{harleigh ann}

When people think of babies being born they may think of:

1. Hospital
2. Delivery Room
3. Waiting Room
4. Nurses 
5. Family
6. Waiting
7. Nursery
8. Waiting
9. Waiting
10. and finally... newborns :) 

This is a beautiful time (to me) to capture some candid moments. The first time I got to be in a delivery room with my camera was when my best friend delivered her baby about 2 1/2 years ago. Thus became my favorite type of setting to photograph. 

Though I wasn't in the delivery room, I still got to snap some pictures of this sweet one, Harleigh. Her mamma is my cousin, who is also like a big sister to me. Of course the saying goes around in my family, "Here comes Hillary....and her camera." Now to make myself feel better I did wait about 10 minutes after I walked into the room before I started snapping like crazy (that's a long time to me :) ). But as you can see, I didn't want to miss any sweet moments. 

One thing I loved seeing is how much love is being shown between Brittany (my cousin) and her hubby, Opie (or for you strangers out there, Robbie) and their new little one. There is just something about capturing that pure and beautiful moment when parents see their child for the first time. I know, I know, I'm getting sentimental over here, but don't you agree? It's like you can't capture it even in a picture because there is so much more love than what you see in the quick snap of a photo. 

That's why I love doing "sessions" like these. They remind me of the love of the Father. How He loves us from the very beginning, before we were even thought of. He cares for us, and knows what's best for us in every circumstance because the days we live are formed for us. And how that same love stays with us, it never leaves us nor gives up on us. It is an everlasting love. 

So I hope you enjoy a few of these snapshots of Harleigh's first few days in the world. I am so excited for Brittany and Opie and can't wait to see how this little one will grow and do amazing things!

For You formed my inward parts;

You knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are Your works; 

my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from You, 

when I was being made in the secret, 

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in Your book were written, every one of them,

the days days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

How precious are Your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

Psalm 139:13-18

{ ashton and davis }

Here are some snapshots of my beautiful niece and nephew. I wanted to take some pictures of just the 2 of them for 2 reasons:
      1. They're just so cute :)
      2. I wanted to surprise my brother and his wife with some pictures
I started planning on how I would sneak them out and get take their pictures but I kept running into "road blocks." They do not live fairly close so I knew I would have to make up some grand scheme but then I thought to ask my sister-in-law's sister! And boy was she a life saver! She got them dressed and met me at the location! What a huge help! So thank you, Lauren! :)

Before you look at these sweet faces, I wanted to write a little post about them and what being their aunt is like for me. This may be a little sappy but the Lord has laid it on my heart to share.

    I was about 14 when Ashton came along, so I wasn't quite sure what being an Aunt looked like or really what I supposed to do except be called, "Aunt Hillary." I loved her when I first saw her beautiful blue eyes (which you will see in a minute) and I have grown to love her throughout the years. Ashton is a spunky, loving, and full-spirited girl. One of the many things I love about her is her laugh. She has the sweetest giggle and it makes me smile (even right now) whenever I hear it or think of her laughter. She has such a kind heart for those around her and is a great big sister to Davis. She also has a funny sense of humor which I love as well. She can crack me up at the things she says and I love when she makes me laugh!
    Davis is the newest edition to our family. He will be 2 (so hard to believe!) this July! Let me tell you that he is all boy. He loves being outside and running around with Ashton and his mommy and daddy. He has the sweetest smile and the same killer blue eyes like his sister. He loves watching football, basketball, well, pretty much anything with a ball. I think he will be playing sports in the near future. One of the many things I love about this sweet little man is his curiosity (and the face that goes with it). He is always people watching and always has to know what is going on.
   
     One of the most exciting and most proudest moments of being Ashton's aunt is when she accepted Christ into her heart almost 3 years ago. As the years have past and the Lord has taught me many characteristics about Himself, I have learned what it means (and by no means have I got this all figured out) to be discipled and to be a disciple. This is when the Lord really opened my eyes to being Ashton and Davis' aunt. I'm not married nor do I have any children of my own, but the Lord has given me 2 precious children to call my niece and nephew. Scripture says,

Children are a gift from the LORD;

they are a reward from Him.

Children born to a young man

are like arrows in a warrior's hands

How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!

Psalm 127:4-5

I love the reference to children and "arrows in a warrior's hands." I desire to be a mother if that is what the Lord wills. Yes, children are a wonderful addition to a family and they bring SO much joy into your life. But the other reason I desire to be a mother is so that I can further the Kingdom through my children. And since the Lord is calling me to wait in this season, I pray this for my sweet niece and nephew. I (as well as our family)  desire for them to be "arrows in a warrior's hand," I want them to be a weapon against the Enemy and to do some damage for the Kingdom however the Lord calls them. But most importantly, whatever they do and whoever they become, 

I pray that they make much of Jesus. 

And since I don't have children of my own I pray that the Lord uses me in their lives to help disciple them in any way I can. Whether that be through praying for them, going to their school/church events, sending them notes, etc. I want them to see Christ in me so that they want to live for Him. Yes, I want to be the fun Aunt and take them to do fun things, but I want to invest in what is eternal in them. I think it is neat how the Lord blessed me with these 2 while I am still young. I kinda feel like a "hip" aunt when I get to be around these 2 :) 

So that's my heart. I desire that Ashton and Davis become whoever the Lord wants them to become. I ask that He would make that evident in their lives early on as they grow into a woman and man after God. He has crafted them in His image, so He alone knows the plans for their lives. I am so, so blessed to be their aunt. I am so thankful for their beautiful lives and the plans He has for them. 

Enough with the sappy-ness.... here are some pictures ;) 

 

oh how i love these 2!

the slaughter family shoot

[the slaughter family]

Okay I have to admit, this was one of my favorite shoots! This family was absolutely wonderful! I couldn't believe how photogenic their kiddos were and how well they did during the shoot! The location couldn't have been better! Since I am new to the B'ham area, I was anxious about finding a location, but thanks to Ms. Slaughter, we were able to have a great location! So enjoy this precious family!