laurengillphotography.com

Seven months ago, a little miracle was born.   We all know (or should know) that EVERY human life is a miracle.  But sometimes it takes a story, like this one, to make us remember.

So, the world was ready to meet little Jake … friends and family excitedly anticipating his arrival.   And I’ve been photographing this family for years, so I was ready to get my hands on the newest addition.   The trouble was, Jake’s tiny body had different plans.  His underdeveloped lungs and sick little kidneys left him clinging to life.   Within hours of his birth, my Facebook page lit up with prayer requests for this precious baby and his family.   And my first thoughts went straight to his parents — wondering how on earth you get through something like this.   They had lots of help and support from family and friends pitching in to do whatever they could … and call after call to the man upstairs.

After several days in the PICU, Jake’s mom was finally able to hold her sweet boy. Then, things started to look up for baby Jake.  Turns out, this little guy is a big-time fighter.   He was finally able to breathe totally on his own and open his eyes to meet one of his big sisters (he’s got two of the coolest big sister’s around).  A few weeks later, baby Jake was able to go home for the first time.   I think there was a collective sigh of relief on Facebook that day.   Jake has endured quite a bit already in his short life — surgeries, procedures, feeding tubes and all the poking and prodding that comes with hospitals.  But this kid just keeps pushing forward.

This was my second photo session with Jake  … but I gotta tell you …  when I walked in a saw him this time, I got a little emotional.  In an effort to maintain an ounce or two of professionalism, I held it together …   but, he was quite a bit changed from the last time I saw him (a few months ago).  He’s a happy, smiling, contented (even a little plump) baby boy!!    While there is still a long road ahead for this baby and family, I have no doubt they will endure.                     Tiny miracles.

Here are some of my favorites from this session.  Check out his two fabulous sisters.   They are both completely smitten with their little brother.

It’s true that a child is always a mother’s “baby”, no matter how old they are.   But by definition, a child who is between the ages of one and three — or is beginning to walk — is considered a “toddler”.

So, I’m happy (and a little sad) to announce that a new little munchkin has officially graduated from “babyhood”.   You know one of the many cool things about my super-cool job?   Well, here it is … I get to witness and record a child’s growth and milestones from newborn, to infant, to sitter, to crawler, to cruiser, to toddler  … and hopefully beyond.   And I get to know their awesome parents and pets (and siblings or future siblings).   I love this job.   But enough about me.

I love working with this family and this “baby” girl.  She is always good for a smile.  Always.   And I love her big “brother”, Charlie the Beagle — even if he did eat my flip-flop!  Ha!