Welcome Sweet Emmanuel: Our Delivery Story

March 2013, my last semester as a college student, I found out that I would be a mommy in eight more months. Freaked out and scared, I had no idea that the months ahead of me would change my outlook as woman forever. The summer following graduation was a rough one, but I pulled through by the grace of God. When Emmanuel was only the size of peanut, he encouraged and kicked me (literally) to fight against the odds to become a successful mommy and college graduate. 

As my little one's due date steadily approached, I made peace with the fact that my life trajectory would make an abrupt change. I believed that I would be a great mother to my child because anything else in life that I wanted to be successful at, I worked my tail off for and being a mommy would be no different. 

As October dwindled down from weeks to days, my belief that I would be a great mom would truly be tested. November 1, Emmanuel's due date, came and went like it was just another pregnant day. Set to be induced on November 6, I was no longer a little girl who was afraid to push out another human being from within her, but a woman who was ready to nurture the sweet life that blossomed. 

With my boyfriend by my side, we were admitted into the birthing center at 7pm on November 6, 2013, in which we entered as a couple and would leave as a small, beautiful family. We didn't leave as quick as we entered but anything for the love of my son. After nearly a fourteen hour labor, my beautiful son arrived at 9:47pm on November 7. I really had no idea that waiting for my little miracle would take nearly one whole day, but going through this special experience was well worth the wait. 

Being able to hold the little one that kicked, moved, bumped against my ribs and rolled, was as surreal as it could get! After pushing my little fella out of his water motel, I reflected back to the moments of crying, doubting my inability to mother such a little person, and the moments of fear. Getting a chance to hold him in my arms for the first time made everything right with the world, or my world at least. 

It has been such a great experience to share some piece of my pregnancy with you all. I did not get a chance to update as often as I liked, but it still was wonderful reading the comments left by YOU!

Without you Classic.Raw.Beauty., would not be what it is and what it could be. Without Emmanuel, I definitely would not have become the woman I am blossoming into. 

Love,

Chakayla 

Week 40: Pregnancy Update

Hello Beauties!

Emmanuel's due date, which was on November 1, has come and gone but I will be entering the hospital on November 7 at 7pm to get my induction started!! I am beyond excited and blessed to have a chance to meet the little man that has changed my life for the better. During this nine month journey, I have been able to experience an array of emotions but I am glad to have such a strong support system with my boyfriend, family and friends! 

If everything goes smooth, I will definitely snap photos and share my delivery experience with you all! This is a major milestone that I want you all to be apart of. I look forward to posting very soon!!

With all my love,

Chakayla 

Love on Top Countdown......

Hello There Beauties,

My little one is being stubborn and I still haven't dilated much this past week. I have an up and coming doctor's appointment this coming Friday, so we will see what progress little man has made these last seven days. I do not want to rush him, but this momma-to-be is excited to meet him!

Time is ticking and he is just relaxing until he is ready to be the major star of his birthday show!

For all those mommies out there, how did you cope with the anxiety of waiting for your babies to come in your final trimester?

Until Next Time,

Chakayla & Emmanuel 

My Maternity Fashion Essentials

Boy, has it been a short summer!

With me starting a new job and taking on the role as a pregnant makeup artist, the summer seemed to fly by me. I have been a terrible fashion blogger throughout this whole pregnancy, but this pregnancy has been a huge adjustment for me since graduating college. There have been tough times and beautiful times since walking across the stage,  but I am extremely thankful to have a blog space where I can release some creative tension.

Despite my lack of outfit posts, I have been able to track down my style in camera photos each week or every other week when I was up to it. Nevertheless, as my beautiful baby grew so did my bump and I needed clothing that was still stylish and functional for my new blossoming figure. Since all my funds have been dedicated to little man, I shopped my own closet for most of my items or I went to H&M and invested in great transitional pieces that I could wear post-pregnancy. And, if you can tell, I had one favorite piece that came up a lot on my Instagram (classicraw): 

Essential Pieces: Thrifted Goodwill Blouse & Cotton Blend Maxi Skirt

H&M Leggings

The essential black tank and my thrifted fedora!

What were your essential maternity/summer pieces this summer?