Photography

Good morning! I added a new session to my photography blog. If you'd like to take a peek, head on over to http://www.jhigginbothamphoto.blogspot.com and check it out!  I will be adding a lot more today.  Enjoy!

Brantley Clay

My friend Ashley welcomed her sweet little boy, Brantley Clay. I don't think there will ever come a day that I don't get as giddy as a kid in a candy shop about a new baby coming into the world. I even remember as a little girl getting so excited when I found out someone was expecting. I suppose I'm just a sucker for being a momma.

Brantley was born May 22 and he weighed 8 pounds 13 ounces. He has a headful of jet black hair and the cutest little dimples I've ever seen. I didn't get to hold him the night he was born but I did visit this past weekend and oh sweet goodness he just melts me. I would be lying if I told you I walked away from there without the slightest of baby fever. I had a bad fever!!

Babies grow up so fast. Before becoming parents we are always wishing the days away, waiting on 5:00, or thinking months ahead to vacation. Then that moment comes you hold that little one for the first time, and a week later you look down as it sleeps so peacefully in your arms and you pray for the first time, please Lord don't let them grow up so quickly just slow down the time.  That instant that you become parents is the instant that you realize time flies by.

Ashley, I'm so excited for you. I pray God's blessings on you and that sweet baby boy. May your days be filled with happiness, laughter, and no regrets. Remember he will always love you for who you are, he'll think the world of you and you the world of him. Cherish these early days before you know it you'll have a little one running around and these days will just be a memory.  I love you both so very much!!  You're a wonderful mother and I look forward to watching Brantley bless your lives.

Dirt diggers

They love it.







I just wonder if I ever did have a girl, would she love it too???  By the way while styling Carter's hair earlier this week he says, "Momma, I love you." I love you too Carter. Then he looks at me with the most serious look and says, "when are you going to have a baby girl in your belly?" No time soon my love, no time soon! I'm really starting to think he has some sort of pregnancy E.S.P.  Hmmm....

So sweet and perfect

As you all know about, my friends Amanda and Justin welcomed their sweet boy Brayden into their lives on February 5.  I had the great opportunity of doing his newborn pictures. Just wanted to share them with you all. Tell me this just doesn't make you heart go pitter patter!!!










These three are my favorites from the day.

Happy 4th Birthday Carter!!

Today is the day that my life was changed forever!!  Unbelievably four years ago today, I welcomed my first precious child into this world!  I remember the night before being so anxious to finally meet him, to smell him, to touch him, to care for him, and to love him endlessly.  I walked around the house making sure everything was in perfect order.  Every diaper placed perfectly, the blankets and clothes folded ever so perfectly. Clothes hung neatly in the closet, and the glider awaiting the first of countless glides.  The waiting would soon be over, and we would be welcoming home our sweet boy.

This picture is perfect of him!  

4:30 a.m. on that warm summer morning, I woke up, showered and soon there after the phone rang.  It was the hospital telling me they were not ready for me to come, they did not have any rooms available.  The nurse said to call back at 8:30.  Just my luck!  So, as expected, I could not go back to sleep.  I paced, and once again checked everything.  I finally asked Travis if he would like to go for breakfast, I didn't have to beg him!  We went to a small little restaurant in Callahan called Ann's Diner.  Travis had breakfast as I watched and sipped a Sprite.  No food for me since I was to be induced.  

8:30, I called the hospital.  Yet again, no room.  They informed me to call back at noon.  So, we rode around for a bit waiting.  If any of you know me personally, you know.... me waiting is not a good thing.  We arrived back home and decided that we both should probably try to take a nap since it would probably be a long night.  I had not laid down for ten minutes when the phone rang.  It was the hospital, the room was ready.  The nurse asked, "Mrs. Higginbotham, are you ready to have your baby?"  My response to her was something like, umm... yeah, sure! She told us to head on in, and they would get things going.  I made the necessary phone calls to inform our family, and we were off.  The next time we walked back in this house we would be a family of three, no longer just Travis & Jen.

Oops, he fell out of his chair!  Luckily Aunt J & Brooks were there to save him!

As we started on the interstate, I noticed a car passing us that looked familiar.  I asked Travis, isn't that your mom?  Sure enough, she was passing us!!!  Travis called her and told her to take her time, she was ahead of us.  It was quite funny.  On the ride to the hospital I was so excited, scared, nervous, and everything else you can think of.  When we pulled into the hospital the butterflies, or maybe the were wasps and hornets, started in my stomach.  I remember our walk to the Labor and Delivery floor was a quiet one.  

