He was expected to arrive sometime around August 31 but the Lord had a different day in mind for his Birth Day. Precious Tobias Lee LaBerge was born Tuesday, August 23 at 7:07PM.

Amber, Toby’s momma, had called me Tuesday morning around 11:30AM. When I saw she was calling me, my heart raced & I answered by saying, “Is it Baby Time?” I received a laugh in response & was informed that Amber & Kyle’s third son would soon be born.

Being there for Toby’s birth was incredible. Full disclosure, I have never photographed a birth before (I WANT to do it again!) & was literally trembling from excitement from the moment I walked into the hospital room. I have a feeling though for any other births I photograph in the future, that I will be just as excited 😉

Amber is one of my dearest friends. Seeing her labor & give her all for her son was a beautiful sight. Her husband, Kyle, never left her side & together they worked, her with her body & he with his encouraging words, for the opportunity to meet their child for the first time.

It wasn’t long at all before Tobias Lee LaBerge came….into this world & into his mother’s arms.

There is NO OTHER FEELING then the emotional moment of physically holding the baby that you’ve been carrying in your womb for months upon months now in your arms. Feeling their skin against yours, seeing with your eyes their tiny body move as they breath next to you, now knowing the color of their hair, what their face looks like…there is nothing in this world like that moment.

All questions & wonderings float away as the miracle of miracles, a new life, is placed into your waiting arms.

There he was. The son they had waited for.

He weighed in at 7 lb., 7 oz. & 20 inches long.

Those first moments together…

Part of my excitement of being a witness to Toby’s Birth Day was the overwhelming realization that Toby’s birth means he HAS A PURPOSE. It was in my thoughts all day as we waited & as he was born. Tears came to my eyes as I saw him be born & given to his parents care. Each & every life means something. We are each given a place in this world for a reason & a purpose. And Toby’s entrance means that HE too has a calling on his life. To be there & document the beginning of his life outside his mother’s womb…the beginning of his calling…the beginning of his journey on earth, I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.

Toby, I am so glad you are here 🙂 We are so glad. And I can’t wait to watch you grow & fulfill your purpose.

Me with Momma Amber & Mr. Toby!

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It was just a couple months ago that I was spending time with Emily & Dustin for their maternity session (if you missed that lovely photo session you can review it HERE). Then really just a few weeks later on Friday, October 16, Emily & Dustin’s world grew from not just two, but to a family of 4! Hannah Dorothy & Eliza Jane were born much to the joy & anticipation of not only their parents but to their family & many friends.

As the days were going by & Emily’s due date few closer & closer, I felt the excitement in my own heart. Twins are a special gift (as all baby’s are!) & I was SO looking forward to seeing the faces of the two beauties the Lord was blessing Emily & Dustin with. Emily & I had before exchanged pregnancy stories & now all I wanted was to see these girls & with their parents. Dustin & Emily welcomed me into their cozy ranch along with Grandma! The girls were all clean from baths & were just TOO adorable for words.

Emily & Dustin, I think you two are the bee’s knees. I still am SO thankful you connected with me a few months back & that I’ve been able to capture two chapters of your life story. I do so hope we have many more sessions in the future. I know that you already are wonderful parents. Lean on each other & your strong supportive family that you have. Miss Hannah & Miss Eliza are blessed girls.

Emily has an eye for decorating & I LOVED all the little details she put into her daughters room.

I LOVE Emily’s expression here!

Loving on her baby girls.

I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again- Dustin should get the Father of the Year Award.

I always LOVE watching new fathers during newborn sessions. Joy & pride is written all over his face.

Ummmm fav right here.

Puppy wanted to see the girls too 😉 (Don’t worry, we got one of puppy looking at the camera 😉 I just love this particular one! Oh & can we just talk about the detail in that beautiful wall behind Dustin?)

And one of my FAV’S is right here-Baby Girl’s fist in action & all.

Oh Emily & Dustin how BLESSED you are. Two precious girls to love & raise. May your hearts & home always be full of laughter, love & the important things that matter.

I think the closer I am to someone, the harder it is to write a blog post 😉 Hah It still floors me when friends ask me do a photo session with them. I don’t take it lightly & I feel that I’ve been entrusted with a very special opportunity.

The Barker Family holds a special place in me & my husband’s heart (& many others I might add). My parents & my siblings & I moved here almost 7 years ago. It wasn’t long after that, that I became involved with being a youth leader at First Assembly of God. Kermit & Nikki were the youth pastors & they both welcomed me & I soon realized how much I liked them, like really liked them. I respected them & wanted to help out in any way I could. They gave their time & love to people & that is a rare find. Months & years passed & as Eric & I walked walked into the season of dating & marriage, Kermit & Nikki were right there for us. More years have passed & we’ve been able to watch as Kermit & Nikki have welcomed not just one, but now TWO beautiful girls into their home. (I am seriously breathing deep to stop the tears right now 😉 ). Hadley is a special little girl to Eric & I & now Eliott Nicole has stolen a piece of our hearts. She is already a big part in so many’s lives & I CANNOT. WAIT. to watch her grow into the girl the Lord wants her to be.

I hope you see the joy & the faithfulness of the Lord in these photo’s. I hope Eliott’s little self just makes you want to squeeze all the babies 😉 And that as you look over these images, you will also rejoice with the Barker Family & ALL that the Lord has done for them.

Meet Eliott Nicole!!!

Pure sweetness!

See her adorable curl? 😀

Mommy & daddy in love with Eliott.

And so is Big Sister Hadley 😉

One of my personal favorites!

This is one of my husband’s favorites 🙂

Big Sis has always got to keep an eye on her Little Sister!

He’s such a good daddy!

I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE baby yawns! I always am SO happy if I get to catch one during a session!

Yay for the Barker Family!!!!!!! Now a family of 4!

Brittany & I have been friends, oh wow, 6 years now I believe? When I went over to her & Brian’s house for little Avery’s newborn session, we reflected on how we’ve been friends as she’s had all 3 of her beautiful girls. So thankful for treasured & long-term friendships like that. In those 6 years, Brittany & Brian have welcome 3 lovely ladies into their home. And the newest addition is precious Avery Grace.

The big sisters keeping an eye on baby sister 🙂

All the yawns.

When I hold you in my arms, love
Something changes
It’s the strangest feeling
The things that used to matter
They don’t matter to me
– JJ Heller

Momma & her girls.

THIS, is one of my favorite images EVER! Look at Carly’s face! It was the very FIRST time she’d ever held her new baby sister. And I had the privilege of capturing that moment. LOOK at her face! Look at how EXCITED SHE IS! Can barely handle the preciousness!!!

You’re an inspiring mother Brittany. You have three girls that have every personality under the sun. And there all yours. And you & Brian are raising them in such a God-fearing & loving way. I love you my friend. If I could, I would give you a “Best Momma Award” every day. When we start having children, I will be calling you 😉 LOTS.

You’re so beautiful Brittany.

And the whole family is together. And complete.

Welcome Avery Grace. You are very loved by many. Can’t wait to watch you grow up.

If you’d like more info about having an in-home life&love Newborn Session click HERE to find out more details.