Before I knew you I loved you. {NICU session} Sneak Peek

Some people think a miracle is only a miracle if it happens instantaneously, but miracles can grow slowly and patience and faith can compel things to happen that otherwise never would have come to pass. -Boyd K. Packer

Part of the blessing God has given me is to be witness to the beginning of life. Every birth I attend and document and offer support to overwhelms me with this miracle. But sometimes I happen upon another kind of miracle. Baby Elise is one of those. Born at 32 weeks and only 3 lbs and 12 ounces, her story was written long ago. As I sat and talked with her parents her Mama told me of how God had spoken to her, reminded her during the weeks of bed rest that she had seen Elise alive. And she had, she had been dreaming of her for years. Not out of want for a daughter, but actually dreaming of her. Of her life. There were many times most people thought she wouldn't be here (waters ruptured at 21 weeks) but her Mama knew, she knew God would provide. 

Each day this beautiful family must balance another young child at home and a demanding job for Dad, but they spends hours and evening and days rocking and pumping and growing this miracle. I pray this beautiful family will be reunited in a few weeks and enjoy this miracle at home.   

The waiting is the hardest part. Greenville/Spartanburg Birth Photographer

Yesterday afternoon my husband's sweet cousin and his wife came up from Atlanta to visit. We headed over to Paris Mountain State Park to snap a few last pictures of them before Baby Declan arrives and two becomes three. First time parents, everything is ready for their sweet boy's arrival and now the waiting game has begun. Doesn't she have the cutest little 37 week belly? We are so excited for them and can't wait to meet the newest Conway! 

The Power of Belief. -Greenville Birth Photographer {Hypnobabies}

I read somewhere that there is no force equal to that of a determined woman. I was granted the honor to witness a woman not only determined to birth her baby the way she knew best, but who believed that she could do it. This is no small feat for the first time Mom, surrounded by well-meaning friends and family and well, strangers, who all want to offer advice and opinions. Who also want to know when that baby is coming if he/she doesn't show up on or around the estimated due date. Baby Graeson did not arrive earthside without a "bit" of prodding by Mom, she was so good to him all these months; her mothering began in earnest the day she knew of his existence. And oh what a mother this boy has, full of bright, hard love that will center this new family. She will show him how to believe and push himself and never give up. A new family was born at the end of a February day, next to a warm fire, into quiet waters; a son, all wonderful 10.4 lbs and 24 inches of him, was swept into his mother's arms. 

"It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen." Muhammed Ali

Greenville Spartanburg South Carolina Birth Photographer