12:30 p.m. we rang the bell, and they opened the doors for us.  We walked down the hallway as I came closer and closer to the nurses station I could feel the huge knot in my throat.  The nurses greeted us and told us to find our way to suite six.  We entered that room, and it was then I realized this was the real thing.  Today would be the day I met my son.  My nurse was Carrie, and she was amazing.  She was compassionate, friendly, understanding, and most importantly I could tell she enjoyed her job.  She gave me my ever fashionable hospital gown (which by the way I was dreading putting on.... they weird me out).  Once I was dressed the part, she told me she would start my i.v..  I had never had an i.v. and begged her to please be gentle with me, she was.  She got me on the first stick.  After the i.v. she checked me and asked if I was feeling any pain.  I answered with no, and she looked at me surprised and informed me I was having contractions every two minutes.  I was shocked!!  She also informed that I was 4.4.5 centimeters dilated.  Much to our surprise, we thought I would be dragging out the process! :) Regardless of my progress, they decided to go ahead and start the lovely pitocin drip until Dr. Laubscher arrived.  Pitocin worked, it did it's job and I am not a fan of it, but hey if it works let's do it!

He loves his new monster truck!!!

Dr. L arrived and said to stop the pitocin and let me labor on my own.  Around 3:30, she broke my water and at that point I was 5.5-6 cm and then begged for an epidural.  I don't recall much after that point, except for clenching Travis' hands with every ounce of my being and telling him how deathly afraid I was.  He said I cried, but I don't remember.

During all of this, my room was filled with family and friends.  Both of my parents, Travis' parents, our siblings, friends, co-workers, you name it they were there.  Our cell phones constantly ringing to check progress from those unable to be there at the moment.  The nurses laughed because they said each time the bell chimed that they figured it was someone for my room!  At one time I remember counting 13 people in the room with us.  Some were reading the paper, others were watching t.v., our moms were chatting nervously, and I just laid up there like a beached whale loving my epidural!!  

A new thermos just like Dad!

7:00, shift change.  My sweet nurse Carrie would have to go home to her own children.  She came in to wish me well and said, "if I knew you would deliver in the next 2-3 hours I would stay, but I have to get my children."  There's something about having a good nurse that in my opinion makes your experience a better time.  I was sad to see her go, but little did I know that things were fixing to pick up!

8:45, I was starting that uncontrollable shake.  If you are a mother, you know what shake I'm talking about.  The nurse checked me and those words she said scared me more then I've ever been scared before.  "You're 10!  It's time to have this baby!"  I was immediately brought to tears.  I looked to the right of my bedside, into Travis' eyes and said, "I don't want to be a momma, I don't have any idea of what to do!!!"  My sweet, loving, comical husband replied with a short and sweet, "too late for that now!"  Once again I remember clenching his hand on my right side.  My mother to my left.  The nurse and the doctor assured me that I could do this.  I was thinking, yeah right... you don't know me, I'm a big wimp!  My sister Jessica, and Travis' sister Amanda were in the room as well.  The moment of Carter entering the world was drawing closer and closer with each contraction.  I was exhausted, I begged for them to help me (knowing that it was all up to me), I wanted so badly to just be done.  

Every little boy needs a semi with a cow hauler!

Thirty three minutes after being told it was time... it was time. 9:18 p.m. It was time for me to be a mother, it was time for me to finally meet this little one that I had carried and nurtured for the past nine months.  He was perfect!  He weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces, 20 inches long.  He had a head full of black hair and the cutest little cheeks I had ever seen.  He was my baby, he was my purpose, he was my heart.  My heart flooding with joy, my eyes filled with tears, I knew that God had given me the most precious gift in the world.  I was ecstatic, I had done it.  I had birthed my first child.  I was so proud to be a mother.  I looked to Travis as he watched Carter lying in the warmer and knew that our purpose was this sweet child.  My love for Travis, stronger because of this little tiny person that we created.  

Our family and friends all came in to greet our new little one.  Blessed to have my grandparents there, my 80 year old grandfather had been at the hospital for hours waiting for the arrival.  He informed my granny he wasn't going anywhere until that baby that was to be named after him was here.  Watching the two of them hold him blessed my heart.  They are such special people in my life and Carter has brought them so much joy in the past four years.  Our guests made there way home after Carter went to the nursery.  Travis and I were in awe.  We were more in love then we ever imagined we would be, and all the fears and unknown that we (I) had worried about, really didn't matter.  My sweet baby was everything I wanted.  Perfect in every way.  

