Sweetness

Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.4 aperture, 1/40 shutter speed, 1250 ISO, on camera flash bounced off ceiling set to ETTL

My sweet great-nephew Wyatt had his first Christmas this year and the family gathered around to ooh and ahh over his chubby cheeks and pudgy toes. We could not get enough of him. Babies bring so much life and joy into a home. He had lots of people waiting in line to rock, feed, and snuggle him to sleep today. He didn’t seem to mind. We were all hypnotized by his efforts to express himself with his little sounds, as he shaped his perfect baby lips into circles and smiles.

The children’s table is now another grown-up table as life moves on and comes full circle again. Change can be difficult and wonderful all at the same time. This table is now full of talented, compassionate and witty adults that I am proud to call my family. I see the beauty and grace of the Lord in each of their faces. Kingdom seeds have been planted in each one, and the fragrance of the presence of God rests on them.

This is true wealth.

Wealth and Riches

I especially loved watching Annie feed Wyatt. She will be a marvelous mother someday. She has a special connection with children. I have seen it over and over again. I captured some sweet moments of them together. Love his little pudgy fingers wrapped around his bottle. Any mother knows, this is the best place on earth. We were made to hold our babies next to our hearts. It’s the letting go that is a little more complex.

Here are a few more of Annie and Wyatt together.

2nd Cousins

Finger Kisses

Family Joy

Baby Toes

Isaiah 59:21 ~” ‘As for me, this is my covenant with them,’ says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on forever,’ says the Lord.”

Holding Daddy's Hand

Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 3.2 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 640 ISO

Two weeks ago today, I was driving to the hospital at 5:30 in the morning in the rain, hoping I would make it in time to see sweet Isabella Sarai come shining into our world. I was not disappointed. It was just two days before I was to leave for England and so I am just now able to post a few pictures of that glorious morning. Her name aptly means “beautiful princess”, and that she is. But I knew she would be. I wrote about her a couple months ago when I photographed her mommy Cynthia.

This princess will command a court consisting of two brothers, a daddy who is already wrapped around her perfect fingers, and her lovely mommy. I am so honored that I was able to be there when she took her first breaths, had her first bath and her many first kisses from her mommy and daddy, her grandma and her aunt. This is the second time I have been with Cynthia and Mike during the delivery of one of their children. I also got to see sweet their son Hayden be born, and capture his first moments in the arms of his parents. How I love this sweet family. They are very special to me.

Blessings, Kelly family. Welcome, Isabella Sarai. Beautiful Princess.

Psalm 127:3-5 ~” Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!”

Perfect

Mommy Kisses

Daddy's Here

Getting Weighed

First Bath

Daddy's Girl

Holding Grandma's Hand

Being Born is Exhausting

Smiles for Daddy

Sweet Amaya

Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 3.2 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 32o ISO, 580EX flash used off camera on a stand at 1/8 power with an 60 inch shoot through umbrella

Amaya. Her name means “night rain”. It suits her. Peace rests on her like a soft blanket. I photographed her mommy’s maternity shoot almost exactly a month ago.  She is just over a week old now, bringing life and joy into new family’s home.

And those cheeks. Oh those sweet Amaya cheeks. I could kiss them all day. She slept peacefully in a little ball while we changed her into different outfits and photographed her, her mommy and I giggling and marveling over her sweetness. She is an amazing blessing to her mommy and daddy, Heather and Ben Scranton. I am grateful for the time I got to share with another gift fresh from Heaven, eternity still lingering on her skin.

Congratulations, Scranton family.

James 1:17 ~”Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.“

Bundle of Joy

Princess Amaya

Peace

Perfection In Magenta

Adored

Family

Kissing a Miracle

Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 2.2 aperture, 1/250 shutter, flash used on camera and bounced of ceiling at 1/8 power

Sweet Ever Adeen McCormick was born on October 11, 2011. Eight weeks early, she entered the world wrapped and woven in the shimmering prayers of God’s people. When she was born it was like a star lit upon the earth.  She bears the very essence of hope in her little body. She is a shining miracle in her soft pink skin. Yes, God still hears the prayers of his people.

Adeen means little fire in Irish. Yes, she is. She is a fighter.  Her mommy Kimmie tells me that she has been feisty since the beginning, letting the nurses know her needs straight away. She no longer needs oxygen support and hopefully will be coming home this week to meet her older sister, Storie, who was also born early. Another miracle on this earth.

