Well, my goal was to update my blog at the end of every trimester, but…I don’t even have a valid excuse. I’ve just been TIDE! Lol! I am proud to say that I have journaled regularly throughout my pregnancy, and I am glad that I made that a priority. I already love looking back at the entries. Art even joined in in the beginning and took notes of some of the ridiculous preggo things I’ve said!  Anyway, I’m going to write this blog post for a few reasons 1). I like to look back on these posts about special times in my life. 2). I’m also going to write this for those in a season of waiting – no matter what you’re waiting on! 3). Since I’ve mentioned having PCOS a few times on social media, several have messaged me wanting to know more. I know hearing stories like mine helped me during the TTC process.  4). Lastly, I’m writing this for other women that may be expecting. I’m going to try to keep up with blogging helpful things that have/have not worked for us on this journey. Art and I are new to this parenting thing, and you know what they say – there is no book on parenting (though I have read a few), so take it with a grain of salt.

Get some coffee, wine, water, snacks, etc. This is gonna be a loooong one. If all the reading isn’t for you, feel free to just scroll through enjoy a few pictures!

TTC

Now, I do realize that our trying to conceive journey is actually quite short in comparison to many, but that doesn’t take away the stress and hardship that we endured. In August of 2017, I learned that I was pregnant. I was shocked because we were not trying. Then a week or two later, I learned that we lost that baby, and that my hormones were all over the place because of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). In short, PCOS affects your hormone levels, and it is the number one cause for infertility. My progesterone levels were too low to sustain a pregnancy. I will NEVER forget waking up and knowing that I was losing that baby, and Art jumping out of bed and holding my hand and beginning to pray for us. I was pretty emotional, but I do remember him praying that God would bless us on His time and for our strength. I know Art was nervous and his mind was all over the place too, but he stayed as strong as one could. I appreciated that A LOT.

A few months later, we decided to be intentional with trying. I had my preconception appointment and the nurse practitioner at my OBGYN office (whom I LOVE) warned that it could take me months or YEARS to get pregnant with PCOS. She herself has it, and she’d been trying for FIVE years. She gave me her nutritionist’s (specializes in nutrition that aids fertility) number and suggested I cut back on all of the cardio. I took her advice – changed my diet to Keto, slowed down on cardio and started doing more strength training, and got the number of infertility doctors from co-workers. She also suggested I start tracking my Aunt Flo. I used an app called OVIA and ovulation strips (the expensive Clearblue and First Response ones with the smiley faces). Lastly, I used Ovasitol (from Amazon) in my water to improve my hormone functioning. If you know me, you know I did my own research, and I was committed. Not many knew all of the lengths I was going through – other than Art. All the while, I was being asked REPEATEDLY from family, friends, clients, and even my students when we were going to have a baby and if I even wanted one. I think that made the process far more stressful, and I swear to never ask another woman when she plans to have a baby or another baby. Every month I was on this merry-go-round. I would convince myself that if it didn’t happen, I’d be okay with it just being me and Art forever. We could easily travel and just be the very best God parents or aunt and uncle (in the future)…we don’t NEED kids! Then, I’d start tracking and get hopeful. We’d try. I’d take a test and find out that I wasn’t pregnant. My Aunt Flo would come. I’d sob. & the cycle starts again. It was torture honestly. During this time one of my best friends was pregnant. I’d call to check on her weekly, and she’d give me updates per my request, but she’d also check on me – “I read this book and you should try x,y, and z” or “Idk about you being my baby’s God mom because I have faith that this time next year, you WILL be pregnant”…man. My mom even said she would carry a baby for us, if it was still medically possible. She’d also insist that it would somehow happen one day.  It’s important to have people that speak life into you during your season of waiting.

The nurse practitioner that I bonded with told me that she was finalllllly pregnant AND that she just had this feeling I would be too. She had this inclination that it would happen for me over the summer break – when I was more relaxed. I hoped she was right, and I heard a sermon on how we should wait on God to fulfill our desires. We should keep the faith and stop watching the clock and doubting him. I decided to TRY that and also do some traveling and just enjoy life over the summer. Art and I went to the Bahamas instead of any other country since it was safe from ZIKA – juuuust in case I got pregnant. I went to NYC for a week of professional development + fun, and I visited my family in Florida and my in-laws in Cleveland. Art and I had a blast…and we prayed A LOT. We prayed specifically about having a baby. Needless to say, I got pregnant…over the summer. It took us about 4 months.

