Maternity Shoot - Steph

In between busy school pick ups, we were lucky enough to find time and schedule a quick photo shoot with Steph Nieto, now a mom to 3 beautiful girls! This full-time homemaker is a proud mom to 9-year-old Casey and 6-year-old Ellie and just recently gave birth to baby girl Selena. Steph has an easy and calm demeanor and looks like she's pregnant with her first child instead of her third. Amazing! We loved shooting her and her adorable daughter Ellie in our favorite Kapitolyo neighborhood cafe - Banois Caphe et Boulangerie. See our photos below:

How has this pregnancy been so far? Is it the same or different from your other pregnancies? 
"This pregnancy has been smooth and easy for me. I'm able to do the same things that I've been doing when I was not pregnant. Unlike my previous one where I was on complete bedrest as early as 28 weeks until I gave birth due to placenta previa."                                                                                                                           

How are you preparing your daughters for a new sister? 
"I make sure that they are part of my pregnancy journey - they go with me every time I have an ultrasound appointment and I update them with the baby's development. When the baby kicks in my tummy, I make them feel her. I also involved them in choosing clothes for the baby, the baby's name, and ask them what they think we need for the baby, etc. I also make it a point to talk to them about the new baby and make sure that they feel secure, especially my 2nd daughter since she is quite clingy towards me."                                                            
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           What are your newborn must-haves?
"I always make sure to have enough tie-side or snap side onesies and frog suits. I use them especially during the first 3 months where the baby's head/neck is still soft and delicate. These type of clothes will make any mom's life so much easier! You can dress your baby up without having to worry about hurting his/her neck. I also make sure to have a baby bag with lots of pockets! (I try and like to keep things organized). Although, I must admit that I haven't found the perfect baby bag yet."                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         "I remember with my 2 older kids, I kept changing baby bags because they were either too big or too small and I would always end up with it being so messy inside after a day out... For this baby, I ordered one from Amazon which was recommended to me by a friend. It's the Harrito stroller diaper bag with 10 pockets for only $50. Let's see if this will work for me. :)  I also use a sit and stand stroller. Although my 2nd is no longer a toddler, she can still use both the sit and stand part of the stroller (max weight is 50kgs) since we always wait in the mall until my eldest gets off from school. Lastly, a car seat. I don't really like the thought of leaving any of my kids at home with just our yaya (and bringing her along with us is also something I don't think is necessary as well) thus, a car seat!"                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Any advice you can share with other pregnant moms?
"Us moms tend to Google everything we feel. Of course, you'll want to know the basics, but try to resist the urge to find out about every little complication that could arise during your pregnancy. There is such a thing as too much information. It will do you no good and will just make you paranoid. Relax and take this time to enjoy your changing body. While I feel that you should avoid all sort of 'scary' sites that tell you things are going wrong (when they probably aren't really), I like looking at mommy blogs to learn about pregnancy and parenting from the front lines. They are smart and will help you throughout your journey."                                                            
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      "Clothes can also be a problem when you have a growing belly. Be a smart shopper when it comes to choosing maternity/nursing clothes. Buy clothes that you can use even after you give birth. I personally like the ones from Elin because their styles are classic, super comfy, perfect fit and flattering for any body type. Lastly, get as much rest as you can. Try not to get stressed on every single thing and just enjoy your pregnancy."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What's the best thing about being a mom? 
"The endless hugs, love, and kisses I get from my daughters. Receiving small notes and drawings everyday that says 'I love my mommy, my mom is the best'. My kids amaze me everyday. They have taught me to be more patient, more loving, and much more appreciative of every moment we have together as a family."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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