We are all so happy for you, Brandon and Kimmie. We thank God for all He has done for you, and will continue to pray for you as you journey into a family of four.

Enjoy the photos of my time with Sweet Ever and her mommy and daddy.

Psalm 20:4,5 ~”May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.”

Sweet Kisses

Tiny Fingers

Wrapped in Light

Loved

Ever so Sweet

Mommy and Daddy are Here

Happy

We've Got You

3 lbs at Birth

Cherished

Intercession

Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro,  2.8 aperture, 1/50 shutter, 320 IS0. A tripod was used to prevent camera shake.

As soon as we heard, we began to pray. One by one, we lit candles of intercession for you. We knelt before the One who had His hands cupped around your tiny face in the secret place. We heard you had to come early, before your time was due, and our hearts sank a little, concerned.

But still, we prayed. Then as more prayers were spoken and more candles were lit, hope began to ignite and fill our hearts.

Hope Kindling

As the day went on, prayers began to fill the very air above us as many poured out their hearts for you to the Father of Lights.

Steady Glow

And then, like an a spark in the night, a burst of joy on the horizon, you were born.

Joy

Welcome Ever McCormick. May your radiance ever shine in the reflection of your Maker, who is your light.

We are so glad you are here.

Psalm 139:13,14 ~”For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Sweet Gift

Canon 5D Mark ll, 100mm 2.8 macro, 3.5 aperture, 1/80 shutter, 320 ISO, window light.

Today I got to meet my nephew, Wyatt Bradley Jackson, born to my niece Lindsay, and her husband Andy. My mom and I made the drive down to Savannah, GA, to see him together. He is four days old today. Precious. He was born on Labor Day, as was his mother, Lindsay. Although Labor Day is not on the same date every year, both Wyatt and Lindsay were born on September 5th, and both days were Labor Day that year. I thought that was pretty amazing.

Proud Parents

When a fifth generation baby is born, everything is great. Literally. My mom is now a great-grandma, I am a great-aunt, and my Aunt Polly, who is my mom’s Aunt, is now great-great -great Aunt.  What really boggles my mind  the most is that my sister Dinah is a grandma! That means I could be next in line! Hold the phone, is that right?  How did I get here so fast?

Four Generations

I have spent the majority of my afternoon and evening snuggling up to this sweet fellow. He smells of baby powder and sunshine, and I just want to hold him all the time, talk to him and sing him songs. He doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, in addition to his own mommy, he had three other mommies in the room just waiting to snatch him up next. A strapping young boy, that Wyatt Jackson. I think he is destined to either be a cowboy, a traveling evangelist, or president with that strong name.:)

Here are a few more photos of our new addition to the extended family. I had the best time playing with him. Welcome Wyatt Jackson!

Psalm 127:3-5 ~ “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” 

One Made from Two

Beautiful Great Grandma Ann

Talking to Daddy

Mommy Whispers

Grandma Dinah:)

Precious

Getting Pointers from Dad

Great Aunt Mary

This is Serious

Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 3.5 aperture,1/320 shutter, 160 ISO

I realize I just did a blog on sweet Emily Grace over the weekend, but she came over again today to swim with her family, and she had some things she wanted to share. I told her I would pass them along to you, since she doesn’t have a blog. Yet, that is.

She had some really great things to say!

First of all,  Emily says, “Life is short, so enjoy the ride. And, when someone offers you a little yellow-floaty boat, get in it! You never know when the next one is coming around.” (Or if your brother might get it first.)

Enjoy the Ride

Secondly, “Swim naked whenever it is possible and appropriate. This is very important to your well-being. It’s so easy, a baby can do it!”

Swimming Free

Thirdly, “Learn to whistle as early as you can in life. It makes the time pass nicely, and sometimes people will dance when you do.”

Just Whistling

Fourthly, ” Surprise people with funny faces. Life is too serious sometimes. A good surprise face makes everyone happy.”

Surprise Face

Fifthly, ” Learn to stand up for yourself. Especially if you have brothers like I do.”

You Talking to Me???

And lastly, and best of all, ” Learn to just chill and go with the flow. Pretend like you meant to grab the green noodle floaty-thing if someone asks. Yeah, just chillin’, it’s all good.”.

