Operation Joyful: The first belly shot I've ever allowed

Today’s Parent managing editor Katie Dupuis likes structure and organization. A lot. Now, imagine this Type A editor with a baby. Funny, right? We’re sure you’ll love Katie’s musings on life with Sophie and husband Blaine.

As I’ve written about many, many times before, I’m formerly of the “Pregnant? Who, Me?” camp. With my daughter, Sophie, I would have passed off my ninth-month preggo belly as a food baby, if anyone had believed it: “It’s totally just lasagna, I swear.” It felt easier, less stressful and better for my ever-present anxiety.

Read more: Prenatal anxiety: Tips and treatment >

But this time around, I’m out in the open, admitting to the blogosphere that my expanding waistline is all about a new addition arriving in late August. With this in mind, my friends have insisted that I embrace the schmaltz of the weeks leading up to this little bean’s arrival, which means allowing something I swore I never would: the belly shot.

So, dear readers, here’s my bump in all its glory (accentuated by an adorable sign crafted by our art department). I’m told we’ll be putting up a weekly shot, which is pretty much the total opposite of my pregnancy with Soph, but this is Operation Joyful and I’m actively taking every chance I can to celebrate.