The Day Clara was Born

'Someday I'll wish upon a star& wake up where the clouds are far behind me, where laughter falls like lemon drops always above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me... Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue & the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.'

We're getting a good dose of rain at the moment, which seems fitting as I write this blog post. One week ago today, we also got a good dose of rain. It was also one week ago today, when we were all in Pasagshak, & my sister started getting texts from her good friend- labor was happening. Her c-section wasn't scheduled for another month, the same day I have to take my youngest to a doctor appointment, out-of-town. As a result of the schedule conflict, I wasn't planning on meeting Clara the day she was born. Instead, she came about four weeks early- healthy, beautiful & oh so very tiny.

It was honestly amazing, being able to photograph her at the hospital. Her big sister is so in love, & was not eager to let me hold her, as she politely whispered, "Can I have my baby back now?!" Clara, you are so loved by her & the rest of your beautiful family, welcome to the world.

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Always Kiss Me Good Morning

When I was little, my mom used to tell me stories about two sisters named Tinkerbelle & Anabelle. They went on grand adventures, sometimes in their own backyard, & sometimes far away. Their adventures took me away on my own expeditions- albeit imaginary, but full of so much fun. Hearing of sweet Anabelle's name brought back a rush of memories of my own childhood; meeting her brought back memories of my own children's newborn days. It doesn't seem all that long ago, yet it feels so far away. So much newness, yet so fleeting- the soft fuzz that graces their skin; those sweet, tender cries; lots of feedings & lots of diaper changes; best of all, the comfort of knowing they feel so safe & content wrapped up in their parent's arms. It is special to watch all of this beauty from behind the camera- so very special. Welcome to the world, sweet Anabelle, I know life awaits you with your very own grand adventures.

 

Welcome to the World, Collin

'Sometimes the smallest things,take up the most room in your heart' -Winnie-the-Pooh

There's something about newborn love that you can't match anywhere else. It's pure, fresh & beautiful. The tiny little hands & toes, the sweet smell of the top of their head, their bright eyes checking out the world that is so new to them. Then watching the parents soak up all that newness- admire it, love it, appreciate it; it really is amazing. Happy 1st Mother's Day, Nichole!

Welcome to the World, Evie

Evie arrived right on time. She's my sister's very first baby, which means she's 50% Peterson, & us Peterson's have a long familial line of tardiness. No matter how hard we try, we always seem to be five minutes late (or fifty, depending on the circumstance). So when my sister texted me Saturday morning, I somehow missed the part about her water actually breaking, & thought, no way will she really come today- it's her due date (my kids were also all 8-11 days late, so again, no way). But then I re-read the text & hustled to get ready, so I wasn't late for Evie. On my way to pick up my mom, Wagon Wheel was the first song to come on, & then I knew, even though she was very much on-time, she was a heck-of-a-lot of Peterson. That song is a family favorite, so it just seemed right to hear it blast through the radio. Even if it wasn't Old Crow Medicine Show singing. Six days after she was born, we did her newborn photos. Welcome to the world, our little "Easter Evie," & the day she was born can be viewed here