Happy Tuesday all! The technology hiatus is only partially over, but I couldn't go a full week without updating you guys on how everything is going. Justin is finally home, and Ava bug and I have enjoyed every minute with him. From the moment Ava saw her daddy, she has been beaming (I love it)! She has been super affectionate, full of giggles, and she is allowing daddy to do everything mommy does. This has made me incredibly happy. I wasn't sure how things between Ava bug and Justin were going to go because of his absence these last few weeks. I think I can officially say that anytime daddy has to leave, I can expect Ava to be just fine when he returns.

This week is going to be a busy one, but all for very good reasons! I have a friend visiting from Texas, and I am beyond excited to see her and meet her little one. The Howland's also have a photo session at the end of this week, and I get even more ancy by the day. I just received my new beach hat in the mail, and I cannot wait for Jessica to capture it in our photos. Jessica just started a new Facebook page for her business, and I'd love it if we could show some support by "liking" her page!

Also, as promised, here is my daily photo of "Ava was here" for the blog. Day one of three hundred and sixty-five. She loves "helping" mom and dad with the toilet paper.

The real reason behind this post is actually in the title. Through the last few months I've had the opportunity of following some of the strongest women in the world. Women who aren't afraid to bare their skin, and show the world that our bodies are beautiful. Our bodies are beautiful before having babies; they are beautiful after having babies; they are beautiful all the time. We have beautiful temples throughout motherhood, throughout our breastfeeding journey, and throughout the days that motherhood challenges us.

Here lately this organization of women have been having social media difficulties. Their photos are being taken down, their accounts are being removed, and it's just become such a mess. It infuriates me to no end that this is happening. We should not have to censor motherhood, we should not have to remove the photos that portray the very definition. I have included the link  for those who would like to sign the petition that the 4th trimester bodies project founder started. At the very least showing your support can make a world of difference.

I really hope that fighting for what I believe is right inspires some of my readers. Even more, I hope that standing up for what I believe is right is the best example I can set for my daughter.

♥- Leilani

Success!

Yesterday's cake smash session went off without a hitch. I could not have chosen a better Pacific Northwest photographer for this special occasion. I was so stressed about everything, especially since we were running late yesterday. Chloe was seriously so laid back and mellow. Ava got her first boo boo on her face from falling. I both love and hate that she is walking for this very reason. It really is just a little bump by her eye, but that didn't stop me from crying. You'd think that after almost a year of knowing that when mama cries it causes baby to cry, that I would stop.. Yeah, hasn't happened. When we finally did hit the road, I ended up going over a pothole that was determined to ruin the smash cake. Thank goodness it was still salvageable. Picture days have always stressed me out because I try to have everything as "perfect" as possible. I'm happy to report (despite the minor bumps) yesterday was pretty perfect. The location of the studio put me in a good mood. I really  don't know why (I don't spend a lot of time in Tacoma), but I appreciate the scenic parts of downtown Tacoma.

The studio we were in had these huge windows with these long, white curtains. Apparently it was an old news tribune building. The feel of everything was just so relaxed, and I felt instant happiness. Ava bug took to Chloe extremely well. She's usually pretty timid and watchful of strangers, so imagine my surprise when she walked to Chloe and grabbed her hand. I knew then, we had found our new family photographer. Ava is so stingy when it comes to smiles, and I am so glad we found someone that is able to get that out of her. I can hardly wait to get the images back. I saw a preview last night, and I was so very fond of the photos she did post. Ava looks so much older, she looks so grown up, and she looks like a toddler. I didn't cry over the picture, but I can't promise to keep composure when I see them all. The smash cake photos, and the nursing photos are the ones that have me the most giddy. As much as I wish Justin could have been there with us, I had so much fun.

I'm really glad I made the decision (more like Justin's school schedule made the decision) to downsize Ava's actual birthday party. I don't feel as stressed, and I know her party is going to be more personal for us. Since her daddy will be away during the day on Saturday, I plan on taking my Princess out for the ultimate Birthday treat! Pedicures, potential zoo day, maybe even the beach (weather permitting). Whatever we end up doing, I just want it to be all about her. I plan on taking videos galore on Saturday, so watch out for those. This past year has really allowed me to value video footage like never before. It really is amazing to relive certain moments of your life, even if just for a brief second.

With that being said, I'm off! I'm going to be that cheesy mama that makes a special video for her daughter each year of her life. Those of you who know me.. heck those of you who read this blog, know how much the Type A person in me loves documentation.

Happy Thursday all!

♥- Leilani