And baby makes 4 | Castle Rock Maternity Photographer

A few weeks back I had the chance to photograph my beautiful friend Leslie and her son Cullen as a part of my Mommy-Mini-Session Day. While she was in the studio we also did a few maternity portraits to help commemorate this exciting time in her and her family’s life. When we finished up, hugging and laughing like we always do, she said to me “You can share these. You can tell my story.” I thank her for allowing me to share her story, and hopefully with that bring some hope to others going through something similar.

I met Leslie almost 4 years ago at preschool orientation. She always says she knew we’d be friends from day one because as all the other mommies were dabbing away tears as they left their little ones I *may* have done a happy dance for the few hours peace I was about to be granted 2 days a week. We instantly bonded and became dear friends. We have cried together and laughed together, weathered mommy-moments both high and low, and shared a cocktail or two as the situation demanded it.

Two summers ago Leslie and her husband began thinking about adding another child to their family. Cullen had arrived 4 years prior and after a cross-country move and a few job changes it was time to give him a brother or sister. Leslie and Kevin anticipated no difficulty, just as with their first. But months passed and no baby. The reality of secondary infertility began to sink in for their family. Over the course of the next two years I saw the family’s hope and courage never waiver. Through so many challenges and unbearable losses and tears and sacrifices, at last I’m happy to report their baby girl is here.  She arrived 5.5 weeks early but is doing remarkably well and will soon be ready for her close up.  In the meantime, I wanted to share these images of my beautiful friend.  Congratulations my friend, I love you dearly!