Newborn pics

I have to admit throughout my pregnancy I thought about Sammi's newborn pictures a lot. I thought about the poses, the backdrops and the amazing things Tricia would do. This was one of those little glimmers of hope I let myself have. I pinned about a hundred pictures I liked and sent a few to her so she knew what I had in mind. Fast forward to a few weeks ago in Tricia's studio- she worked her magic! I knew Going in how well she knows us and she would know what we wanted and she did. Seeing the pictures a week later was everything I imagined it to be!

I am in love with the memories of this time she has caught for us.

I made and sent my announcements and hoping most people have received them I am sharing a few of my favorites. 

This is my absolute favorite picture.

The headband was made for Sammi by Tricia. She is wearing my necklace. This is St. Gerard- the patron saint of expectant mothers. I was given this gift by my mother in law and I prayed with this necklace for my unborn baby everyday. It has such an important meaning to me which makes this picture even more special. The blanket behind her was made by a dear friend, Kelly, (who I didn't even know had this talent!) for a baby gift. Such a beautiful blanket made for an incredible background. Sammi's looking at me in this picture and I love the  look in her eyes- I love everything about this picture. 

All of the pictures turned out better than I could have hoped for.

So thankful for Tricia, Get the picture photography and mostly for the amazing family God has given us

and the opportunity to capture these moments. 

Rainbows and memories ...

Every once in awhile God places circumstances in front of you that lead you to people meant to be a part of your life. On a late Spring afternoon nearly 7 years ago I ran Into an old friend at the cemetery. She told me about an amazing organization, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, that came to the hospital the day her angel was born. This woman who came and took pictures of her son. I hadn't known such a thing existed when I had Emma. Months later when I found out I was pregnant with Connor I decided to contact them. Because of our diagnosis we were able to have a maternity session. We contacted the local photographer who volunteered for NILMDTS. From the moment we met Tricia we knew she was special. She was loving and supportive, upbeat and fast talking. She had wonderful artistic ideas and made our maternity shoot a positive experience.

The next time we saw her was the day Connor was born. She was there standing outside of the door as he came into this world. She then spent hours with our family and captured the only day we will ever have him in our arms.

Those pictures are some of our most cherished possessions.

Over the next few years she had angel celebrations for the families she had photographed for and brought many of us into a network of friends. I was able to nominate her for the Cincinnati Museum Center difference maker awards, which she of course was honored with! Tricia has become a part of all of the important things in our lives.

She was with us at the courthouse the day Wy was adopted

She took our pictures this year to announce my pregnancy with Sammi.

Last week we had a dream come true when we took our family to her studio, Get the Picture Photography in St. Bernard, and had Sammi's newborn pics taken. We have come a long way together. Tricia has captured our journey and now it is coming full circle with our rainbow. Our miracle. 

     

So happy we have had Tricia come into our lives and that she has created these visual memories that we will cherish forever. 

Happy Birthday Peanut

Today our Peanut is 9 years old.

It is hard to imagine she is already that old! A third grader, a big sister and an amazing little person all around.

From the moment she was born she has brought pure joy to our lives. She was a super easy going baby and has remained that way throughout her first 9 years. She is kind, happy and thoughtful. She is funny and smart- and will be the first to agree with you if you tell her this:) She makes us smile everyday and was the first miracle God sent us. She has been along for the wild journey our lives have been over the past 8 years and she has been resilient and positive around every turn. She is well mannered, polite and a caring friend. We are so proud and never surprised when someone has something wonderful to say about her. As we celebrate this little one on her special day we are so thankful to have her in our lives. Can't wait to see what big things she does this year and in her future. Happy Birthday Peanut Pie!