Charlotte’s Birthday

I’m a mom. That statement still feels so surreal 17 days after giving birth to my sweet Charlotte. I am a mother. And I have a daughter. And she’s the sweetest baby girl to ever be born (though, I admit, I’m quite biased). Not only has she changed my life, she has completely changed the way I see the world. And while the transition hasn’t been without challenges, my new life as a mom becomes more familiar each day and it’s a journey that makes me want to pause life so I can fully enjoy this time while simultaneously making me anxious to see what each new day will bring. She has already grown and changed so much in 17 days, I can’t imagine how much she’ll grow and change over the next few days, weeks and months…

My sweet Charlotte was just 12 days old when we celebrated Mother’s Day together for the first time. Mother’s Day was especially memorable this year because I think I finally understood what it is to be a mother and finally have fully appreciated how lucky I am to have the mother I have. Though I’m sure each year I’ll learn more about motherhood and will grow to appreciate my mom even more, I have never had such a clear understanding of just how challenging motherhood can be, and how important it is to really praise the good moms out there. I am fortunate to have quite possibly the best mom in the world. I always felt love, comfort, compassion, warmth and kindness from her. And she did it so effortlessly that I always just assumed it was easy for her. She has taught me so much about being a mom by the example she set for both my sister and me. I know she learned that from my grandmother, and I will strive every day to pass that onto Charlotte as well.

The day Charlotte was born is without a doubt my favorite and the most important day of my life. I’m so, so thankful that my mom was there for her birth and that she was able to capture these amazing photos in the delivery room. These are hands down my favorite images ever taken. She did an amazing job capturing everything- just one more reason to be thankful to have the mom I have. 🙂

Moments after the nurse told us it was about time to start pushing. Love this photo so much.

And 30 minutes later she was born.

Love love this shot of Brian. We were both sobbing.

I think this is my favorite image. Brian’s face says it all. 🙂

Dad holding her for the first time. 🙂

Later that day, I couldn’t help but do a little portrait session of her in the recovery room. Just 9 hours old.

This image Brian took of us at home at 8 days old. <3

I have been photographing her every day since she was born and hope to continue to do so. While I will definitely be getting back to posting weddings and other shoots I do once I’m back to work, be prepared for many more Charlotte posts in the future as well. She’s my newest muse and I just can’t help it. 🙂

Happy Friday, everyone!