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Day 6...


Nine months of waiting, anticipation, uncertainty, are all feelings that my friends Summer and Corey have been experiencing lately. Last night around 8:00 I received a calm but slightly anxious call from Summer. She was getting ready to head to the hospital.  The night was rainy and cold. The moments ticked by, the sky lightened and the sun peeked over the buildings the new day had come. It wouldn't be long until the little miracle they prayed for, waited for, dreamed of would soon be in their arms. Having the pleasure to photograph such a miraculous day, never gets old. Each time is a blessing regardless of how well I know the family. I cried as I watched this family of two turn into a family of three.  Tayden Jason stole the hearts of his mom and dad this morning. Their lives are forever changed, the hearts forever taken by this innocent, perfect child from God.

Summer and Corey, congratulations. There aren't enough words in this world tonight to describe the joy and amazement that you feel.  It's amazing how something so small, so helpless can make you realize the true meaning of love in a mere instant! It is my prayer that the Lord will watch over and bless your family as you begin this new journey. Cherish every moment with this precious child and know that God is in complete control of his life. It is my prayer that God will keep him safe, well, and may his life be filled with abundant blessings, love, and contentment.  Thank you again for the pleasure of capturing this day for you!  Blessings to you all....

xoxo.

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.

Lulla Belle and baby

***WARNING*** 

This post has pictures of a calf being born. Not for the queasy. :)

Yesterday was such a busy day. I had tons of stuff I really need to get done inside, housework, laundry, mopping (which I've put off way too long), and all the other little stuff. When I pulled out the driveway to take Carter to school I noticed that our dear friend, Lulla Belle, was off to her self a bit. When I got back home I got a call from Travis telling me her "bubble" was out. Okay, I don't think that is a technical term, but it's the term used around this farm to know that a momma is about to deliver her calf.

With this new tidbit of information, I grabbed my camera to go out and get pictures of the old gal. She's such a sweet, yet sometimes moody gal. She loves a handout of food, or a good scratch behind the ears and she always has pretty calfs.

She walked in circles, would lay for a bit, then eat a little, but you could tell something was up with her. Uncomfortable? Maybe, I don't know. Never really talked to her much, LOL!  It was around 9:00 and Tucker was starting to get close to nap time so we gave her some space and I brought him in to run off that last bit of steam. I scurried around doing as much as I could, but glancing out the window each time I passed to make sure I wasn't missing the moment!

Tucker finally went down for his morning nap, and I was out the door. Yes, the monitor was with me on the porch... no need to fret!  I walked to the fence and watched as I could tell she wasn't completely comfortable with me, so I kept my distance. She paced back and forth, then she came to the fence where I was standing for a good scratch behind the ears. After that she gave Lil Joe, our donkey, a few good head butts as if she were telling him back away buster, I'm in no mood for your shanningans.

I stayed outside until almost 10:30. Nothing. No baby, zip, notta, nothing. I normally leave at 10:55 to pick Carter up from preschool. The time came, I had to leave. I was so upset because as I was loading Tucker into the truck, she went and laid down... broad side. Lovely, Lulla Belle, just lovely. I've waited, and waited and now you're going to have this calf as I drive away. Thanks, thanks a lot.  I left frustrated that I would miss the moment.

After I picked Carter up I had errands I had to run. The whole time I kept thinking, she's had that calf by now, I just know it. 11:45 we pulled in the driveway only to find her right where I left her. Except she was standing instead of laying. I was certain she had given birth, until she turned. NOPE, there was the calf... in the process of being born. I couldn't believe it. It wasn't but maybe another 2-3 minutes and she welcomed her new little, long eared, black calf to Cow Bird Lane!!

Being the good momma she is, she immediately started cleaning her and keeping watch for us nosey onlookers! Some of you may think I'm absolutely goofy for being so excited about a cow giving birth. As corny as it sounds, I love this life. I didn't grow up on a farm so this is all new to me and quite frankly I think each and every time it's absolutely amazing.

Mom and baby are doing just fine. Lulla was right back to the hay ring within no time! She's not brought little bit up to close yet, she's a protective mammie!  Up close pictures of the new arrival coming soon!

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

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
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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!
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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