welcoming eller

When friends have babies, can anything be sweeter?

I just adore the gentleness and gratefulness this precious family exudes and it was an honor to photograph their second son and all the sweet moments of fresh newness.

drew kate | love takes root

A month ago I was there when my beautiful nearly 10 pound niece came into the world.  Drew Kathrine "Drew Kate".  Throughout the 60 hours of labor I saw my sister transform into a mother in the most obvious and out of body way.  Throughout her labor as I watched her, I would suddenly flash back to her girlhood and that same freckled nose that I love so.  My sister was the picture of strength and patience and trust.

I also was able stand back and watch the love between my sister and brother in law take root deeper than ever during the process.

Since she lives several states away, I waited 2 weeks before going back for a second visit.  I think in my big sister, "experienced" mother of 3 mind, I thought I would go and help them with some of the inevitable chaos of the twighlight newborn phase.

Instead I was welcomed into a haven of sweet sweet bliss.  It was hours of staring and heart melting sighs (as it should be) and lots of letting the little things go.  I also saw my brother in law as an attentive, proud father (a transformation I wasn't there to see since I left the birth room soon after the birth).  It was seriously the sweetest 23.5 hours with them.

Throughout the day I managed to capture some of my favorite newborn pictures to date.

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Darling Hadley Dean

I was able to sneak in some pictures while visiting one of my very dearest friends last month.  My friend Rebekah is just the essence of femininity.  It flows from her heart and is not forced.  I just squealed in delight when she found out her second baby was a little girl.  Hadley Dean, is much like her mama.  Sweet and feminine and just an absolute doll.

So happy to have been able to capture this fleeting time for them.

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Even in the midst of chaos with 2 babies under 18 months...I know it is so very well with their souls. www.helenjoy.com