29 weeks…

29_weeks_500.jpg
29 weeks, self-portrait, Berkeley, CA, Canon Digital Rebel

This is a photo of me from yesterday. I have to admit I was a little taken aback by it. Am I that big? I still feel surprised when strangers make comments or ask me questions about when I’m due. “Is it that obvious?” I asked my friend over the weekend at the farmer’s market. His comment was, “No, you just look like you swallowed a watermelon.”

I think the thing that is so amazing is that I actually have 2 and a half months to go! (Being a petite 5 foot 3 inch person, that is a little alarming to me.)

Mostly though, I am just excited. Having waited so long for this miracle to arrive, I am truly relishing every step. And I don’t believe I’ve mentioned this, but we’re having a boy! We couldn’t be more thrilled.

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram Follow on Twitter Follow on Pinterest

Hi, I’m Andrea

On this blog you’ll be learning with me how to use our voices, share our creative superpowers and live life in full color.

As an artist, photographer, life coach + mentor, I’m redefining what it means to be a SUPERHERO — ‘cause in my world, it’s got nothing to do with capes, spandex or sidekicks and everything to do with tenderness, intuition & baby steps of bravery.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME >

92 Comments

  1. victoria winters

    You look great! I’m a half inch shorter than you, so I’ll be feeling the same thing when I get pregnant, I’m sure! 🙂
    And I love the wooden bunny thing on the bookshelf!

  2. Robyn

    Hey Andrea – you look fantastic. My 27 week belly is just as big as yours, and I’m only 5’4″ and I know how you feel – “I look THAT big?” when I see photos of myself, because I don’t actually feel that big. MAZEL TOV on the boy! That’s what we’re having. Have you picked out names yet? I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly, and I cant wait to see the lil superhero’s face!

  3. whitney

    wow!

  4. Chalaundrai

    Andrea, you just look so full of life and beautiful in this picture. You also look so peaceful and content…You are beginning to get Mama eyes. Do you know what I mean? I have noticed that women’s eyes change when they become mothers or about to become mothers. Eyes that are watchful and filled with so much love. I am so happy for you and send you much love. MAZEL TOV to you and your hubby.
    Best wishes,
    Chalaundrai

  5. punky

    you look absolutely gorgeous.

  6. Lynn

    Aw! Congratulations!

  7. jen lemen

    this is such a lovely, perfect picture.
    your belly looks so great, andrea. can’t wait to see what that baby boy looks like.

  8. kristine

    Amazing!
    I am so excited for you! Will you be accepting gifts from all of us as we cheer you on and celebrate with you?

  9. blackbird

    A boy…
    this is icing on my cake of happiness today.
    You are breathtaking.

  10. jill

    A BOY!! Woo Hoo… I can’t wait to meet him, so to speak!!
    You look great!

  11. Tiff

    I am just behind you at 22 weeks –
    and we, too, are having a boy.
    You look great!

  12. umber

    You look amazing. congratulations!

  13. Jennifer

    sigh sigh sigh (happy sighs). you just look so amazing. and yeah, it is a little obvious 🙂 what a beautiful belly of a home you’ve made for your BOY! wow. there’s a little boy in there! i love being the mama of my boy, and I remember that I loved being his mama when he was filling up my belly too. i wish you happy days for the rest of your pregnancy and after…and thanks so much for sharing.

  14. Piper

    WOW WOW WOW! Congratulations again! You look wonderful! Wonderful news that you are having a boy (of course, it would have been equally as wonderful if you were having a girl)!! Thank you so much for telling us all – I’ve been wondering if you would find out the gender. Now, how about names? 🙂

  15. Jen

    I concur – you are stunningly beautiful.
    Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of “us” out here. So are such a wonderfully alive human, and I truly enjoy and value the bits of YOU that I get to share in.
    I look forward to sharing your motherhood/family journey… if you ever have time to update anymore!!! ;o)
    fonldy…

  16. ejjjik

    Andrea, I am SO happy for you! 🙂

  17. maureen

    you look beautiful. you’re 5’3″??? i always find it funny, how i gather impressions about people through photos. i thought you were really tall.
    you will be an amazing mother. i can tell.

