capturing life one image at a time
It was 4:15am when my phone buzzed. The text was from my sister and she was officially in labor. I made it to the hospital 30 minutes before she began to push, and I got to see Tanner one last time before she became a mother. She gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy, my precious nephew, David Callahan Peterson.
This was one of those days I will never forget.
Friends are the family you get to choose.
It’s been one year since Dorothy was born. One whole year. Happy Birthday pretty girl!
2014 has been a big year for my family. We have celebrated two graduations, an engagement and wedding, new jobs, new homes, and travels all over the world. For my sister Tanner and her husband Mason, 2014 will always be remembered as the year they were able to get pregnant.
You would be hard-pressed to find a couple more suited for parenthood. These two are going to be amazing parents and I’m grateful to get the chance to learn from the example they will set. One of the challenges of being the firstborn is never having an older sibling to show you how things are done. As the oldest, I was always the one paving the way. Tanner gets to be the first to become a mama and I get to watch as she takes on her new role. She’s paving the way and I couldn’t be more happy for her.
Not long after we ring in the new year, the Petersons have the privilege of ringing in a new generation of our family. This baby may have mom’s red hair or dad’s dimples. It may have mom’s gift for making friends or dad’s gift for making jokes. One thing is for sure though… this baby will have an army of grandparents, aunts, and uncles who love him (or her!) We thank God for his answer to prayer and we look forward to all the joy this new year is sure to bring .
Michael and I met Brittany and Danny at a wedding. True story. Since then, they have become part of our Charlotte family – dear friends we have come to love and trust. Danny and Brittany recently welcomed twins into the world, and that brings the Stiling headcount to twelve! As one of four siblings myself, I speak from experience when I say that big families are a blessing. Danny has three brothers who are scattered around the southeast. It’s a rare and special occasion when everyone can be together.
They sure do make one good looking bunch!
On a surprisingly warm and sunny Saturday in the middle of November, my family celebrated another wedding. In the same church where I took my own wedding vows, I watched as my youngest sister vowed to love and honor and cherish her new husband. It was an absolutely perfect day and I wanted to capture every bit of it.
Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Price!
Rebecca and Allan are the kind of people you feel lucky to get to know. They are thoughtful and they are genuine in their care for others. This family has welcomed me in and trusted me with the care of their son. And he is one of the most precious children I have had the pleasure of keeping. He loves to read books and go for long walks. He never cries when it’s nap time. And if his answer to your question is ‘yes’, he giggles to let you know. His giggle gets me every time.
Eight years ago, Katie and I became acquaintances. Then over time, we became friends and prayer partners and travel buddies. Katie is creative and thoughtful and intentional with her words. And somewhere along the way, her friendship has become one of my most treasured relationships.
Katie is having a baby. And if I’m honest, it’s bittersweet for me. Sweet because she’s getting to become a mama and she’s going to be great at it. But hard because now I’m the one left still hoping for a pregnancy.
It’s the time of year when we celebrate the things we’re grateful for. I’m grateful for Katie. Grateful for her love for Jesus and the way she reminds me of His love for me. Grateful for the tears she let me cry when she told me she was pregnant. Grateful for the joy she brings to me and to so many others. It was an honor to get to host a shower for my dear friend.
There’s a warm glow that settles in at the end of a fall day. And on top of a mountain, the autumn leaves are radiant in the afternoon light. It was the most beautiful of days with a sweet family, and I know for certain that there is nowhere these grandparents would rather be than in this place with their grandson.
“We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This girl had lots of reasons to celebrate. Fall break from her masters program was going to be spent at the beach with her friends and sisters. And the weather forecast was perfect.
This was the scene when I arrived – the bathing suit clad bride dancing on the porch to music streaming from her tablet. Her enthusiasm was contagious. The bachelorette weekend was full of good food and fruity drinks, silly games and silky gifts. Thanks to everyone who helped to make it so special!
Florida beach conditions in October are idyllic. The air is warm, the sand is cool, and the humidity is low.
We love you Leah!
rachel baughman photo 