Four years have flown past me.  I can relive the day I just told you about over and over.  It is etched in my memory forever.  They say a mother forgets the pains of labor, they are overcome by love.  You don't forget it all, but to endure that pain for such a great reward in my opinion is totally worth it.  

I've had four years of sheer bliss.  Sure, there have been rough days but what would life be without them?  What would life be without my child?  It sure wouldn't be as special as it is with him.  I love his imagination, his personality, his laugh, his eyes that have a sparkle to them constantly.  I love the way he mimics each and everything Travis does.  The way he wants to be just like his Dad.  I love to watch him sleep, and hear him sing.  The way he interacts with Tucker, climbing in the crib with him in the mornings and saying "morning fat boy!"  I love the conversations he comes up with, the endless questions that he can rattle off.  I love that he yells from another room, "Mom.......... I love you!"  The way his tiny little hand feels so warm and cozy in mine.  I love the smell of his room, the nights he asks me to rock him to sleep.  I love when he needs me.  Believe it or not, I even love that his handprints line my walls.  His muddy feet and hands leave my bathrooms a mess, but they are his.  I love to see him cuddle with his night night, and the way he shares them with his brother.  I love to hear his giggle, it's so contagious and warms my heart each and every time.  I love the way he is compassionate towards others (well, most of the time).  I love that he is yes ma'am, no ma'am kind of kid. I love the way he wants to be so independent.  I love when he reaches for me when he is sad or scared.  I love that he needs me to be his mom, his friend, his pal, his momma elephant.  I love him.

The little boy that blesses our hearts every day!

I could go on forever about the things I love about Carter.  Any mother could talk about the love they have for their child.  I sit here in awe of my life, my child.  A pure blessing he has been, and is yet to be to our lives.  I am so blessed to have been a part of the last four years of his life. I look forward to the many that lie ahead.  My baby, my toddler, now my little boy. Thank you Lord for this precious child!

Carter bug,

You are my sunshine.  You light up our lives, you keep me going.  I thank you for being such a joy, a reminder of how precious life is and how we should enjoy every day that God blesses us with.  You always remind me that, "this is a day that the Lord hath made."  You are amazing in every way.  I hope that your birthday is one that you'll always remember.  As you have said for the past few weeks now, you are a big boy!  That's hard for me to admit and yes it makes me cry, but you are no longer my little baby.  I pray God's many blessings on  you.  I pray that you will continue to be healthy, happy, and just the way you are.  May you find peace and happiness, and may God always be the center of your life.  Your momma loves you more then you will ever know.  Happy Birthday my sweet boy!

love always

momma

xoxo

2 months

Yes, I just typed two months!!  Tucker is officially two months old today.  Seriously, where does time go?  Why can't it just stand still so that we can savor these moments forever?

Little Tucker, well he's not so little weighing in today at a whopping 13 pounds, is quite the little fire ball.  I'm not going to lie, the past several weeks have been confusing, and a bit coo coo (for me).  I think we've been dealing with that "c" word no one likes to talk about, you know... colic. We've bounced, we've rocked, we've tried gripe water, we've tried white noise, driving in the truck, all to end up in the same place that we started in.  It's heart breaking for any mother that has ever dealt with colic, you know what I'm talking about.  To hold your child who is screaming and you feel so helpless.  Luckily, knock on wood, the past three days have been complete opposite of the past several weeks.  Our little butter bean has let his little personality shine.  

What a complete joy to wake up and see him smiling, or watch him try his best to giggle or talk. His smile is the sweetest, gummiest grin.  He gets so excited when you try to talk to him, that he works his mouth and his arms and legs as if throwing them around helps him work up the sound he needs to make a squeak.  After a couple of seconds you'll see him throw his little head back and out comes the most precious sound a baby can make, the first coos.  Watching him sleep, or lay in the floor, or hang out in the bouncy seat makes me wonder what his personality really will become.  My prediction is that he's going to be laid back, caring, calm...until you push the wrong button, and just a little love bug.  He's so huggable, I just see him being a very loving child.  Someone remind me of these words if it turns out to be the opposite, LOL! :)

As he changes with every passing day, I've started to see more of Carter in him.  Some of the pictures we have they look identical, especially in black and white pictures.  The cheeks, oh the cheeks are just so pinch worthy.  I catch myself all the time tickling his little cheeks.  Carter is fascinated by him, loves to give him kisses, and each morning his first words are, "let me see my bubba momma!"  There bond has already started and it's too sweet.

