It felt like our whole neighborhood was waiting for this sweet little rainbow baby to make her appearance this winter!! When I finally heard of little Gracie’s arrival, I couldn’t wait to meet her. Born at just 37 weeks and weighing under 5 pounds, she was the tiniest little peanut!! But she was strong and came home from the hospital with her family right away.

It had been awhile since I had photographed a newborn session, and as I entered their home that winter afternoon, I felt like I had entered quiet, sacred space. The stillness that a new member of the family brings with them hushed me into a different mindset.

We started our session with just the girls – mom and her (now) three daughters. I saw power in their connection and womanhood, even then. Even from the tiny, 4 1/2 pound baby, and all they way through the other two girls, and up to their mother. I saw not only the gentle kindness they brought to life, but I also saw the strength and courage inside them. I felt the relief from mom, of having Gracie here safe and sound, after the hurt and pain of previous losses and the trial of endurance and patience. I love the image we made of the four them together, and, as it is always, hope that they will see the beauty I see.

Then Dad came home from work and while the sacredness remained, the emotions ramped up to pure joy! He was the light of his little girls’ lives! I could feel it, and I hope I captured it for them because it felt like the glue to their family! Little Gracie is a lucky, sweet baby — but the rest of them are pretty lucky too 😉 !