We’ve always admired the body positivity radiating from model Ashley Graham and now that she’s expecting her first baby, she’s celebrating her curves in a whole new way.
Fans were elated when the model and activist announced her pregnancy on Instagram in an adorable video with her husband, filmmaker Justin Ervin. “Nine years ago today, I married the love of my life,” she says in the video. “It has been the best journey with my favorite person in the world! Today, we are feeling so blessed, grateful and excited to celebrate with our GROWING FAMILY! Happy anniversary, @mrjustinervin. Life is about to get even better.”
Ashley has since been documenting her growing bump with a series of unfiltered images, celebrating everything from her changing stretch marks to her post-massage glow. We’ve also learned that naps are non-negotiable for this mama-to-be and that she’s feeling flexible and strong.
Way before pregnancy, the model was shining a light on the importance of self-love. In an interview with SELF, Ashley talked about how she has found confidence. “We’ve been taught to say negative things to ourselves — to pinch our fat and be like, ‘One day it’ll leave.’ So I decided to break that cycle. But it didn’t happen overnight. And nobody — nobody — has control over my body but me.”
We can’t get enough of this beauty’s self-love and refusal to adhere to society’s impossible body standards. Keep doing you, Ashley, and please keep sharing your gorgeous stretch marks and prenatal curves.
And if you missed it, check out Graham’s adorable pregnancy announcement video below.