In just the few short weeks that Tucker has been in our lives, he has acquired a few nick names. My most used name is, Tucker bear. Then he gets called butter bean, butter ball, sugar man, and my granny can't stand it but I think it fits.... pig boy.  Bless his little heart, I mean it with all the love I have... my baby likes to eat, that's where that one came from! :)  My sweet little granny goes into quite a tizzy when she hears me say that.  I suppose it's not the sweetest name to give your two month old, huh?  I'll try to kick that one before he gets offended.  

Life is good as a family of four.  We are as adjusted to this new life as I suppose we ever will be, and are so grateful to have little Tucker bear with us.  He's a sweet reminder of how precious our lives are.  

Tucker Bear, 

You have already changed so much in just two short months, it's bitter sweet to watch you grow but I smile when I think of the joy you will bring in the months ahead.... I LOVE YOU!

xoxo

Momma

Trying to catch up....

I am trying my very best to catch up on posting.  I have so many things I've blogged about that just need me to add pictures, and then click that big orange button, "publish post".  Just wanted to say that I hope I'm not wearing you all out by posting non stop last night and today.  Hey, at least I'm giving you something to do if you're sitting at work bored out of your mind!  LOL!

Three posts last night and still to come, our Easter recap, & Carter's first air show with Papa Wally Gator.

Happy Monday!!!

Jen

Here are some pictures sure to make your Monday brighter....

And then there were three...

I'm not sure how many of you are, but I usually wake up with a plan to my day. I like to know what is going to go on in my life, I'm not good with curve balls or surprises most of the time. My friend Jill is much the same way and today would prove to be one of those 'surprise' days! As many of you read last week, my friend Jill & her husband Clayton were expecting their little boy Madox Daniel. He was due to arrive on December 21, but had other plans! :)

I sent Jill a text message this morning to see how she was feeling, and received a rather quick response back that she was feeling a few little pains but nothing bad. I told her to not ignore them, for they could be the real thing. She began to time them, and sure enough, they were consistent and coming every ten minutes. She never expected this morning when she left for work that today would be "the day!" She stayed at work, still counting contractions. I later received a phone call from her saying that she had just went for her 1:30 doctors appointment and they were admitting her!!! How exciting! As I listened to her phone call, it was very apparent that she was calm, some what, but you could hear the nerves in her voice. She told me I needed to head to the hospital, the doctor said the baby would be here by six p.m.

Of course the one day I don't have my camera in my car, ready for this event.... it happens! I was in Orange Park, my camera back in good 'ole Callahan. I rushed home to get it and then straight back to Jacksonville. I arrived at the hospital at 3:30 p.m. and found Jill very much so in labor! The contractions were fast and furious and she was patiently awaiting her epidural. From that point on it was a blink of an eye it seemed and the entire process flew by!

I must admit, as I stood there watching this family wait with excitement pouring out of each one, I thought back to the day of little Carter's arrival. As many mothers will tell you, your own emotions come back very vividly! I remember the anticipation, the fear, the joy, the "what if's", the I can't do this, and the uncontrollable amount of emotions that you experience during this special time. The time had come, it was time for Jill to bring Madox into the world. As I watched her look into her husbands eyes, not sure, hesitant, scared, but happy all at the same time I felt myself begin to cry. Knowing that she would soon know more about love then she did just hours ago, and that her heart would be flooding with joy & happiness. She did awesome, and at 6:32 we welcomed Madox Daniel Burnsed into the world! What a blessing this was to watch and be a part of. I watched a husband and wife weep with joy, I watched love immediately bond the three of them together....and then there were three!

The room was full of tears, smiles, and uncontrollable excitement. The grandmothers were in awe, and how sweet that is to watch. As I watched Clayton's mom just stand back and watch as her son welcomed his first born, her first grandchild, I thought to myself, "how good is our God?!" At that moment, without a shadow of a doubt, God was in that room filling each and every heart with a peace, and love.
I can't believe that once again I was a part of such a miraculous day. It makes me even more excited for these last weeks of my pregnancy to pass. I can't wait to welcome my own little miracle! I can't say thank you to the family enough for allowing me to be a part and asking me to capture the memories that were shared in that room today. I pray that the pictures I took will bring smiles to their faces each time they look at them.

