This sweet girl has the same birthday as me! So, of course I love doing her birthday pictures. It’s amazing to see how much she has changed in one year. I’m 7 months pregnant and I had a time running around trying to capture a few pictures. Sammy is full of energy! She also loves her lalaloopsy dolls and does NOT want you to take her stroller away from her. It was a beautiful day for a beautiful little girl. Happy Birthday Sammy!
Sometimes when I am about to post a birth story, I feel as though I don’t need to write anything because the photos themselves tell the most incredible story. While I absolutely adore all the sessions that I do, I feel that birth stories have become my absolute favorite. Being able to photograph and witness life coming into the world is the most precious experience I get to have as a photographer.
This mama’s birth story is unique, just like all birth stories are unique. She labored for awhile at home with her husband and doula until she was a 7. I got the call and arrived as they were getting settled into the hospital. Jen had a completely natural labor as she wished and she did amazingly. She was calm, focused and did not make a peep the entire time. Her husband Andy was there by her side, as well as her amazing doula Susie Meeks. Jen was able to labor for awhile in the water, and even smiled for a picture in between contractions. Something that really warmed my heart was how Andy took a moment to stop and pray for Jen when she was in transition. The love in the room was so obvious.
This was my first birth where the parents had chosen to not know the sex until the birth, so there was a lot of excitement in the air when it was time for Jen to push. When the baby was born, Andy exclaimed “It’s a boy!” and began to cry and tell Jen how proud he was of her. So many beautiful moments. Congratulations Jen and Andy! Welcome sweet baby Davis. You are well loved.
A few weeks ago my friend Erin emailed me about photographing her baby shower. It would be a virtual baby shower since she and her husband are missionaries in Kenya. They are expecting their first little boy in a few months and will have all kinds of adventures as first time parents in Kenya, where things are quite different. Since Erin wouldn’t be at the shower, the plan was to take pictures of everyone there as they skyped from Kenya. Isn’t technology a wonderful thing? We were having trouble getting ahold of them via Skype and then all of a sudden Erin burst through the doors, completely shocking everyone. She came all the way from Kenya and surprised everyone! There were tears and hugs and laughs all around. After eating some of the delicious food (ummm the blueberry cupcake was relish), we gathered around for her to open the gifts for sweet baby Cooper. The gifts she received were absolutely precious. Someone had made a quilt with all kinds of animals and another had gotten a burp cloth that said “I love my Mommy” and “I love my Daddy” in Swahili. I loved the Kenya themed gifts they received for their little one. The little Lion King outfit is adorable and Erin said that “Hakuna Matata” is a phrase they really do hear quite often. Congratulations Erin! What a wonderful surprise.
I have loved keeping up with sweet Anna and her family by taking their pictures. She is absolutely adorable and has the most loving parents. I was super excited to do a cake smash lifestyle session in their home for her 1st birthday. There is something about doing lifestyle shoots in the home that TRULY captures the essence of the family and their life during that time. I think it’s important to have photos inside your home because that is where “life” really happens. Check out this lifestyle session, it’s super sweet (literally)!
Pam is a dear friend and fellow photographer and I felt honored (as always) to be asked to document her birth story. Of course I get a text that she is being induced while Tennessee is in the middle of a “State of Emergency” ice storm. Oh, and I also was on crutches with a broken right foot and sprained left arm. But. I. Had. To. Be. There. I refused to miss baby Julian’s arrival! My dear, sweet hubby drove us to the hospital and actually waited in the waiting room with our toddler while I photographed the birth. Like all birth stories, the pictures tell the story itself, but I always like to include a few little things in the blog. Poor Pam had a sinus infection but still looked amazing (and honestly didn’t even look pregnant). She had her chapstick and essential oils ready to go while her husband Ryan applied them on her ankles (even the not-so-great smelling ones which could help speed up labor). My absolute favorite moment of the whole day was when, after one push, Pam exclaimed: “Can we get some music up in here or something?” We all were laughing and about 2 minutes later precious Julian was born. Pamela and Ryan have two girls and this is their first boy. I know I said this before, but I always feel SO SO SO honored to photograph birth stories. I cry every time and I am surprised my camera hasn’t suffered water damage yet from all the tears of awe and joy. Welcome precious baby Julian!