  18. Keely

    Gorgeous Superhero Mama! I am so excited for you! 🙂

  19. jenn

    Lovely Andrea
    You look so beautiful. I couldn’t be happier for Matt and you. I am so excited for you two I can hardly stand it. YEAH!
    xoxox
    Jenn

  20. laura

    Oh! Surprise ruined! 🙂 I was looking forward to ou annoucing the gender after the birth. 🙂
    my mother knew what I was going to be and she had a name picked for me, but when I arrived, she decided that I really wasn’t suited to the first name and so gave me another.
    There are always surprises anyway! 🙂

  21. Anja

    It’s funny, I thought you were tall too. Taller than me, and I’m 5 foot 6! Haha.
    How fun that you’re having a boy. And I can’t believe you’re already at 29 weeks – someone said that nine months pass very quickly when you’re not the one carrying the baby, and I suppose that’s true 🙂 You look gorgeous, by the way!

  22. Megan

    Hooray for another boy in this world who will be raised to be sensitive, peaceful and thoughtful! Raising a boy is such an important job in our culture, and from your postings it seems that you and Matt are exactly the type of people who need to be doing it! Congrats!

  23. Leah

    A boy! I love boys!

  24. my pink sky

    congratulations to you and your hubby and your precious little man…xoxo! how exciting 🙂

  25. jill s

    you look AMAZING!!:)
    i can’t wait to find out what we’re having next month!
    hugs,
    jill

  26. MamaChristy

    Lovely. I remember not feeling “that big” at 29 weeks. I was still pretty comfortable at that point. It was about 36 weeks when I started to really feel lumbering and uncomfortable and ENORMOUS. Labor was a relief at 38 weeks. I was just DONE.
    What a nice Christmas present a boy will be.

  27. red sun

    congratulations on the boy!!!
    you look so wonderful with that beautiful belly!

  28. Teri

    you look beautiful!!
    (is there an echo in here?)
    no, seriously…:) wait ’til 39 weeks!! Evvvvvvvvrybody stretch…

  29. tertia

    You look beautiful.
    A boy! Ah, special love between a mother and her son.
    so happy for you!
    xx

  30. kristine

    Amazing!
    I am so excited for you! Will you be accepting gifts from all of us as we cheer you on and celebrate with you?

  31. tertia

    You look beautiful.
    A boy! Ah, special love between a mother and her son.
    so happy for you!
    xx

  32. Leslie

    you look wonderful darlink….I would have thought you were tall, very tall. Funny, maybe that’s because I’m only 5′, I think everyone is tall. A boy! Hey, didn’t I say that awhile back? Or did I say girl? :>) And that’s why you look bigger…boys do that to you lol. You should have seen me (23 years ago) at 5′ and with a big baby boy belly. It was funny.

  33. Katie

    Can I just say how excited I get when I see pictures of your fantastically beautiful growing belly? I have a son, and I dont want any more children (barring any weird phases I go through later in life) so its not even that I’m envious or anything like that.
    But I am so happy for you both and I think your belly is so cute. I have to be honest that I’m a little disappointed (and i’m a little ashamed) when I come to your site and you’ve posted something new that is NOT a picture of your belly. I’ll try and stop being that way. But, seriously, too cute.

  34. mikaela

    You are beautiful. Absolutely stunning. 😀

  35. scoutj

    I remember being that pregnant and saying to my husband, “I can’t get THAT much bigger can I?” Oh yeah….just wait! You look beautiful!

  36. Jennifer

    Wow, I just adore this photo and those of the last two entries!

  37. Amy K

    Oh Andrea ~ you are so beautiful!

  38. mary

    You are almost there, Sweetie!! is the baby kicking the heck out of you yet? Seems like such a long time ago (my baby is now 26!!) but I remember having my ribs kicked the hell to pieces!

  39. Julia

    You look lovely. I remember being that pregnant too… I gained over 60 pounds! So be glad that you only “look” as if you swallowed a watermelon, and are not heavy all over. It’s sooo…hard to lose those post-baby pounds when you put on too much weight. I was thrilled to hear that your baby will be a boy. Between you and Matt raising him, I’m sure he will grow up to be wonderful and compassionate man… and that’s just what we need more of in this world. Continued blessings…. 🙂

  40. shari

    a boy! how exciting. you look fabulous andrea! xo shari

  41. Christine

    Ah! I’m so happy for you! I’m glad that I got to witness your journey, before baby and with baby and then later on with after baby comes out. A boy! It seems to me that most first babies are boys. I’m excited for you and Matt. Much love from Guam! 🙂

  42. Laura

    Yay!

