Sweet Ryen {8 days new}

Welcome to the world, Ryen Elizabeth! 

November 25, 2013                     6 lbs. 8 oz.                         18.5 inches

"Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness,

Morning by morning, new mercies I see.

All I have needed thy hand has provided,

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."

This post has been a long time coming...9 months to be exact! It is with GREAT joy and honor that I introduce our own baby girl! She is such a welcome addition to our little family, and I was giddy to take her newborn pics (even though I shouldn't have done so quite so soon after a c-section - ouch!). But I couldn't wait any longer! Ryen's arrival was planned since her big brother's arrival was so dramatic and difficult. It was much simpler this time around, and I am thankful for that. Her presence in our life is extra special since we weren't sure if we'd be able to have more kids after it taking quite a while to have big bro Samson. We feel so blessed that the Lord has entrusted us to be her parents! 

We both really loved the name Ryen for a little girl, but weren't sure how we'd spell it. After mulling over a lot of different options, we settled on "Ryen", which means, "descendant of the King".  Her middle name, Elizabeth, is my middle name, as well as my mom and grandma's middle name. We have many hopes and dreams for our little angel, but the most important one for us is that she would know and truly feel the immeasurable love and comfort of her Heavenly Father and walk with Him all the days of her life. 

We are so in love! 

 

Awaiting Baby #3

These sweet folks are some of our closest friends, so it was such an honor to be able to take some maternity photos for them as they prepare for daughter #3! And better yet, our families were on vacation together during this session so it was sort of a "destination" photo shoot, which I'm always excited about! The romantic golden sunset light, good friends, and a couple who clearly love each other dearly and aren't afraid to cuddle made it my absolute favorite type of photo shoot from start to finish. Isn't her baby bump just the cutest thing ever?!

 

Sweet Brynn {7 days new}

Welcome to the world, Brynn Liezel!

October 8th, 2013                8 lbs. 12 oz.                      19 inches

Photographing this little peanut was so special and fun. She slept the entire time for her solo pictures, and has the most adorable little lips and cheeks! I've known her mama for many years, so it was an honor to be able to capture some memories for this awesome family during such a blessed time in their lives.  Thank you for letting me be a part of Brynn's first few days of life! xoxo

Here is Brynn's story: 

Brynn has an older brother named Carter, and their entries into the world were quite similar. Her mama's water broke in the middle of the night, and after a few hours of walking the hospital's hallways, things progressed very smoothly & quickly. So quickly, in fact, that her doctor almost didn't make it back in time to catch her! Her mama only had to push for 15 minutes as opposed to 1 hour with her older bro. 

Brynn's name is Welsh, which is a nod to her mommy's heritage. Her middle name, Liezel, is Filipino and in honor of her daddy's mom's family. Liezel means "God is abundant", and her mommy and daddy really liked that because it reminds them that God is the one who blessed them with this beautiful little girl. They hope she becomes the woman that God has called her to be, and they feel so blessed to have this special gift from above. 

Clara is ONE!

How quickly a year goes by...it seems like just yesterday I had the honor of taking Clara's newborn photos (see them here). We then followed that up with 3 month and 6 month photos, and watched her grow into the sweet, easy-going, joyful beauty she is today as she approaches her FIRST birthday! Clara's whole family is so special to my family and I, and I am so honored to be the one who got to help document the first year of her life.

Happy birthday, Clara! xoxo

Henry Robert {11 days new}

Welcome to the world, Henry Robert!

August 16th, 2013               7 lbs. 8 oz.                  20.75 inches

Here is Henry's story: 

After an unusual craving for a bowl of cereal, mama's water broke in the middle of the night and they headed to the hospital. They walked the halls for hours to get contractions going nice and strong, and even started recognizing people along the way since they walked for so long! Then, at 5:45pm after 45 minutes of pushing, little Henry was born! Everything went smoothly, and right when they saw him his mommy and daddy instantly felt overwhelming love for their new baby boy, just like they had for the first. Big bro Nathan met his new little brother a few hours later, and although it was a lot to take in, he was very excited to bring Henry home. Henry's mommy and daddy chose his name from a list of a few strong possibilities after seeing him for the first time. His big bro has Daddy's first name as a middle name, so they decided to make Henry's middle name the same as Daddy's middle name (Robert - which is also grandpa's name).  Mommy and daddy's biggest hope is that their two boys love each other and become best buddies throughout childhood and beyond. 

Congratulations to you all! Henry is such a precious little peanut and I'm so honored that I could help capture some memories in his first few days of life, and at such a memorable time for your family! What a blessing! xoxo, Julie

Gabriela {9 months}

I had the honor to take photos for another one of my best friends who I've known since middle school who had a baby within the last year, and this time they were visiting from even FARTHER away - Spain! Because of the distance between us, this was the first time I had ever met baby Gabriela, and I instantly fell in love with her! In fact, I love this entire family so much, and I'm so happy I could take some photos for them before they headed back home. We miss you already!

4 generations of amazing women