Just Chillin'

I am so glad she came by again today! She is wise beyond her years.:) Who knows what she will come up with next time? I love that little girl.

Joy in Bloom

Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8L, focal length 70mm, 1/320 shutter, 100 ISO

If you need a giggle, there are plenty here. Yes, giggles, along with roly poly legs, sweet pink cheeks, pudgy toes and eyes as blue as the sky. A real day-brightener for sure. I knew you would want to see her too. Sweet Emily Grace has grown a bit since I first blogged about her a couple months ago. She belongs to my friends Keith and Kelly Anderson. She has her three older brothers and her mom and dad completely wrapped around that little chubby pinky finger of hers. She is now four months old, and getting more beautiful by the day. I wish I had a recording of her sweet laugh for you. I can still hear her in my head, bubbling with laughter as her mommy talked to her.

It must be baby week here. I love that I get to be around so much sweetness with my camera. What a joy. Here are some more if you can stand it. So sweet!

Happy Weekend.:)

Sweet Feet

Sky Blue Eyes

Pink Cheeks

Her Pirate Look

Back to Happy!

Toes, Toes, Toes

Bathing Beauty

Surprise!

Inhaling Eternity

Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8L, 3.2 aperture, 1/60 shutter, 160 ISO

She is fresh from Heaven. If you lean in close enough you can smell eternity lingering on her skin. She is perfect, her little head covered in deep black hair. Her name is Catherine Raine Stahl, the third treasure bestowed on the blessed Stahl family. They huddle around her, touching, kissing, inhaling her sweetness. Everyone is captivated by her sounds, her toes, her pinkness. Sigh.

Her older brother Christian, who is three, storms in the room  every now and again to make sure she is still there. He already feels very protective over her, but doesn’t want to show it. He eyes me suspiciously, perhaps wondering if I might put her in my camera bag when I leave. I don’t think I could get away with that one. Her older sister, Callie, is torn between snuggling with her new sister and putting on her sparkly shoes. We girls understand that dilemma. Fortunately, she chose Catherine, or baby Cate as they call her, long enough for me to get some pictures of them together.

Here are a few photos, (okay several) of my time with this amazing family. They are near and dear to my heart.

Sister Snuggle

Princess Catherine

Mommy and Daddy Love

Thumb Sucking Time

Precious

Free Spirit

Sisters

Sweetness

Together

Psalm 126: 1-3 ~ “When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations,  ’The LORD has done great things for them.’ The LORD has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.”

Sweet Smile

Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 2.8 aperture, 1/50 shutter, 1/640 ISO

I first wrote about Miss Phoenix a month ago. She was born on June 11, weighing in at 2 lbs 11 oz. She was three months early. She wasn’t due until August 28th. She is a picture of perfection and the faithfulness of God. Her mommy and daddy have asked for audacious prayers for her, and God is meeting them every step of the way. She has gained a full pound, her little cheeks and arms filling out with sweetness. And although she is making great progress, she still needs your prayers. Please pray that her lungs will continue to develop so she can go home without an oxygen tank, hopefully within a month. She is living up to her name. A little firebird that will rise from the ashes.

I wept when I watched her daddy interacting with her today, as he changed her diaper and took her temperature through the sides of the incubator.  He held her sweet head in his hands as he moved her around. She clearly trusts him already, knowing daddy’s touch. This will be invaluable to her all her life, being the apple of his eye. It’s what every little girl longs for. I am so glad Phoenix has captured his heart already in her tiny hands. Both of her parents adore her, and it is easy to see why. She is perfect and beautiful. Her fragility is her greatest strength, for it is what draws them to protect her so deeply. She is theirs alone. A blessed little firebird. I cannot wait to see what she will become.

Please do pray. Her parents, Josh and Emily, would be so grateful. She is not out of the woods yet.  Also, Emily has a beautiful blog on Nixie. You can read it and keep updated on her here.

And now, lots of photos from my day with this sweet family.

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Daddy's Here

Daddy's Grasp

Baby Stretch

Enthralled

Going to Mommy

Mommy At Last

Sacred Moment

Love All Around

Family

Just Us

Sweetness Filling In

In This Together

Perfect

Psalm 139:13-15 ~ “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”