Baby Emma

I am so excited to be an aunt (the favorite, no less) once again! Emma Allison O'Dell was born to my brother & sister-in-law on April 1st. I was hoping to be there for her birth, but scooted in just seconds after she was born. And from that first moment, she was absolutely one of the most precious babies I have ever met. She is just so sweet and cuddly.

Dana and Keri, I am so happy to be an Aunt to sweet little Emma. She warms my heart and I cannot wait to be a part of her life. As always, thanks for letting me taking 2 million photos of your family! It's my favorite.

Isn't she just so sweet?One of the only ones with Grayson actually looking at me... I guess that's your luck with the 3 year old brother.Now, I know this one of Aidan isn't so sentimental in how he's looking at Emma or anything like that. But, I just love his laugh and this is one of my favorites. I think this was the point where Grayson had hit Uncle Patrick with a pop-bottle on the head.

Uncle Patrick was there to keep things going. I love how much they love him.

And how he participates in doing hair when necessary.

Aren't these shirts the cutest?

Belly Preview :: Baby O'Dell

Here's a preview of my session with my sister-in-law Keri. Stay tuned...

Life Update

I wish I had a fun and exciting update, but unfortunately, it's one of those real-life things that we tend to want to avoid.

For those of you who don't know, exactly one week ago Patrick and I went to the emergency room because of some complications I was having. Unfortunately, we found out that we had lost our baby. I was exactly 12 weeks along, and the doctor said it was only about a 5% chance of happening--but it did.

Throughout the week, we have been showered with kind comments, messages, texts, and emails. I apologize for the non-reply, but know that we received them all and felt the love of our friends and family more than ever.

While I'd love to tell you that our gut-reaction was to thank God that in the end, this would all be okay; that just wasn't the case. Patrick and I definitely went through a week of heartache, and hurt. The question "why" arose an infinite amount of times; and that feeling of betrayal just couldn't be shook.

I tell you all of this, only to lead up to the fact that those were normal feelings. God-given emotions. And the greatest part, was when we had processed and healed enough to fully come to God and give it all to Him--the healing was indescribable.

So we thank you so much for all of your prayers and support during this time. There's still things that need to heal, but know, that we are okay. We are alive and well, and believing for great things to come.

Psalm 34:17-19

¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.

¹⁸ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

¹⁹ A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;

Hope you're having this kind of day....

This is my niece Elizabeth. I love her so dearly, mostly just because she's my niece; but also, for faces like this.

The girl is so committed to her emotions (I unfortunately can relate all-too-well with this). And when she feels like having a good time--look out! I laughed so stinking hard the entire time I shot her. These are just a few "warm-up" shots we got while I was testing the lighting for the family shoot I did the other day.

I do love you, Elizabeth Kate. Thanks for always making me smile.