Carissa Moore

I have grown so much since my last post and am in the final month of my pregnancy!! Less than four weeks till my perceived due date. Despite being large and in charge, I feel pretty good. I've had to get creative with surfing but am still catching a few waves! My belly is the size of a beach ball so paddling prone long distances is not really possible anymore. I swim my board out to the lineup, when a wave approaches I do a quick sprint with "my butt in the air like I just don’t care" and then awkwardly get to my feet. The ride isn’t anything special yet it is. Something about still being able to stand up on a wave and ride in some capacity at this stage makes me feel like I am conquering the world. Even though I am in the water less than the time it takes me to get to and from the beach, it’s always definitely worth the joy it brings me. 

*Neat fact… I am surprisingly super buoyant! I thought I would sink but it’s actually the opposite!

Overall my body feels strong. I feel very fortunate that I haven’t experienced too many aches or pains up until this point. I’m a little uncomfortable at times but in the scheme of things, nothing I can’t handle. My one problem spot is my mid back right below my bra line. I’ve been seeing a chiropractor every two weeks to help maintain good alignment as my body shifts to the extra weight and bigger belly. My Chiro says the mid back pain could be from my diaphragm being pushed so far up into my lower ribs area because baby is taking up most of the room now. I’m trying to work on 360 breathing and creating space for the both of us. The pain could also very well be from the huge boobs I’m carrying around too, haha.

Mentally, I’m on a positive one. A few weeks ago I reached a point of total surrender. Something shifted in my headspace and I no longer feel caught in between two “me’s”. I made peace with letting go of the past Riss, stopped comparing myself to what everyone else is doing and started feeling more committed to this new version of life and doing the best that I can with what is right in front of me. I’ve been focusing my energy into preparing and planning for the birth that I want. My goal is a birth that is peaceful and calm so my daughter feels safe coming into this world. Whether it’s the way I envision it or I have to pivot, I know that I can achieve this type of experience by going into it with the right mindset, preparation and ability to adapt. Just like a surf contest, I have my check list and my team in place so that when it’s time there is nothing to worry about and I have the freedom to preform. From what many women have shared, birth is built into us. We just have to trust our bodies and get out of our own way. 

I’ve been staying busy. Besides lots of nesting, trying to exercise everyday and rest up for the big day some highlights have been: hosting a fun Moore Aloha Mommies 2 B event, stopping by the WSL Pipe Pro broadcast, celebrating my husband’s birthday and making gau for Chinese New Year with my family. I’m working on designing a new collection with Hurley for 2026, reading lots of books with my little brother, catching up with friends and trying to do all the things I want to do before baby get’s here and she becomes my top priority. I can’t help but wake everyday hoping today might be the day! I heard it’s common for first babies to want to stay in the womb longer so I’m trying to not get my hopes up but I’m still gonna eat the daily dose of dates, drink the raspberry tea, do my curb walks and cross my fingers.

Impatiently waiting for her arrival. So soon now!! Yay!

Belly photo by my beautiful friend Alyssa Maccarthy.