My Mom is a Superhero. Greenville/Spartanburg Birth Photographer

"one thing about having a baby is that each step of the way you simply cannot imagine loving him any more than you already do, because you are bursting with love, loving as much as you are humanly capable of- and then you do, you love him even more.” 
― Anne Lamott

When I met this couple, I knew one thing: they loved their two boys fiercely. Yes, I know everyone loves their kids, but there was something else, something strong and directed and all encompassing about this love. And then I found out their second son has complicated medical issues; yes, now it made sense. There is a super hero love that radiates from a mom whose child has been through the medical system, who has had a critical condition, whose life at one moment or another has been in that terrifying fragile place we parents have nightmares about. There is a forwardness to this love, it lacks periphery, it's single minded focus pulls the family through the dark of illness, it directs, it does. Such a privilege it was to watch this strong mama birth her third son at high noon on a Saturday. Just like the cartoons her boys were missing as they watched in awe at the super human strength she displayed. Playful and laughing and caring right up until the last 5 minutes as her son crowned and was swept into her arms in a beautiful water birth. Her sons will never wonder at how something gets done, how a woman can hold strength and softness within her simultaneously. Happy Birthday Baby R!

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

Come to the Water. -Greenville/Spartanburg Birth Photographer {Hypnobabies}

Come to the Water.

Isaiah 41:17

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

The Lord answers the cries of His people through each of his children. He has gifted us with each other. It is through our gifts and through HIs Love that we connect, we exalt. I was blessed to be at the birth of Baby Emmett, blessed to watch his mother bring him into the world with the grace of a gazelle, blessed to see the love between sisters and the calm supportive hand of a father. A father who has heeded the Lord's call to mission to the needy, to the poor. A family that lives to hear the voice of God. Emmet was born amidst laughter and joyful tears, he was born amidst a great love, a love of God that was spoken to him even as he took his first breath.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

ETA: I wrote this blog post on Friday night and in church today realized it was the Feast of Baptism of Our Lord and the reading was from Isaiah! Lord, Bless this family as they venture forth into the world to speak and show your Word. 

Greenville Spartanburg South Carolina Birth Photographer