THREE days after Art called me on his break to hear me crying because I had all of the signs that my Aunt Flo was on the way, I found out in the early morning that I was pregnant. The nurse practitioner responded to my message on a Sunday with so much excitement, she wanted me in the office first thing Monday morning to have my hormone levels checked. She assured me that this time, we’d be ready to supplement my progesterone. To our surprise over the first few weeks, my levels rose on their own. I should have seen God’s hand in this. SO VERY THANKFUL.  If anyone ever has any questions, you can always reach out to me about this topic.

Art and I are officially one year in!!! I’ve finally gotten wedding pictures hung AND now a blog with wedding pictures! They’re just too good to not have a place on MY actual blog. I will keep this short and sweet since there are SOOO many pictures for you to scroll through. What you’ll find in these photos is exactly what we wanted our wedding to be – A CELEBRATION of love and marriage with our closest family and friends! It was more than I’d ever dreamed for our big day! We can’t thank everyone enough for the love shown then and now!!!

 

Our Wedding – JUNE 9, 2017

I loved our wedding paper goods, and I’m all about the details.I had a first look with my girls.
Writing our own vows was Art’s idea. I love, love, loooove that we did this…although the initial thought caused me a great deal of stress…lol! The words were in my heart though and I actually wrote them the morning of our wedding. Art and I had a first look and I don’t regret it.

We broke tradition but I don’t think that it took away from the moment I walked down the aisle. A LOT of wedding photographers suggest first looks these days because it gives you a moment to SLOOOOW down together, and it’s an opportunity to ensure MORE photos of the bride and groom together. These are some of my favorite photos of us together! Cars honked and people yelled out “Congrats!” or “You guys look so beautiful!” the whole walk! It was pretty sweet!Right after the photo on the left, the music started and so did the ugly crying…and my papa looked at me before we walked out and said “What is you crying for?! Shut up, Farrahn. You’re supposed to be happy!” I responded with “I *sniff* Am *sniff* SO *sniff* Happppy!!!” Happiest tears everrrr!
The vows were my absolute favorite part of the day. Lots of tears and lots of laughter throughout them. Kate Spade Keds. <3 So much love for our parents and siblings! They really are the best!!!
Still bothers me that our grandparents’ (in Heaven) pictures weren’t on this table, but they were definitely in our hearts when we planned this table.The energy was pretty incredible when we walked out to get the party/reception started!
My father in law’s speech was one of my favorite parts of reception. It was the perfect mixture of funny and sentimental!The only three kids allowed to our wedding were the God kiddos. They were the first on the dance floor, but it certainly didn’t stay empty long.Yall. That’s my grandma in the middle of the dance floor! HAHA!I was SO nervous that people wouldn’t dance. Tuh! The most epic/dangerous bouquet toss. My papa is still talking about Art putting his WHOLE head under my dress. I guess he’d never seen this at a wedding before. Luckily, he thinks it’s crazy and funny! Sorry, gramps.

This was without a doubt one of the best days and nights of our lives!

Thanks for looking!!!

Love and Light,

The Thomases

Vendors:

Venue: Piedmont Room at Piedmont Park

Coordinator: Emily Faucette

Photographer: Mecca Gamble

Videographer: Cre8ive Cinema

Tux Rentals: Savvi Formalwear

Wedding Gown: Bride Beautiful

Cake and Cupakes: Cakes by Anna

Florist: Carithers Flowers

Shoes: Badgley Mischka and Kate Spade Keds

Makeup: Kimaris Jones

Robes: Yadi Mercier

All of the other details and decor, I honestly pieced together from sooo many different places, so just shoot me a message if you’re planning!

If you’re reading this – I AM THIRTY! I don’t know what it is about decade birthdays that make birthdays feel BIG! I mean, they make you more reflective than usual. At times, they can even bring you down a wee bit because they can be a reminder of what you always THOUGHT you’d accomplish by said decade year – you know what I mean? Needless to say, saying “goodbye” to my 20’s is surely bittersweet.