Congratulations & God Bless,
Jennifer
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clayton & Jill,
God is good! The gift you received tonight is the best God could ever give us. Cherish this child, and enjoy each and every moment that God gives you with him. You are both wonderful people, and therefore I know you will be amazing parents to little Madox. May your hearts & lives be full of peace & love this holiday season as you welcome him. I love you all and wish you the very best!

Baby Madox,
Welcome! You are a handsome little man and you have many, many people that already love you more then you know! I pray that God will watch over you as you grow and keep you safe. May you always seek His will for your life!
Many blessings to you!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Little Tucker William

Thursday morning we went for my 20 week (can you believe that) ultrasound. As all of you know, we were told 5 weeks ago that we are having another boy. The tech this morning confirmed that this little lady, me, is officially out numbered by boys!!! We couldn't be happier. Another little cowboy to add to our family.

Little Tucker William, is growing just as he should be. According to the ultrasound he is a whopping 11 ounces, and is in the 35% percentile. He and I are both doing very well. My nausea has pretty much left me and went on to some other unfortunate soul. I feel great, and Tucker is sure to let me know each and every day that he is in there doing well. He is quite the little kicker and doesn't liked to be cramped in any way, shape, or form.

Carter was with us for the ultrasound today. He was a bit hesitant at first, but eventually said hello to his baby brother. He is very curious about all this baby stuff, and I can't wait to see how it really plays out in just a few more months. Should be very interesting!! :)

So, that's all for now. Just chugging along one day at a time counting down the weeks. They've flown by thus far. I think building the house has really helped keep my mind off of it. Speaking of, we should be moving in this weekend and the first of next week!!! Hooray!

Take care & blessings to all!!

Love,
Jen

The MIRACLE of life

The exciting news of a couple expecting a child has always been something that could make me smile. The thought of a precious, innocent child joining this world just warms my soul. When I found out that my friend Heather was expecting, I was found with these same emotions yet again. I'm a complete softy when it comes to babies & new mommies! There's nothing like seeing a new mother interact with her child. The love is instant and it amazes me how, the new parents just can't seem to take their eyes away from that little one for half a second.

I met Heather several years ago when she was maybe 12, if my memory serves me correctly. She and her family are some of our closest friends and I was so excited when she asked if I would take pictures when her little one joined the world. I've watched Heather grow up in a way, and she was my baby sitter for Carter (the few months I went back to work), and now she is a mommy!

When I woke up this morning, after not being able to sleep all night from pure excitement, I was antsy & ready to meet Miss Rylee Sue! We arrived at the hospital around 8ish and the show immediately got on the road. I tried to contain my excitement as much as possible but come on, seriously, who can contain themselves knowing that a child is soon to join the family?! Heather was as calm as a cucumber and passed the time like it was nothing. I snapped my pictures here and there and hope that I captured the day for them to look back on.

Then the nurse said it. Those magic words, "it's time!" The adrenaline kicks in, the nerves kick in, and the sheer excitement overflows out of each person that has been patiently waiting all day. Everyone is cheering Heather on, and wishing her the best. The real work started at about 3:15 p.m.. Heather was a pro, and never complained once. She did her job, and did it well! :) At 3:58 p.m. Miss Rylee Sue, joined the world. Her parents were forever changed at that moment. They were overwhelmed with a love that they had never known before! It was instant, it was endless, and it was obvious.



Watching the two of them, reminded me of the day I welcomed my precious little boy into this world. All those same emotions came back to me, as I'm sure they do any mother that witnesses a birth. I feel so honored, and blessed to have been a part of this very special day. I wish this new little family many years of happiness, joy, precious memories, and most of all the love that they felt today may it never end.

Heather, I'm more proud of you then I could ever express and I wish you the very best as you begin your journey as a mother. It's the most precious, amazing gift that God gives us. Treasure each and every day, every second, and take nothing for granted. Before you know it, you'll be looking at your little one who has turned into a three year old in what seems like over night.... trust me, I'm living that now! I pray God will bless each of you and keep you all safe. Rylee is beautiful and I can't wait to watch her grow. I love you both very much! Take care, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Blessings to all...
Jennifer