The Birth of Hollis Jane

Hollis's family and birth team had been waiting for her to make her debut for a few weeks.
We were all eagerly waiting to see if she looked like big sister and witness what her birth story would hold.

When Heather, who is not only my professional mentor, but also a pastor's wife, asked me to photograph her birth, I knew wanted to deliver stunning images that were also modest so she could share her amazing story with her family.

I got the call from her midwife to get ready, and a text from her doula saying to come shortly after. While Heather's & Hollis's story is theirs to tell, I can say with confidence that this whirlwind birth was full of prayer, joy, and fulfilled promises. It was an absolute honor to witness. 

Welcome sweet Hollis. You are loved deeply precious girl.

Boogers & Blooms; How He Loves Me

First of all, I forgot to thank you all for your feedback, love, support, and questions over this post. It's one of the most popular posts I've ever had and have received all sorts of emails, texts, comments, fb messages, you name it, that have all been really humbling. Thank you for allowing us to share this part of our life with you.

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A few weeks ago I was talking to one of my amazingly talented birth photographer friends about a birth she had attended. She told me the story of this mama's little girl and how she had desperately wanted a little sister, so she and her husband told their daughter to pray for it. Soon enough, they were pregnant with their fifth baby. Then, halfway through, they found out this new blessing was going to be a baby girl! So then she gets to the make me bawl my eyes out part. When she calls her kiddos into the room after the delivery she stops big sister and says "This is God's gift to you. God did this for you K because you asked Him. He will always do these things for you when you ask Him."

[fastforward to about 3:40 to see this tear jerking moment]

I am blown away by this mama's ability to give God all the Glory and instill this kind of beauty in her children.
So wanting to steal a piece of this beautiful uniqueness, I decide to have my own deep, tear jerking moment with Lily at bedtime, because, you know, that's how it works. I read to her, lay her down, sing to her, pray for her, and tuck her in. Before I turn off the light I lean in close and say "Lily, you are a special gift from Jesus to me, did you know that? He loves us very much and loves giving us things, and he gave me YOU!" As I'm talking, she's staring at me very intently, and as I finish, she lifts her hand, points her finger...and sticks it straight up my nose.
I couldn't help but laugh and say "Ok, God, I got it, you're a comedian, you got me." He said "These are your children, I have given you a special joy in them, delight in that joy!"

So days go by and I've completely forgotten about all of this. Eamon and the girls woke up early to drive me to a midwifery convention and we're stuck in morning rush hour traffic. Along this particular stretch of highway, the Texas wildflowers are covering everything in sight. It's my favorite time of year.

From the back seat Lily yells "Hey Mama..." 
"Yes, Lily?"
"Those flowers for Lily Burke?"
"What baby?"
"Those flowers! They for Lily Burke because Jesus loves me!!"

I actually turned into a puddle of liquid emotion and gratitude right there.

Jesus has always courted me with sunflowers. I have a tattoo on my ring finger to remind me that I am first Christ's bride and that He loves me in a very special way. He has given me indespensible knowledge while gardening, and pulls me into nature any time He wants me close. I have always loved this part of my relationship with Jesus.

Lily, at the ripe old age of 2 and three quarters years old, had realized that her Father, Creator, First Love, and Friend, not only loves her, but loves her in a way that her mommy and daddy can't, and GIFTS her because of this love.

I am still in awe of just how invested He is in my life. In my growth as a woman, wife, and mother. And I could fall on my face in gratitude that He has chosen to continue His work in my precious daughters.

Hope you are having a great week,
Mae

PS,
we're headed out to see family this weekend, so a major photo dump of my babies in their bathing suits is about to happen ;]

"But I Don't Want Anyone Else To Look At My Hoo-Ha!"

On Friday I had my last appointment with Angela

I'd be lying if I said I fought back tears all day thinking about the reality of it being over.

We were getting ready for the PAP [oh ya, it's lady business talk time] and I felt like I had to fart. Angela was telling me about her marriage seminar she's been going to at her church and was being so complimentary about mine and Eamon's marriage...but all I could think was "Oh my god...I'm gonna fart in her face. Please, dear Jesus, do not let me fart in her face." The only thing I remember saying when I started pushing during Norah's labor was "OH NO, I THINK I POOPED!" and to my mortification, they all said "It's okay, Mae." But I had no control over that situation. How embarrassing would it be to hop up on the table, saddle up in the stirrups, and let one rip right in her face?

LUCKILY, Lily provided me an opportunity to step outside of the room by screaming for me, so I silently farted, and came back in ready to go :]

Angela is not only amazing for dealing with my concerns, legit or completely crazy [or both], she's become a dear friend.

 Take One

 Take Two

Take...We've taken too many, but YAY! We got one!

Every night since Norah's birth I've been scheming of ways to get back up here for our next pregnancy [Lord, please give me a little more space between Norah and the next...PLEASE] or at least the birth because I just don't want to do it without her! Thank you SO much for catching both of my babies, Angela, and for blessing our family in such a huge way.

Oh, and here's a little Norah Love...just because.

Happy Monday!
Mae