Instead of feeling down about hitting 30, I am sitting on the beach laughing with my husband and reflecting on how flipping awesome my 20’s were. I mean, I graduated from college twice, started a photography business that’s still trucking along, met my husband (age 22), cheered my mom on as she graduated from college, welcomed 2 of my God babies into the world, maintained friendships, finally started viewing my “baby brother bear” as a young man, met and became close friends with some amazing ppl, showed 100+ students unconditional love, did a little bit of traveling (Mexico, Charleston, Chicago, Los Angeles + surrounding cities, Miami, Blue Ridge Mtns, Houston, Jamaica, 30A), took premarital counseling, and married my Artyyy in front of about 200 people that we love so much! Whew!

With 30, I want to boldly walk in my truth. I want to be transparent about my journey – my 20’s came with some tough times, too. I welcomed my 20’s with a DUI – yes, ME. I did my community service and spent a lot of my own little savings to get it reduced. I suffered two major depressions out of no where. They left me in uncontrollable puddles of tears 24/7 for what felt like the longest weeks of my life. I’ll never forget being afraid of my own thoughts and calling several random ministers hoping they’d help. I went through this dark time questioning EVERYTHING (including God). More recently, my 20’s brought an appointment where my doctor looked at me and for the first time I heard a doctor tell me “Farrahn, you’re pregnant!” Before we even had the chance to celebrate and take everything in – I had a miscarriage. I went through the motions of feeling less than. I asked myself “What if it never happens for us because of MY body?!” I eventually checked myself because I know THAT’s the kind of crazy talk + thoughts that the devil would looove for me to harp on. NOPE! Talk about needing FAITH!!!

Today, I asked Art “If you could sit here today with 24 year old Farrahn – would you want to?!” Of course, he said “No, I love 30 year old Farrahn!” Just as I was about to give him an A+ for passing my pop quiz, we talked about WHY. THAT Farrahn was a total sweetheart, but she was full of fear. She was a “runner”, and she played it safe. Heck, she wouldn’t have ever disclosed some of the stuff above!!! A private person that was concerned with only herself. She’d protect herself at any cost. She lived a privileged life & really didn’t have a testimony. Truth be told, she was pretty “judgey”. Faith and God didn’t really drive her. I’m not THAT young girl anymore, and I’m happy about that. Some of those qualities that I used to be… actually make me uncomfortable when I see them in other people now. I am a work in progress, but I have truly grown.  I am walking into my 30’s knowing that God is the captain of my ship, BUT sometimes he’ll sit back and let me (the co-captain) maneuver that thang! I’ve gotta have faith, be prayerful, and I’ve absolutely gotta put in the work for the things that I am hopeful for! That’s the way this journey works. When I achieve or receive the things that I asked and worked for – I have to help the next person. I owe it to God to continue helping wherever I can. I have learned to check my thoughts often & even other people’s, if they’re bringing US down…because I know that “God is always in the boat/ship” with me/us. I refuse to allow anyone to make me think otherwise. I want to share the good and the bad – only in hopes of helping people.  I want to be a light in this dark world. When I read of people that took their lives, I don’t judge them. I am saddened because I wish someone had reassured them that God was right there in the boat with them all along. I wish they could have seen how I too had the same exact thoughts, but through faith and work – things got better. Even now, I have to remind myself on dark days that it’s temporary, and God will get me through each dark day. I am a survivor, and I walk by faith. I don’t know what’s ahead, but this life is a journey. Everything that I have and will go through is a part of MY journey. Above it all – I want to live a life that will make GOD proud. I’m unashamed to say that I don’t have it all figured out, but if I can do anything to help YOU be a light, I got cha baby!

Let’s do this 30’s!!! In honor of it being my “BIG 30th” – I came up with a Bucket List. I asked some friends + fam to join me in celebration by creating one of their own. It’d be a way to ensure that we’re all being INTENTIONAL about living and celebrating together. I asked them to add 2 things from my list to their own. If it’s on this list -& God keeps me as healthy as I am now,  it’s happening within the next 3 years!!! I will cross things off as I do them. It was hard to not put things that were more like goals. I mean, in being transparent (again) – I don’t want to live above my financial means for the next 3 years so I couldn’t include 15 trips across the world. I will do a new bucket list in 3 years.

In no particular order:

1. Learn to swim (this has been put off for about 25 years)

2. Take my mom on a vacation

3. Update my brand (complete with a brand photo shoot)

4. Plan a couples’ trip

5. Host an Ugly Sweater Holiday Party (I won’t make our guests watch Home Alone although that’d be AH-MAZING)

6. Take a calligraphy class (preferably with Erica of yesmaampapergoods.com)

7. Do a weekly blog series ( current ideas: date nights, restaurant reviews, married life)

8. Watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon (helicopter tour)

9. Kiss in the rain (i can admit that i’ve watched too many romantic comedies)

10. Complete a scrapbook

11. Get real estate license (I can help Art out with his business)

12. Reach my ultimate goal of 110 lbs (don’t debate me on this)

13. Get a wrist tattoo (something about being a light…not another butterfly)

14. Attend a concert in a different state

15. Rent a Jeep Wrangler & go on a girls’ trip with friends

16. 1 on 1 makeup classes

17. Ride a horse on the beach (again) with Art

18. Take a cooking class with Art

19. Be completely debt free (other than a mortgage) and call Dave Ramsey to do the “Debt Free Scream)”

20. Travel to Greece with Kara (summer trip that we put off for a whole year)

21. Go to one or two wine tastings (or ten because….YES!)

22. Purchase first home with Art

23. Go to Vegas to see B. Spears or J Lo perform (I clearly started this list before the shooting…)

24. Travel to Lake Louise

25. Create a brand video for a creative and/or a family video that I’m proud of  (take documentation to the next level)

26. Attend a photography workshop

27. Beautiful beach trip (a beach that would be new for us)

28. Half Tough Mudder (October 2o, 2018)

29. Try and Review 100 new restaurants

30. Have a lil baby that’s gon’ listen (prayerfully) – I realize this one isn’t really a bucket list type of thing, BUT whatyagonnado?!

I really regret not doing a better job of documenting my personal life and trips with my beloved Canon. My camera will be with me as I take on this Bucket List.

Let’s cheer each other on and hold each other accountable!!!I’m excited to see what my friends & family come up with! If you didn’t make one, but you’d like to do this  – create one! Lemme see what’s on YOUR bucket list!

THANK YOU FOR READING & CELEBRATING LIFE WITH ME!

With Love & Light,

Farrahn T.

 

Tomorrow is THE big day so what better way to celebrate that than a wedding blog?! We decided to go this route instead of a wedding website because…why not?! Although I neglect my blog, it’s my labor of love and my own little corner of the World Wide Web. Though this is typed in first person by yours truly, Art is sitting right next to me – laughing and giving his input…as per usual.

OUR STORY

We met on New Year’s Eve of 2010. Art lived in Jacksonville, Florida at the time, and I lived in Atlanta, Georgia. We were both in Augusta, GA to spend time with family and friends for the holidays. We went to rival high schools and the same college for 3 years, but we never really spoke or hung out…until that NYE. Our friends suggested that we keep in touch since Art would be moving to Atlanta for grad school.

Those same friends traveled to Atlanta later in January, and we all met up and hung out again. This became the routine until Art & I started meeting up without said friends – insert grin. For almost a year, we hung out as JUST friends. In fact, when anyone would suggest something more we’d write it off in fear of ruining such a solid friendship. We talked about everything, met each other during winter storms for breakfast, took me to my first NBA game, celebrated birthdays, etc. -ALLLL AS FRIENDS. As time went on, it became blatantly obvious that there was waaaaay more there.  In the past 7 years, we’ve been through SO many highs and lows together. We’ve both grown in all areas of our lives, and we’ve been able to do this as best friends. Common theme here? FRIENDSHIP & LOVE! Here we are 7 years later, ready to commit and celebrate the “beginning” of what we think is the greatest love story!

THE PROPOSAL

Me being the control freak   planner that likes to be in the know, I’d been trying to map out the perfect proposal for a couple of years, but one day I casually told Art that I wanted to be surprised. I wanted it to be just the two of us on a regular day because anything more would be a dead give away. Art having the photographic memory   being as attentive as he is, he decided to do just what was suggested. He planned out a romantic staycation in downtown Atlanta to celebrate my 29th birthday. We had dinner at my favorite place, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, went on a horse and carriage ride through the city, and went out dancing (no, we literally sang & DANCED all night). I just KNEW at any moment our families would pop out at every single place. I even Facetimed with my mom in hopes to see where she was..but NOPE. On the last day (October 10th, 2016) of our staycation, we walked the BeltLine around Ponce City Market.