  43. RoughOlive

    A BOY!
    I always wondered why people count the weeks and not the months when it involves pregnancies and babies. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there.
    Wish me luck, one month down this month to try again.

  44. Anali

    Oh boy oh boy, a boy! Congratulations and you still look as beautiful as ever!

  45. kristen

    baby wants out! you do look big because you’re tiny!

  46. Caroline

    Awwww – PERFECT belly!
    xo

  47. kristen

    baby wants out! you do look big because you’re tiny!

  48. bluefaery

    How very Diane Arbus of you! what a great shot! I’m praying for good sleep for you now and later…

  49. Milly

    You look great! Enjoy the next two months and all to come after. Peace & Blessings.

  50. surcie

    Amazing how one can look so still and yet so full of life, isn’t it?

  51. Sonia

    You look beautiful! Congratulations!

  52. Wanda

    You’re gorgeous! Newsweek has Annie Liebovitz on the cover…this picture reminds me of her. Both the subject and the photography. You are amazing.
    (And you look much taller!)

  53. liz elayne

    beuautiful you. fantastic about having a boy! congratulations!

  54. Shelley Noble

    You look absolutely GORGEOUS! What a beautiful belly and baby boy in it, growing happily.
    Wishing you and Matt every good thing.

  55. Boho Girly

    oh beautiful you!
    pregnancy suits you.
    you look prrrfect, darling.
    have matt give your belly a smooch for me…
    xoxoxo

  56. Lucille

    I love that you are sharing your pics with us—as you get bigger and indeed will get BIGGER!!! It’s an amazing transformation, what baby does to body—I am 5′ 3″ and have always been slim… I would look at myself and MARVEL, in glee!!! Esp as the nurse would inch the little metal thing on the scale—at my natural weight, I was consistent for years.. I was excited to see my body change and grow when my little boy was growing inside me…
    And now you have a little boy growing inside YOU!!! All best wishes to you all along and from here on out!

  57. tongue in cheek

    You look beautiful, you will get bigger, and people will ask if you are having twins, and you will look at your non pregnant pants and wonder if you will ever fit into those again…and you will be a great Mother and your baby will love your blog!
    You are beautiful everyday! Blessings to you!

  58. Sam

    Isn’t it amazing what our bodies can do. We breathe more air, we have 50% more blood pumping that air around. And yes, we grow. And grow, and grow. Even with my 3rd pregnancy, I never got used to that. I am 5’3″ too and there just isn’t anywhere for it all to go- but OUT.
    You look beautiful. And it is all worth it. A cliche, but true. (And I think it is God’s way of helping us with labor. Because when you get 9 months BIG- you will do just about anything to get that baby out. Determination is a plus in the delivery room. I know – pushed my 3rd child out in just 4 minutes. Not bragging. It was just pure determination to be done with pregnancy).
    Sam

  59. Sue

    Wait until you take a picture of your 38th week!! That was the real shocking one for me. The underside of my belly was always exposed!
    You look beautiful Andrea…and I’m glad to hear that you’re really taking the time to enjoy it. It goes by so quickly. Really be in the moment with it and by that, I mean with your belly, the movements, etc. :~)

  60. tinker

    De-lurker here. Just wanted to tell you, that you do indeed look radiantly, beautifully pregnant – and YOU are not that big – renenber, it’s that big, bouncing Baby Boy in your belly!
    (A side shot photo of me in front of the Christmas tree at 36 weeks with my younger daughter – showed only the very top and the very bottom of the Christmas tree – I completely eclipsed the tree. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn’t me – it was that not-so-little person inside me.)
    Congratulations!!

  61. Heather

    You look so beautiful!!! I”m 3 weeks ahead of you and I too can’t believe I still have about 2 months left. Congrats on having a boy, they are so much fun.

  62. Knoxy

    You look beautiful! Great lips in that photo! I can’t imagine what you must be going through – I haven’t been pregnant yet myself. But all I have to say is that you look GREAT!!!
    XOXO,
    Knoxy

  63. alison

    OoOoOo… you look absolutely mommy yummy with the big round tummy. beautiful! congrats! it’s a boy!

