Clary is what I like to call my unexpected blessing.  She is our fourth child and second girl.  I remember the day I found out I was pregnant.  It was late morning and I was getting ready to head out to the studio when I noticed the pregnancy test box.  I’m not sure why I still had one in the house or when it was bought, but I knew I was late so just to ease my mind I took it.  Never in a million years did I think I’d see 2 pink lines.  I was floored.  So much so that I actually screamed.  Thank goodness no one was home but me because I was in full panic mode!  Did I mention this is number four? She was so good to me while I was carrying her.  I never swelled or got nauseated.  She grew straight out like a bowling ball and she let me continue shooting sessions till the last month!

When we got to the hospital I knew it would be a quick labor (or I hoped) because all mine were.  A few hours later….it was time to push.  She came out fast!  And boy did she scream at us!  🙂

fabulous photography by my sweet friend and fellow photographer, Melanie Merkling

What did we do before smart-phones?  All the moments were able to capture in such ease that before were missed.  I’m so glad Andy remember to do a little video on that phone!

Clary Anne.  Such a healthy, pink screamer.  🙂

I just love this face.  Now that she is here I can’t imagine our family without her.  Funny how that works, huh?

This baby boy has been prayed for and wanted for quite a while, and though he came a bit earlier than expected he is just perfect!  Mom didn’t want to be separated from him for anymore time than necessary, and the wonderful staff at Mercy were amazing to do as much as possible right in their room.  Star treatment!  🙂

What a day this was.  Somehow, someway, mom and dad didn’t let themselves find out if this would be a girl or a boy.  It was amazing to watch this baby born and then the whole room burst out yelling ‘it’s a girl!’.  That moment was worth the 9 months of waiting.

I still find the miracle of birth fascinating.  That we can go from this to that… (image below)

I simply adore this age.  All the coo’s and smiles, drool and rolls…it’s a bit of heaven on Earth.  The sitting up stage is one of the best times to photograph babies.  I had the honor of photographing her on the day of her birth.  You can check out the blog post about that day HERE.  I can hardly believe how fast time has flown by!