Once the staycation was over and we were sweaty and exhausted – Art came in the room I’d passed out in and said “Man. This was a REALLLLLY good weekend! Do you know what would make this weekend even better?!” My response “Hmmm…ICE CREAM?!” We laughed and out of what felt like no where….. Art got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The proposal might have came as a shock, but I always knew that we’d be together forever. As much of a hopeless romantic as I am, I never genuinely believed in soulmates until I met Art.  Two people couldn’t be more of a match than the two of us – we’ve never been able to deny that.

DEETS

We will be getting married in the heart of downtown Atlanta at The Piedmont Room at Park Tavern at 6:30pm on Friday, June 9, 2017.

This is an adults only affair.

Semi-formal attire is suggested.

Our preference is a cash gift, but we are registered at Bed Bath & Beyond (Farrahn and Arthur)

Dinner and drinks will be served at the reception. We are suggesting that everyone Uber! 🙂

As stated above, this wedding has been anticipated by quite a few people for a while now – we are thrilled to finally “turn up” with everyone.

More than anything we want our wedding day to be one funnnn celebration! We really appreciate all of the things that SO many people have done to attend and celebrate our union. The day isn’t even here yet, and we’re already so overwhelmed with gratitude! We have SO much love for everyone that will be in attendance!!!!

 

THE NIGHT ART PROPOSED

WE MADE PROPOSAL BOXES FOR OUR GROOMSMEN AND BEST MAN – ARTHUR THOMAS SR.

WINTER ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY KATIE YORK OF DASH PHOTOGRAPHY. THE WEATHER WAS AWFUL, BUT WE WEREN’T GOING TO LET THAT GET IN THE WAY OF HAVING OUR LOVE DOCUMENTED. MISSION WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

MY BACHELORETTE PARTY WAS OVER SPRING BREAK IN MIAMI, FLORIDA. MY FRIENDS TOOK REALLY GREAT CARE OF ME AND WERE ENTERTAINING AND ATTENTIVE DESPITE WHATEVER PERSONAL THINGS THEY WERE DEALING WITH AT THE TIME- THEY SHOWERED ME WITH SO MUCH LOVE THAT I CRIED ALMOST THE ENTIRE FLIGHT HOME. THIS TRIP REALLY SHOWED ME THAT IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE WE ARE OR WHAT WE’RE GOING THROUGH – WE’RE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME AND COME TOGETHER LIKE WE’VE ALWAYS DONE! THAT’S LOVE.

SPRING PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY MECCA GAMBLE (OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER)

THESE ARE OUR PEOPLE. THEY HAVE LOVED AND CARED FOR US ENDLESSLY. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! WE LOVE YOU!

THESE ARE OUR PEOPLE. THEY HAVE LOVED AND CARED FOR US ENDLESSLY. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! WE LOVE YOU!

 

 

 

 

I get so very nervous when I “shoot” my closest friends, so needless to say I was sweating bullets when it was time to get a few updated shots of Ciera for her new and upcoming website/blog. It’s just that they’ve supported and believed in my work since the verrrry beginning. They encouraged me to make this business work for me during times when I’ve doubted my ability and talent. They sometimes have more faith in what I’m capable of than I do, so I feel this immense pressure to make their vision come to life when the ball is in my court. Ciera has been there since before Farrahn E. Photography, listening to my stories and encouraging me. Now, her own business has taken off full speed ahead. She’s got an amazing cleaning company, Karma Clean. Their attention to detail and use of natural products is unmatched. I’d mentioned being a little stressed and overwhelmed to Ciera, so they sprayed lemon grass essential oil on our linen, and it really did make a huge difference. What cleaning company takes those measures?! I was blown away by the job well done. I’ve also been using natural household cleaning products, detergent, soaps, and scrubs that Ciera and her mom MAKE. My skin is super sensitive, and their products have been awesome for me! The buck doesn’t stop their for Ci – she is also one of the best mothers I know and a mentor to other young girls. I can’t speak highly enough of the positive spirit that is Ci. I can’t wait to see her business and blog take off. She’s such a beautiful person on the outside AND the inside. I’ve always known she was destined for greatness…