Tacoma area baby Aniston came to visit my natural light studio in Sumner for her newborn session….just like her big sister did 4 years ago! It is always such an honor when a family chooses me to be their photographer again and again; from capturing their sweet little one over baby’s first year, to family sessions as baby grows, and to celebrate the addition of a new family member. Speaking of family, older sister looks just like her beautiful mom and I was so happy to capture this stunning image of the three girls together – you must scroll down to the end of this post to see it for yourself!

We had a great time catching up at their newborn photography session and mom was so kind to share her birth story with me too. Read on to find out just how early this sweet baby girl arrived.

Our first daughter Alexis was born 4 years ago, almost 7 weeks before her due date. I had a traumatic c-section followed by a very long and painful recovery, while having to leave our firstborn in the NICU for 12 days. Going into this second pregnancy, we had so many concerns and worries. I was diagnosed with symphysis pubis dysfunction, meaning my pelvis was relaxing and separating far too early. It was an excruciating pain with no relief. Our fears began to come more real when at 21 weeks, my cervix was half the length it should be. I was put on modified bed rest and progesterone to try to ensure Aniston would stay in as long as possible. I kept my fingers crossed, made short term goals every couple of weeks, and watched them pass by. At 35 weeks and one day, my water broke.

I headed to the hospital knowing that although she’d be coming early, we made it further than anyone thought I would. My husband arrived shortly after and we began the experience together.

An ultrasound showed that Aniston was taking after her sister, she was breach. Knowing how my last c-section had so many complications, I was nervous, but also confident that my surgical team would take care of me, and they did. With my first c-section I was not conscious, and I didn’t meet Alexis until she was 12 hours old. This time, I was wide awake to experience everything, with my husband right there talking to me. As soon as Aniston came out, I heard her sweet, sweet cry and I couldn’t hold in my emotions. I cried right along with her. They brought her to me, placed her on my chest and I remember not wanting to ever move. It wasn’t an ideal birth story but it was as perfects as the situation would allow. Aniston Emery Smith was born 5 weeks early and so healthy at 5 lbs and 11 oz, 17.5″ long at 10:46 PM. Our last goal with the birth process was to be able to take our baby home with us when I was discharged. She did so well, avoided any NICU time, and 2 days later my husband, myself, and our two beautiful daughters were all home together. 

I’m so proud to have two premature, yet very healthy girls. My husband and I have completed our family and I couldn’t be more in love with them all. 

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!

Are you expecting a little one?  Take a peek at my newborn gallery and get in touch via the contact form above or email for current availability.  I take a limited number of newborn sessions each month to allow flexibility if your little bundle should arrive early/late and so that I can create something truly special just for you. Now booking fall/winter 2016 – limited space for August and September due dates (although you can always check for last minute availability when the time comes).  Book now to ensure availability for your one-of-a-kind newborn session.