Our family has had professional photography taken numerous times since starting our family, and every single time the same thing happens: I initially struggle to justify spending the money (because the best photographers are never the cheapest, rightfully so), but then I beam with absolute delight over the images we get in return. They are typically far better than what I imagined, and I’m left feeling so incredibly grateful that I didn’t talk myself out of spending the money on photography.
Investing in the best photographers has always proven so worth it, and we’re given the gift of magical moments captured that we’ll never be able to get back.
These images right here are priceless to us. They make me so, so happy! Even Jamie teared up when he saw them. I shared in Jillian’s birth story about how our photographer didn’t make it in time to photograph the actual birth due to Jillian’s rapid exit, but you better believe she came barreling in ready to stand back and capture the magic of meeting and getting to know our newest little family member.
I’m not sure Jamie did skin-to-skin time following Hadley’s birth, but he did with Sadie, and then did so with Jillian. This helped keep her body temperature up and was sweet time for the two of them to initially bond.
That baby booty! This picture of Jamie handing Jillian to me made me squeal. Those details! So tiny!
And here comes Hadley, Sadie, Grandma, and Grandpa. I love this picture of Sadie, but what I really love is my mom in the background. I didn’t notice her in this picture until I flipped through them for the third time, and seeing her reaction as she walked in and saw Jillian in my arms makes me heart explode. So raw and so special.
I had waited for this moment for so long, to have all of my girls together. I boohooed like a big baby when they walked over to my hospital bed! I love seeing my mom in the background. She was so considerate to give our little family time to meet Jillian before they came over too, even though I know she was dying to run over and see that baby!
Look at the birthday card Hadley drew Jillian! I’m so glad Christine got this shot.
Joy. That word just keeps coming to mind.
Look at their faces! Birth photography, you slay me.
Jamie and I gifted Hadley and Sadie with personalized “big sister” necklaces with their first initial on them, and they loved it. They both still wearing their necklaces all the time.
There’s something about a grandpa and his granddaughters.
Two things I love about the picture below: how Jamie is taking care of me and my dad with his arms around my mom.
I don’t know a single kid who can resist spinning around in a doctor’s chair.
They wore the sweetest big sister dresses embroidered by a dear blog reader and wonderful business owner of Threads Together. She is reasonably priced, incredibly kind, and very talented. I highly recommend her for your personalization needs.
She also made this shirt below!
I’m actually glad it took a couple of months to arrange to get these photos from my photographer because reliving all of this two months later was pretty awesome.
Christine, our photographer, also took some “Fresh 48” photos of just Jamie, me, and Jillian about 24 hours after she was born. I’m excited to get those back in a couple days and share a few of them here soon!
More: Hadley’s birth story (a long labor!)
Sadie’s birth story (social induction story)
Sadie’s maternity pictures (taken with my pregnant sister)
our family in-home lifestyle photo session (my absolute favorites!!)
Multi-generational pictures Fall 2014 (in the snow!)
Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to three little girls (ages 7, 4, and 1) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo
