Thanks so much to everyone who has emailed, commented, or Tweeted about The Last Mermaid Show! I spent the holiday weekend at a friend’s wedding, so I’m behind on replies but I so appreciate every note. (Except the dude who wrote in to argue that “real mermaids don’t wear bikini tops!” Sort of making my point, thanks.)

And since a lot of you asked nicely…

Here I am, as a pregnant* mermaid.

These photos were taken by the wonderful Julie Komenda and her husband Chris Komenda, who are the official photographers for Weeki Wachee and Sirens of the Deep Camp. (Julie also makes lovely jewelry and other mermaid art in her Etsy Shop, sirenspirit.)

Another underwater shot for you:

Here I’m posing with fellow Siren Jessica Montgomery. Who actually knew how to swim and could open her eyes and smile underwater. The only reason she is holding on to her side of the window is so she didn’t sink sooo much lower than me. (She was nice like that.) The only reason I am holding on to the side of the window is because that was how I could keep my head underwater long enough for them to get a shot. Also I am exhaling like it’s my job.

And now, some mermaids on dry land:

Jessica and I on the dock with Becky Young (center), the former Weeki Wachee mermaid and Sirens Camp volunteer who thoughtfully kept me from drowning all weekend.

And that would be all of us Sirens. Just Siren-ing it up, as you do.

*24 weeks, to be exact. I now look at these pictures and think I barely look pregnant, because at 35 weeks, “looking pregnant” has taken on a whole new meaning… but actually I did already look much more pregnant than this most of the time — it’s just that swimming in the cold spring with a 5 mph current requires holy core muscles! Mermaids are strong.