Every time I scroll through Ashley Graham’s Instagram, I can’t help but swoon. Her beauty is undeniable, but what truly captivates me is her unapologetic love for her body. I have a serious crush on her (and my partner is well aware, so no worries there!).
Recently, Ashley revealed that she’s expecting her second child with her husband, Jake Thompson. Since then, she’s shared some stunning photos showcasing her blossoming baby bump. I find myself even more enamored with her radiant pregnancy glow, and it’s ignited my own desire to become a parent again. Thanks, Ashley!
However, my partner is not on board with the idea of expanding our family. And I can see why. The last time we tried to grow our family, we welcomed twins, and now that they’re six years old, the baby fever is creeping in. Ashley’s pregnancy posts, along with adorable snapshots of her firstborn, stir up all sorts of emotions. Of course, social media is often a highlight reel, and my partner has a good point about the challenges of adding another little one to our busy household.
My own journey through pregnancy was mostly smooth sailing until week 32 when I was diagnosed with preeclampsia. I was completely unaware of the looming issue until a routine check-up took a concerning turn. With the alarming statistic that 60% of Black expectant mothers face this potentially dangerous condition compared to white mothers, I was shockingly naive about its seriousness.
I didn’t experience the common symptoms—no headaches, no vision changes—at least, none that I noticed amidst the chaos of carrying two babies. The only sign that something was amiss came during a fetal monitoring session, where my doctor discovered my dangerously high blood pressure. I was whisked away to the hospital’s labor and delivery floor for immediate care.
I won’t delve into the details of my five-day hospital stay, but I learned quickly to take care of myself. Thankfully, my twins were born healthy at 36 weeks. Although my experience was filled with challenges, nothing can compare to the joy of carrying a baby and the mix of excitement and trepidation that accompanies pregnancy.
Beyond her striking looks, Ashley Graham’s maternity photos remind me of a time when I embraced my body fully. I didn’t criticize my figure; rather, I celebrated it for nurturing two lives. Every part of me worked hard, and I felt genuinely beautiful through it all—tired, yes, but undeniably beautiful.
Perhaps my partner is right to remind me of the conveniences of our current life without diapers and baby gear. Yet, I find myself missing the little things: the pacifiers scattered in every bag (just like I now have face masks), the joy of breastfeeding, the tiny outfits, and the milestones like first steps. I miss those moments of celebration like the first lost tooth or transitioning to solid foods.
Ashley Graham’s pregnancy journey serves as a nostalgic reminder of a time filled with happiness, anticipation, and self-love, all while managing the sweet chaos of motherhood. I long to experience the magic of holding a newborn again, to relish the unique scents that only babies have, and to soak in the wonder of it all.
Despite the whirlwind that comes with raising six-year-old twins today, my partner and I are their role models. We teach them about body positivity and self-love, which is something I deeply admire about Ashley Graham as well.
For now, I’ll continue to follow Ashley’s Instagram for all her baby updates since my partner is unlikely to green-light adding another baby to our cozy home. Her posts about self-love will be my go-to for reassurance that, regardless of my parenting status, I am beautiful. My admiration for Ashley Graham is here to stay—let’s hope my baby fever doesn’t linger too long!
If you’re interested in more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this article on our other blog post. And for expert insights, visit Make a Mom for fertility-related products or listen to the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast for valuable information on IVF and fertility preservation.
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