My Life Parenting Photography

The 4-6 Weeks Project (Week One)

I did this project the last time I was pregnant, too. The idea is to take a daily photo in the 4-6 weeks before the new baby comes, celebrating our time together as a family of four, and eventually I’ll turn the series into a keepsake book for Eleanor and August. Last time I started 4 weeks from my due date, thinking I might go to 42 weeks like I did with Eleanor, but then August came a few days early. This time I’ve started 6 weeks out, and hopefully baby number three won’t turn this into The 8 Weeks Project!

{ Week OneWeek TwoWeek ThreeView All }

August 15

Six weeks from your new little brother’s due date. Six or so weeks from becoming a family of five. Eleanor, you talk about the baby constantly, offering to share your bed & getting excited about how we’ll have so much to do because we’ll get to teach him everything. August, you mostly just like to bonk into mama’s big belly!

August 16

You both had fun making these paper kitties before bed tonight, & then you tried to have a sleepover in August’s room (as we have been doing a lot lately while working on the hallway). It ended in tears with Eleanor back in her room after August told her she was “fired from making paper cats EVER EVER AGAIN.”

August 17

Eleanor, you carried a rock with you to meet Sir Topham Hatt at our first “Day Out with Thomas” two years ago. This year, you made it into what must now be a tradition, and August, you got in on it too. You guys rock.

August 18

After a Thomas-filled day yesterday, you both had renewed interest in your toy trains. We made a huge track on the floor of the newly opened-up hallway, adding bridges and making everything connect. It was so cute to hear the stories you make up for the different engines! Pretty sure there was a wedding involved at one point.

August 19

We have a desk in the playroom, but you both gravitate toward spreading everything out on the floor instead. Mama’s happy to oblige, even if it is getting harder for her to sit down there with you as her tummy grows!

August 20

When mama started this photo project, she hoped to get at least a few pictures with both of you in them. She thought it might not be easy, but really, you two are together more often than not. Eleanor and August: siblings and best buddies. And soon you’ll have another pal to play with!

August 21

August, ever since you were little, you’ve been into cars and trucks — basically, anything with wheels. Monster trucks have been a big hit for a long time now, and your love for them doesn’t seem to be waning anytime soon. I wonder if your little brother will be the same way.

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  • Amelia
    August 25, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    This series is great. I know you made a conscious decision to give your kids more privacy, but I love these little looks into your family life.

    • Making it Lovely
      August 25, 2014 at 5:02 pm

      I have pulled back a lot, especially compared to when I was a brand-new mom! I do still like to share a bit of our lives as a family though.

      • Marcee ... ILLINOIS
        August 25, 2014 at 6:30 pm

        WOW. Ohhmygosh …. it’s a boy!!! I guessed it. From the photo when you were wearing the greenish-blue outfit in Paris! So very exciting Nicole. Your precious Eleanor and August will be thrilled with “their” baby’s arrival. Beautiful family.

  • erin
    August 25, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    I just love this. I can’t believe you’re so close to welcoming your third! For some reason I thought you still had 2-3 months. Time flies when you’re not the one that’s pregnant. Ha!

    • Making it Lovely
      August 25, 2014 at 5:03 pm

      As of today, one month and one day ’till my due date! A little earlier would be just fine with me though. (Oof, this baby is squirmy.)

  • kristin @ W [H] A T C H
    August 25, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    what a lovely project.

  • Noelle @ Noelle Mullins Design
    August 25, 2014 at 2:06 pm

    This project is such a great way to keep track of these sweet moments! I’ve grown to love your kid posts so I’m glad you’ve kept them up, even if it’s not quite as frequently.

  • Erin
    August 25, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    Do you have a company and/or template to suggest! I love this idea but I’m not good at layout, choosing fonts, etc

  • Katie
    August 26, 2014 at 11:50 am

    I love this series! What a beautiful way to memorialize a crazy time before the new baby comes. I never saw the post before August came but that made me (a complete stranger) a little emotional.

  • raeleneb
    August 26, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    Nicole! I love this little project. Have been silently lurking here for years (years!) and have loved seeing your family grow (our kids are all very similar in age – including the one on the way!). Congrats, love.

  • christine miller
    August 27, 2014 at 8:37 am

    Nicole I love the life you have created for your children. And I really admire your dedication to these projects documenting your life, so much fun to look back on.
    A very specific question – As I look at these photos today I notice your children playing on wood floors, we have lived in several homes recently and I feel that hard floors can be a deterrent to my boys from certain types of play, small world type stuff (wooden trains, thomas) where they are on their knees. The boys (7 years and 5 years) have even expressed preference for the padding offered by carpet for playing. We are about to buy an older home with wood flooring throughout – living areas and bedrooms and I’m already planning how to fund the purchase of many rugs. Perhaps Eleanor and August have stronger knees than my boys. :) What are your thoughts? Do you find them gravitating to carpeted areas?

  • Jen @ RamblingRenovators
    August 27, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    I love this project! What a great way of capturing the time before your family of 4 becomes 5. Its nice to see the sibling relationship with E and A documented too. They’ll love looking back at these everyday moments someday.

  • lucinda
    August 29, 2014 at 9:33 am

    what a great idea! i’ve never heard of the 4-6 weeks project but i love the concept. it’s a tricky balance one you have multiple children (i imagine) so it’s great that you do things such as these so that they feel “special” or individual, you know. plus, it’s a great way for YOU to remember how the family dynamic has changed with the addition of each new member. very sweet.

  • The 4-6 Weeks Project (Week Three) | Making it Lovely
    September 11, 2014 at 11:56 pm

    […] Week One • Week Two • Week Three […]

  • The 4-6 Weeks Project (Week Two) | Making it Lovely
    September 12, 2014 at 12:01 am

    […] Week One • Week Two • Week Three • View All […]