Natural. Candid. Real. Beautiful. { The Blog. }

Walter + Dude rock it out

How much do we love Walter (the king and ruler of all) and Dude (the sensitive, soft-hearted guy)?  A lot.  A ton.  A bazillion.  Watch out Finn - big brothers of the canine kind rule the roost.  And rightfully so. :)

 

More of the beautiful belly - just because.  I can't help myself.

 

Super sunny it was - and I was almost ready to throw in the towel.  But so glad we didn't.  Because we got this shot at the end. 

Ummmm yeah.  It's hot.  And sweet.  I love their love.  He adores her.  She adores him.  Mmmmmm I love how great they are together.

 

Dear Ashleigh, Steve, Walter and Dude (Simon too - brother of the feline kind),

It was a pleasure, as it always is.  I can't wait to be a part of welcoming baby Finn into your family - so excited for what's in store for you.  Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to capture your story.  It's absolutely my privilege.  So thankful to have met you.

xo

Christi

{ Welcome to the world, sweet baby Leah }

Now that the time has come for me to blog about it, I am lacking words...

The privilege of being present for a birth - and the hours of labor leading up to it - is....what?  What word am I looking for?  I'm not sure.  I don't think I can express myself right this second.  Bear with me.

My cousin Nicky and her husband Lawrence welcomed Leah Nicole into the world in the early morning hours this past Tuesday.  Nicky has been like a sister to me my whole life.  Sigh.... it was amazing.

I am overwhelmed with emotion as I sit and think about what the past 48 hours have been for me.  Baby Leah was born 2 days ago - but I've been sitting and staring at the images constantly since then.  I've been thinking about the phone call telling me that it's time.  Thinking about watching Mommy-to-be and her amazing husband share the experience and move from 2 separate people to 1 - focused on the same goal.  Thinking about watching the monitors with her nervously, and in anticipation, wondering what was going to happen next.  Thinking about watching her breathe and let her body feel the contractions and push through it.  Thinking about her laughing and smiling with excitement, despite the anxious feeling that every Mommy feels as she waits for her baby.  Thinking about when the doctor came in and said it was time to deliver the baby via c-section - plans shifted from what was wanted, to what was necessary (you'll see in the slideshow how swollen poor little sweet pea was when she was born).  Thinking about seeing baby Leah, smacking her lips from the second she was born; happy in her Mama's arms, as each family member took their turn seeing her for the first time.  Thinking about so much - and so grateful to have shared in this experience.  Beyond grateful.  I will remember it always.

Okay - a few images before you watch the slideshow....

You can view the slideshow here - grab the tissues - seeeeriously.  I have yet to watch it without crying.  I think I've watched it darn near 30 times in the design process. :) 

Nicky and Lawrence - it was my absolute privilege.  Thank you for inviting me into your lives - and into Leah's life - in this awesome way.  I loved every minute.  LOVED it.

xoxo
Christi