shots taken.
You know where this is going, don't you?
So on Thursday, I trucked my gear over to her house, and set up a mock studio in her foyer. For the next three hours, we alternated between taking happy pregnant belly shots and feeding her rambling toddler.
The photos turned out gorgeous, and I helped out a friend, which made me very happy. It did make me start thinking about what Wilburforce will miss in his life, though, when his friends have albums full of ultrasounds and mommy's fat tummy and even the obnoxious bloody crowning cooter shot.
I can't give my baby that, and part of me is a little sad for him.
What I can give him, though, is a sense of humor.
So, my darling baby, here are your happy adoptive mom belly shots:
And yes, I'm sucking in for that one.
Here is the more realistic "See how much I love Toblerone and Doritos" shot:
Our album would not be complete without the additional obligatory shots with your siblings, so here is OMD checking out mom's poochy belly:
And, finally, LPS lovingly fondling mom's gut (BPS thought we were stupid and refused to take part in the photo shoot):


Bwahahaha! This is too perfect! (And even your non-sucking-in picture is lovely!)
Posted by: cass | June 18, 2005 at 01:00 PM
And what a sense of humor he will have. I love those pictures!!! Very tasteful pics. So glad you kept them artsy.
Posted by: millie | June 18, 2005 at 01:03 PM
Oh good lord, that is one of the funniest ideas ever. Wilburforce will be in good hands with you. The child will not be without a sense of humour as long as you are around.
Lovely photos and lovely belly, btw.
Posted by: Louise | June 18, 2005 at 01:25 PM
You and I would so be friends in real life. Those pictures really are lovely and after laughing his ass off at what a silly mommy he has I'm sure he'll be just as touched by the sentiment behind them as any other kid forced to look at pictures of his mom's tummy.
Posted by: cheryl b. | June 18, 2005 at 02:27 PM
These are beautiful (and funny!)
Posted by: Suz | June 18, 2005 at 02:55 PM
where's the wanna be DemiMoore shot???
Posted by: Lala | June 18, 2005 at 04:57 PM
this is quite possibly the funniest thing i have ever seen. that shot with the cat paw!!! i think i just snorted snot on my sreen. funniest ever. respect soper!!
Posted by: Tertia | June 18, 2005 at 06:56 PM
Oh man, I should do that now before I gain back all the weight I lost because I'm too anxious to eat!! You rock.
Posted by: Michelle | June 18, 2005 at 07:19 PM
OMG I absolutely LOVE it. Fabulous pics! (and absolutely hysterical!!)
Posted by: Julie | June 18, 2005 at 10:03 PM
You and Karen should go into business together. She can design the T-shirts, you can take photography commissions. The cat shot is my favourite!
Posted by: B. Mare | June 19, 2005 at 08:24 AM
Soper, I fucking LOVE you. That was the most awesome thing I've seen, especially the kitty paw on the belly. You are magnificent.
Posted by: Ollie | June 19, 2005 at 09:15 AM
OMG. This is the funniest thing EVER. The cat paw! Oh, the cat paw!!! That's my fav.
Love you!! Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | June 19, 2005 at 11:12 AM
They're great!! You gave me such a chuckle, now everyone in my house wants to know what made me giggle.
Blessed Be
Posted by: Crystal | June 19, 2005 at 05:05 PM
Now that's hott.
Posted by: Paris Hilton | June 19, 2005 at 08:14 PM
So tastefully done! Especially the one with the reluctant cat paw! :)
Posted by: Cat, Galloping | June 19, 2005 at 08:45 PM
Beautiful.
**sniff**
Just beautiful.
Posted by: deborah | June 19, 2005 at 09:19 PM
Beautiful.
**sniff**
Just beautiful.
Posted by: deborah | June 19, 2005 at 09:19 PM
What a beautiful idea! Lucky baby :)
Posted by: wavybrains | June 20, 2005 at 06:31 PM
First time to your blog, and I loved today's post!
You are a good friend.
Posted by: Shevon | June 20, 2005 at 11:35 PM
OMG! I haven't seen anything that funny in a loooong time. I even had to tell my mom about it. LOL! The cat paw was absolutely priceless.
Yes, you will be giving him a sense of humor. Heaven knows many people need one today.
BTW, you have beautiful hands and nails.
Ashley
Posted by: Ashley | June 21, 2005 at 01:09 AM
Now those are perhaps the only, I mean ONLY, tastefully done pregnancy photos I have ever seen. LOVED the doggie snout on the bellybutton too. Bloody crowning cooter shoots are just not all they're cracked up to be--your child will be so much happier (and thankful) about these!
Posted by: wessel | June 21, 2005 at 07:37 AM
I had to come look for these. I was thinking about them today, and they are still as freaking awesome now as they were back then.
Posted by: Ollie | February 21, 2007 at 08:35 PM
This is hilarious!! You should hire out your services to other adoptive moms ;)
Posted by: erinberry | August 16, 2007 at 12:37 PM
This is hilarious!! You should hire out your services to other adoptive moms ;)
Posted by: erinberry | August 16, 2007 at 12:37 PM