Our Journey

Pastor Jon and I have been married for eight years and stated early on that we would wait until at least five years in to start a family.

During this time, I was diagnosed with adenomyosis, IBS, insomnia, and a few other conditions. We were aware that these conditions could impact my ability to conceive.

In 2023, we began our family planning journey - bloodwork, prenatal vitamins, gut healing, and ending birth control use. After almost one year of trying, I figured my previous health issues were impacting our ability to conceive.

And, the same month we said we would wait on the doctor follow-ups and just enjoy life, we conceived!

Truly God’s timing!!

Our First Look

This was our first look at Baby Boy Bennett at 8 weeks.

To see him and to hear his heartbeat brought me to tears!

Morning sickness was so very real during the first trimester. My nurse practitioner shared it was a sign of a healthy pregnancy and that is what I had to remind myself throughout the first trimester because it was rough!!

The Announcement

My awesome husband handled the baby announcement, and while it was different from what I had imagined, it turned out to be perfect.

It made me realize that this is just the first of many decisions ahead where I won’t be in control.

We are beyond excited (and a little nervous) for the journey ahead.

Please keep us in your prayers!!

The Gender Reveal

The gender reveal took place at the end of the annual women’s event I host at my church. The reveal was a surprise to everyone there, and the results were a sweet surprise to me! Many thanks to Pastor Jon and Sis. Nickey for making this moment possible.

If you can’t tell from the video, I was really hoping for a baby boy! I’m praising God for this answered prayer!

Baby Boy Bennett is due February 2025.

We will be sharing BBB’s name closer to birth! ;)

The Baby Registry

One of the coolest, yet somewhat stressful parts of my pregnancy journey has been preparing for Baby Boy Bennett. If you know me, you know I am Type A++++ and have been researching what we will need for him. I have read hundreds of articles and books, watched thousands of videos, read hundreds of recommendations in moms groups, countless messages and comments, and talked with several of my friends about what to put on my registry.

Yet, one phrase continues to be said: “…this is what I did/used, yet know each child is different.”

This led me to me more research and taking time to digest how I *imagine* we will operate as a family of three.

Let me pause and say - our greatest need is for prayer! Praying for wisdom, strength, and peace as we prepare to welcome Baby Boy Bennett into the world.

Out of respect and appreciation for those who would like to share in our journey, we've put together registries with the Bennett family in mind. These items are what we need and would love to have as part of this special time! If you’re unsure what to buy, a gift card to Target, Amazon, Walmart, Kroger, or Publix would be most appreciated.

AMAZON REGISTRY

BABYLIST REGISTRY + DOULA + MEAL + DIAPER FUND

TARGET REGISTRY

The Second Trimester

I’m in my second trimester and a lot of changes are happening! I wish I could say I’m in the honeymoon phase with no morning sickness and tons of energy, but that’s not my current story.

I’ve decided to embrace where I am and remind myself of my nurse practitioner’s words—these are all signs of a healthy pregnancy. Yes, I’ve tried four different nausea meds, various foods and eating schedules, ginger, peppermint (which works the best), ginger ale, orange juice, and a few more things, but the nausea persists.

So, I’m listening to my body, relaxing, resting, and eating to ensure Baby Boy Bennett has a healthy environment to grow and develop. :D

Work Travel w/ BBB

The last 18 weeks have been full - starting a new role and navigating my first pregnancy.

BBB has joined me for several super cool moments, including meeting Gov. Wes Moore, speaking on an NBPLA panel (=>), attending the U.S. Open in Pinehurst, attending the 2024 National Speaker’s Conference, and much more…

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will BBB be named after Pastor Jon?

A: No, we have decided on another name and will share it closer to birth.

Q: Have you started on BBB’s nursery?

A: Yes! His nursery is daddy’s former man cave. Daddy has cleared it out and I now am deciding on the room color.

Q: Had you and Pastor Jon considered IVF?

A: Yes! We had discussed IVF and egg freezing as they both were benefits with my former company. However, in May we decided to wait on trying those options as I was beginning a new job. God had other plans because I conceived a few weeks after our decision.

Q: What is the weirdest craving you have had?

A: Shrimp + honey mustard dressing

Q: Are you still vegan and gluten-free?

A: Nope! I became a seagan over a year ago, yet have had an aversion to fish since the beginning of pregnancy. We are am now eating various meats. I am still allergic to eggs and wheat.

Q: Why are you eating meat now?

A: My allergies have always been to egg and wheat. Along my health journey, I decided to pursue a vegan diet because of other health benefits. After consultation with my doctor, taking into account my travel schedule, and knowing the requirements of a HEALTHY vegan pregnancy, we decided whole foods were the best course of action.

We are 20 weeks!!!

I cannot believe we are halfway through the pregnancy. WOW!!!

During our anatomy scan, BBB was confirmed as little boy. He is growing on target and VERY active. It was such a beautiful experience to see him again and in such great detail - hands, legs, arms, spine, heart chambers, major arteries, and so much more.

I remain in awe of women’s ability to conceive and nurture life on the inside.

Now, well into my second trimester and the nausea persists with a new friend, headaches. If you know me, you know I have already consulted my doctor and dear mom friends for a solution. The journey for relief continues…

UPDATE: My headaches are so much better - they were caused by seasonal allergies!

Switching to a prenatal without iron has INCREASED my cravings for meat. Lately, the winner has been oxtails. At the beginning of pregnancy, I craved chicken, yet unfortunately recently had an aversion to it. :(

In October, my foundation, the LWC Foundation, hosted its fourth community baby shower.