  64. Kathleen

    What a fabulous photo of you and your BOY!!!
    Wishing you so many tender moments…you look like a beautiful gift…ready to be unwrapped!!
    What a surprise you have inside you!!!
    Beautiful you….thanks for sharing
    xxoKathleen~

  65. Michele

    That is just so Awesome Andrea! You look beautiful! Congratulations on a Boy! Any names picked out yet? I’m sure you are saving that for a secret!

  66. Meg

    So you’re going to have a holiday baby?? What a wonderful Christmas/ Hanukkah this will be!!!! And I’m sure I’ll check your blog on vacation, and they’ll be a picture, and I’ll squeal and then make the whole family look, and they’ll be confused a bit, but my mom will be delighted because a cute baby is a cute baby. This is my prediction.
    You look wonderful, and how exciting that it’s a boy!!! I know I’ve never met you… but I wish I could knit for the baby! Knitting is my personal active form of prayer. 🙂
    xo

  67. erika

    you look wonderful! wow, hot mama 🙂 so happy for you.

  68. Kate

    I can’t believe you only have 2 more months to go! You look wonderful! Rock your happy belly!

  69. Jen

    Don’t worry Andrea, you’ll be huge! It will be AMAZING. I am convinced that most of us have no idea what a woman who is about to have a baby truly looks like. All the models are in their 6-7th month so we think that is what “pregnant” looks like. You will feel and look as ripe as a peach by the time he is ready to come. I look back on the picture of me right before I had my first son and I was enormous. It was fantastic really. Enjoy!
    Love,
    Jen

  70. Leonie

    Congratulations goddess… you look radiant and blooming…
    blessings
    Leonie

  71. Leonie

    p.s. Such a striking portrait. Digging those piercing Scorpio eyes!

  72. Savannah

    Man! Yes, honey, it /really is/ that obvious.
    I can’t believe you only have 2.5 months left! Pregnancies go by so /fast/ to me! Pretty soon that friend who just told you she’s pregnant is in the hospital and I’m left going, “has it been nine months already? Where was I?!”
    -Savannah

  73. Eileen

    Frogs and snails,
    And puppy-dogs’ tails;
    That’s what little boys are made of.
    …and the most special love I’ve ever seen/experienced. He’s a lucky one, that little champ is.
    Don’t little boys just melt your heart?! Big hug to you and Matt.
    xoxo,
    Eileen
    btw, you look absolutely fierce! Meeeow… Giselle step off.

  74. jen b

    You’re belly is beautiful and a boy huh? There is just something about a boy and his mama. You are gonna be such a great mom.

  75. MARYBETH

    Dear (((ANDREA)))
    ok…looking at your picture-i would say there is a strong possibility waddling is in your near future =)
    All of my petite friends developed one as the laws of physics manifested themselves in the need to walk in a ‘ducky’ manor in order to ambulate comfortably.
    Holding you and your precious prince in the light.

  76. Nina

    You are absolutely gorgeous! And it’s true, there is something so special about the way boys are with their mamas!
    I’m also 5’3 and endured so many comments about having twins during each of my three pregnancies. Just rejoice in your hugeness! Those last few weeks are so much fun. My daughter has always been a great stretcher from early on, beginning in the womb. I remember walking down the street when she’d perform one of her famous acrobatic stretches. I didn’t have much space for her in there and her movements would throw me off balance. My arms and legs would totter and it was so obvious there was another little spirit inhabiting my body. Sweet memories — enjoy every moment!

  77. Amy C.

    Relating to the last comment, I’m 5’2″ and I DID have twins! When I was pregnant at this time a year ago, people thought I could have popped out my “little peanuts” right then and there. They were due at the end of December, but luckily (sort of) they came out on Nov 28.
    Very excited for you Andrea – I second the comment asking about if you’re accepting any gifts. I’m sure your readers/fans would love to send you some goodies for this lucky little guy. Are you registered on any sites or should we just wing it?

  78. Molly

    Andrea, I’m 22 years old, and I work with a bunch of 13-year-old boys… at times I go home and declare that I’m never having kids.
    …But after reading your posts about the pregnancy I often find myself touching my tummy and feeling amazement about what will someday grow in there – the wonder of what our bodies are capable of! I am so excited about it all!
    What a fabulous adventure life is.

  79. Dee

    Andrea, your son will undoubtedly be one of the most beloved miracles of all time. I’m so pleased for you and your husband.
    You are indeed a super-hero and I am dee-lighted by your blog. Relish every moment of your pregnancy waiting for your little one to arrive.
    Ciao,
    Dee

  80. leahpeah

    i think you look fantastic! your tummy is marvelous.
    xo

  81. Pamela

    Beauty is such an elegant thing … I believe it is intrinsically connected to dreams and kharma and introspection. In this photo I see a really beautiful thing–a woman amazed, a woman in wonder and a fervently wished for thing coming very close to fruition.
    Continued blessings to you in your present and coming beauty!

  82. tracey

    Beauty. Eveything about you speaks of it. It’s so fun to share with you (albeit virtually) as you grow that BOY inside of you. It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of. Name? Name? Have you chosen a name?

  83. Heidi

    You are simply BEAUTIFUL!! 🙂

  84. rachael

    Oh, you are so beautiful! Yes, lady it’s just a LITTLE obvious. 🙂
    I’m so excited for you.
    xo.

  85. rebecca

    andrea.
    i think you are so brave.
    i saw this photo and remembered a posting long ago about writing something on your belly in black thick marker. what was it? happy home?
    so excited for you!

  86. Swirly

    Love that beautiful belly. 🙂

  87. Bianca

    You look absolutely beautiful….
    Congratulations….

  88. jenB

    this made me cry. with happy. your belly is so beautiful and a baby boy, well *sniff*. i am thrilled for you.

  89. Carole

    Dear Andrea,
    I’m in my 6th lunar month right now with our second child and nevertheless feeling similarly surprised when people ask me when I’m due – for a second I think, “Gosh, can’t they just be polite and pretend they don’t notice?” Truly, I am so excited to be pregnant again and eager to welcome our baby, but as I write this I realize that for so much of my life my body has been something I have wanted people to overlook because I wanted it to be just so “normal” (whatever that is) that no one even gave a thought to whether I was a little overweight, pale, or whatever. And pregnancy just doesn’t allow body anonymity!
    I haven’t taken any pictures of my naked belly yet, but maybe I’ll get up the courage soon. Thanks for posting the photo!

  90. Ulla

    Oh my goodness, I step away for a few months and look what I find!!! CONGRATULATIONS… last we spoke you were talking about how difficult it was not to be pregnant. How did you do it??? I am soooooo happy for you! Best of luck, and I will try to come visit more often!

  91. Ulla

    Oh my goodness, I step away for a few months and look what I find!!! CONGRATULATIONS… last we spoke you were talking about how difficult it was not to be pregnant. How did you do it??? I am soooooo happy for you! Best of luck, and I will try to come visit more often!

Ready for your next creative adventure?

Download the Mondo Beyondo dream generator!

Latest from the blog

[Podcast] The Good Eater with Nina Guilbeault

[Podcast] The Good Eater with Nina Guilbeault

In The Good Eater, Harvard-trained sociologist (and vegan) Nina Guilbeault, PhD vividly explores the movement's history and its present-day tensions by grappling with the most fundamental question of all: Is there a truly ethical way to eat? What emerges is a...

read more
[Podcast] The medicine of poetry with James Crews

[Podcast] The medicine of poetry with James Crews

James Crews is the editor of several bestselling anthologies, including The Path to Kindness: Poems of Connection and Joy and How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope, which has over 100,000 copies in print. He has been featured in The Washington Post, The...

read more

self guided e-courses
INSTANT & FOREVER ACCESS

Choosing Ease

30 days of ease, joy and cultivating wonder

I believe that when I’m creating from a place of ease and buoyancy I am actually in flow – in alignment with myself and the Universe.

Capture the Magic

Rock your camera-phone - and discover that beauty and joy are everywhere.

The very best camera is the one that’s with you! I’ll show you how to get on your own path of joy and delight while learning photography skills along the way.

mondo beyondo

What does your heart truly want in 2020? 

What if you could name your dreams and desires for 2020 and create a plan to make them reality?

VIEW MORE COURSES

Experiments in Wonder:Your FREE 5-day mini course designed to activate your delight + joy.

This will also get you access to my mailing list full of weekly-ish inspiration, updates and musings. I'm so glad you're here!

You have Successfully Subscribed!