Eight months ago my sister, who is ten and a half months younger than I, announced she was pregnant. A few months after that, she announced it was a girl! The entire family was excited and has greatly anticipated the arrival of little Emma Marie. I live seven hours away from Pam and I thought there was very little chance I would be able to be present at Emma’s birth, although it was one of my greatest hopes. On Friday, I got the text – they were inducing Pam because of high-blood pressure. Immediately, I started packing and within three hours I was on the road with my two youngest. Six hours later, at 9:30pm, I dropped off my kids with my mom and dad. Two hours (and a tremendous thunderstorm) later, I arrived at the hospital. I had made it! Although it was my intention to document the birthing process, I could see that I would be of better use to my sister at her side. As soon as Emma made her debut, I picked up the camera and captured her daddy holding his first baby for the very first time.
The next day, I went back to the hospital and did Emma’s newborn portraits. I am truly blessed to have met my newest niece, and even more blessed to have captured her first moments in this world.