We honored and showered three moms facing difficulties! It was a beautiful time together with the moms and their families. We laughed, learned, ate great food, and shopped the Baby Boutique.

This year was extra special as I am expecting and have a deeper understanding of the needs for a newborn. Whew..

Our work continues…

To start off Week 23, we completed our hospital tour.

Now, daddy knows where to drop me off, how the baby’s birth day will flow, what we need to pack, and so much more!!

SECOND TRIMESTER FAQS

Q: May I touch your belly?

A: I prefer hugs! Belly rubs/touches are reserved for dad. :D

Q: Is BBB moving and kicking?

A: YEEESSSS!!! He is active throughout the day and night. I love feeling his kicks and somersaults - all reminders he is doing well and getting stronger.

Q: How are you feeling?

A: We are feeling good! While there are still slight headaches and the occasional nausea, the newest symptom has been body aches. Recently, I started seeing a chiropractor and am going to trust the process. ;)

Q: What have been your latest cravings?

A: Pearl’s Bakery’s V & GF cupcakes and Sweet Loren’s Sugar Cookies

Q: What has been most surprising in pregnancy?

A: My belly button has popped! I did not know this was a thing.

starting him early

To kick off Week 25, we had just attended our first World Series Game in NYC! It was an incredible experience!

Who knew Game 5 would be the final game? Thankfully, the four hours flew by with all the action. I was surrounded by Yankee AND Dodger fans, and there were several intense moments.

BBB has super, super active moments. We will see if this translates into a sport-enthused boy??!!

The final trimester

We are officially in our third and final trimester!

BBB has a strong and steady heartbeat and is growing on target! Praise God! This begins our doctor’s visit every two weeks for the remainder of the pregnancy.

This past week, we took our holiday and maternity photos and will be sharing those in the coming weeks. I was stoked to capture this beautiful moment in our lives. And, SUPER thankful for my husband who made this shoot possible after issues with the dresses I ordered days before. He had new dresses at our door in 2-3 days and we found the perfect ones for the shoot!

With 11 weeks remaining before BBB’s due date, the urge to purge and have everything perfect is here. I also am enjoying relaxing on my couch with a warm beverage, a candle burning, and the fireplace on (literally enjoying all these things as I write this)! :D

BBB’s nursery is painted and dad has assembled the crib. When I first saw the crib in the room, it finally felt like a nursery. BBB and I go in there often and I remind him this is his room and that this time next year he will be sleeping in his own room at night. ;)

I have been asked: What is the nursery theme? We really don’t have one. The goal is a warm, minimalist vibe. It will be cozy and functional. Then, when BBB is older, we will allow him to add his touch.

Instead of a “theme",” we are keeping it simple with blues, tans, and grays, and incorporating biblical verses and encouragement (<==see photo). And, we are keeping it so simple, that we have all but two wall pieces (mirror and his wooden name board) we will be putting up (and strategically waiting on those two pieces).

Thanksgiving 2024

This Thanksgiving was special for several reasons:

• I had fried turkey for the first time in about 5 years, and it was AMAZING.

• I was soaking in the fact this is me and Pastor Jon’s final Thanksgiving as a family of 2. Thanksgiving is a HUGE event in the Bennett family.

• I was able to spend time with 3 of my FIL’s siblings. It was great to be around the elders, hear their testimony, and stories from back in the day. Memories and a rich history I hope to share with BBB when he is older about his dad’s side of the family.

• For the first time, seeing so so many photos of Pastor Jon as a baby and young man. I continue to pray that BBB will be a man of God, integrity, and love like his dad. His dad’s 365 lifestyle points me to Jesus!

Third Trimester FAQs

Q: What foods are you craving these days?

A: It really depends on the day. My cravings have fluctuated a bit more and so has my appetite. Yet, when BBB is hungry, I know it! LOL

Q: How are you feeling?

A: Overall, I am great… given I am 7 months pregnant. ;) Yes, there are aches, fatigue, and insomnia, yet all normal symptoms at 29 weeks pregnant.

Q: What do you and Pastor Jon need for BBB?

A: First and most importantly, prayers!! IF you would like to share in our journey with a gift, please see our registries or consider contributing to our doula or meal fund. (linked above)

Q: How are you celebrating BBB?

A: We are celebrating BBB over the next month with family, close friends, and our church family. Our church is hosting a baby shower for me in January, which is open to friends. It’s a potluck and more info can be found here.

Q: How is BBB doing?

A: He is doing well. Moving, kicking, and flipping. He is so active that we have had no issue doing our morning and evening kick counts! :D

Q: How is BBB’s nursery coming along?

A: It is coming along. The crib is assembled and his dresser and glider have been ordered. We will spend time this Christmas holiday organizing his room.

Q: When is BBB due?

A: His EDD is 2/13/25.

Q: Are you still traveling for work?

A: Yes. This week, I am headed to a week-long conference. It should be my last, yet that could change. I don’t plan on traveling after this month.

In early December, my home was transformed into Winter Wonderland.

It was a vision of mine and I am sooo grateful to my friends who helped make this possible. All in all, it was beautiful and needed time with sister friends. I was reminded of the importance of vulnerability and a village!!

We laughed, laughed a bit more at my plans, and my soul was filled with wisdom and love as I prepare to be a mommy. :D

I had a lot of “plans and ideas” and experienced mommies educated me… and helped me understand the need to go with the flow (I am still working on letting go of my plans…).