I can't believe I'm so behind on blogging!  This family welcomed a little sister to their crew back in December.  It was a fast, hold-on-for-dear-life, kind of delivery.  The midwives arrived just a few minutes before baby!  Despite the quick arrival, the welcoming of this new soul was slow, sweet, and peaceful.   But I'll let you see that for yourself.  :)    Congratulations to Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sister!  Thank you for letting be be a part of such a special day.  

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Oh, my kids so love having a bonfire out at Nana's house.  Even better when the cousins all get together and roast hot dogs (I say YUCK!) and marshmallows.  This time we made home made marshmallows and OH. MY. WORD. they were DELICIOUS.  It's true--everything is better when it's made from scratch.  If you like marshmallows you must try to make them!! 

I'm so glad I had the chance to video our last bonfire and capture these memories for my kiddos.  They love watching themselves!  They could sit around for hours watching these videos of their daily lives because it's also true--the simple times are the best times.  

My kids LOVE getting to spend time with their cousins.  It seems they never get enough time with them!  One of our holiday traditions is the cousin football game after Thanksgiving dinner.  While the adults clean up, the kids get dirty!  

It's always exciting to add a new member of the family, but I am especially excited for this family!  With 2 little boys to grow up together, there is sure to be lots of fun, laughter, and shenanigans!  It was such an honor to get to be with this couple as they welcomed each boy into their lives, but to get to spend some time with them and capture them being a family together--that was pure joy!!

Birth is such an incredible event.  I am so thankful that I was asked to capture the day this family met their little girl for the first time because the dad and mom are the ones who caught their daughter!  It was so sweet and so emotional.  This woman's face when she holds her little girl for the first time gets me everytime I watch their video.  It was such a beautiful moment for their family and it was an honor to be a part of it. 

This has got to be one of the most fun events I've attended!  Natalie was raising money for the Big Fluffy Dog Rescue by hosting a night of live entertainment and a silent auction PLUS she auctioned off the cutting of her hair to be donated to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program.  The night was incredible and such a pleasure to be part of it!  

Oh, the anticipation and excitement over this little baby's arrival is so great!!  Mom, Dad, and all the siblings just CAN'T WAIT to meet the newest member of their family--and neither can I!  Everyone is still debating if it's a boy or a girl and at the moment I'd say the votes are split right down the middle.  But one thing is for certain--this little baby is loved more than s/he knows and we are all anxiously awaiting the day when we get to meet this little one!  

This family is super special to me and it was so fun to get to spend some time with them as they got ready to celebrate little sister's first birthday.  It's hard to believe almost a year ago we were all waiting for it to be "the time."  What an empowering, memorable birth (I had the honor of photographing this home VBAC and you can see it here)!  Now here we are and that little girl has grown SO MUCH!  

This sweet girl was sure in a hurry to get here!  We came right when she called and well still almost missed it.  I'd say we've got another strong and determined little girl in our midst!  :)  It would be more than fair to say that she gets it from her mom.  This lady acted like a pro at this labor thing, fast and furious though it was.  It was amazing to witness such a peaceful labor!  

There's something about getting to be with your best friend when she delivers her baby--I'm not sure I've been more excited about a birth since I had my own babies!  The lady was with me, supporting me with my babies and I'm so glad I was able to be there with her while she labored to bring her little one earthside.  Labor is hard work, but when we are surrounded by those who love us, encourage us, and support us, it makes the work less overwhelming.  This is a birth story that I will treasure always because this family means so much to me, so I hope you enjoy watching this incredible woman on the day she welcomed her little man into their family!