...Brayden Cole...

My dear friend Amanda is expecting her first child, a boy, in just five weeks. She asked if I would do her maternity pictures, and of course I jumped at the opportunity. She came out yesterday and boy oh boy did we ever freeze our fannies off! I think it was truly the coldest day we've had in Florida, until today that is!


I've known Amanda since elementary school. We've been friends for as long as I can remember. We've laughed until our cheeks and side hurt, we've cried together, you name it... we've done it. Now to know that she is about to meet her first child and I get to be a part of that, truly blesses my soul.


In just five short weeks, she will know the greatest love ever. She'll know that instant motherly bond between her and her child. She'll cherish the way he looks, the way he smells, and the tiny sounds he makes. Her life is about to change in so many good ways. Her days will be consumed of thoughts of this little boy. She'll wake at the sound of the slightest movement, or smallest whimper. She'll ask herself a million times over, 'am I doing this right'. She will look at her husband with a whole new respect. She'll love him more, appreciate him more, and be more thankful that he is in her life. She'll go to bed feeling complete, wake up feeling needed, and live each day knowing that she is truly loved.



Amanda, I wish you the very best. I can't wait to meet sweet Brayden, and I know that you can't wait to finally hold him in your arms! I pray that God continues to keep you both well and safe in these final weeks. The days ahead will fly by and before you know it he will be here with us all. Enjoy these final days with Justin as just the 'two' of you. You'll never be just Justin and Amanda again, but you will not want to be... you will probably sit and wonder how on earth you lived without sweet Brayden for so long.



Brayden is such a blessed child already. He has a wonderful father and mother and I know he will bring much joy, and happiness into your family. Remember to enjoy each and every moment, even the ones when he's crying and you haven't the foggiest idea what is wrong with him. The days pass oh to quickly. Before you know it you'll be planning his first birthday, and then he'll be starting kindergarten as my oldest will do this year. Don't fret the fingerprints on the wall, the dirt on the floors. Let the laundry go, let the cleaning wait... your little guy will not stay tiny for long.



You'll have moments when you feel overwhelmed, but just relax and remember you are both learning! Everything you need to know will come to you. For all the other stuff, call your momma!! ;)  May God's blessings continue to be with you and your family. Much love!  Jen