Welcome Kennedy!

I truly don't get to do this enough. And believe me when I understand why not. My husband and I agreed on birth photography; mainly because I KNEW I wouldn't want photos of myself like actually trying to be presentable. Also because I wasn't happy with what I looked like as a pregnant woman. No amount of "love your body, what you're doing is a miracle!" could fix that for me. And our birth photos are one of the only material possessions that I would be devastated to lose. I say all that to say this; after this Fresh 48 session, I wish I would have had one done.

Being in a hospital room with brand new parents, with their brand new child, is such an emotional, humbling experience; I felt so honored to be with them in such a private time. As a parent, I know how hectic this time can be. Doctors in and out, nurses in and out, techs in and out, family and friends in and out. On top of that, you're attempting to also figure out what in the actual heck to do with this tiny human who's pooping out stuff you'd never imagine could come from such a perfect being.

Kenzie is basically a photographer's dream. I messaged her to check up on her progress with labor only to receive a text back forty five minutes later that sweet Kennedy had made her debut. Kenzie then proceeded to ask what outfits she should have for her new babe; I laughed out loud when I read that. I said to my husband, "This woman JUST had a stinkin' baby less than an hour ago and she's already asking what she should dress her baby in!" If that isn't dedication and forethought for photos, I won't know what is! I can tell you all this much, I was NOT thinking about that even within the first day our daughter was alive!

Kennedy's labor and birth blessed her parents by being as smooth as it could possibly be. Which doesn't surprise me for any reason. Kenzie and Kaleb are such great people. I have no doubt that Kaleb was the vision of a supportive partner in labor and that Kenzie was a total rock-star.

When I pulled up to the women's center of the hospital, it began to snow. I probably looked like a creeper because of the giant smile on my face; Kenzie had wanted snow for her maternity photos and didn't end up getting it. But on the day her new baby was to be photographed, she got her snow. I softly knocked on their door and was greeted by a fresh-faced Kenzie. Holy cow is she a strong woman! Kaleb was dealing with a poo-fiasco (I couldn't help myself and I giggled a little). But they quickly pulled it together and we got started.

It's called "Fresh 48" because the session takes place in the first forty-eight hours after the birth of a baby; but I think it has another meaning as well. SO many things are "fresh"; fresh feelings for each other as you begin the newest chapter of your lives together, your feelings of pure, true love for your new baby, the mother trying to navigate her newest bodily change, the father figuring out his new role now that this baby is in the big world. All of those raw emotions hang in the air and as a parent I couldn't help but feel nostalgic.

Kaleb was able to show off his swaddling skills, which is something else I wasn't surprised by since Kaleb is such a caring person. He reminds me a lot of my husband in that they both wanted to do whatever they could while their wives were pregnant to help prepare for their knew child.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear or twenty while editing these images. They are absolutely precious and something I hope the Bone's treasure forever.

Kaleb and Kenzie, I can truly not thank you enough for sharing this special time with me. I am so honored you allowed me to capture these moments!