maternity – Living, Loving, Laughing….

If you can believe it, we are on the last two weeks before my daughter becomes a mom and I become a Grammy. It all zoomed by so fast…….

This YEAR zoomed by so fast.

I don’t even know what to say……but wow!

Our beautiful cousins hosted her baby shower at the Church Jason and I got married in. They made all the decorations and put it all together. They did an amazing job. It was a wonderful shower with lots of family and friends.

Momma and Baby Zebra…Awe!!

I framed Sydney’s favorite photo for the shower.

I love this wall behind the Church. The light was a little bright that time of day.

Lover the look on their faces. ;-D

Smell the diaper game. Melted Chocolate candies in different diapers. You had to guess what kind.

She does not look 8 mos pregnant.

I have not been doing much photography lately (aka…I’m rusty!). There has just been too much going on. I visited my sister for her 50th birthday end of June. We had the girls for the month of July. I’ve helped Sydney shop and get rooms ready. Baby has a place here and at her boyfriends, but Sydney is official living at his house now.

Through my hidden tears while she packed, I told myself this is what kids do. They grow up and move out. In my head I am so proud of her, but my heart misses her more than anything. I get the empty in empty nesters now. It’s not a room that is empty, it is a place inside your soul.

But she is opening a new and exciting chapter and I am so happy for her. Motherhood! I have watched her week to week grow and change – both physically and emotionally. Pregnancy is an amazing transformation.

So, here we are. All ready for baby…and now we wait.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I traveled to Austin. I have driven through Austin, but I haven’t stayed for any length of time. I discovered the state capital of Texas is a beautiful town. I fell in love (it’s not so weird!). Something about the hill country and all that green, then the brilliant city lights beating to the smokey vibe of urban lakefront. Then to see this…..

(source)
Wow! Absolutely stunning.

Austin was the day I did my first maternity portrait session. I don’t know if you remember me saying long, long, long, LONG ago that the only way to learn was to just do it. And that’s what I did. I did it. I tried my best. I really wanted something nice for this couple. Something to remember for a lifetime.

Their story is very special. I’ve been excited for her ever since I heard the news. A couple not expected to have children, advised it was unlikely, and then “Hello there, little one”. Surprise. A little blessing from God. A little boy.

I love little surprises like that.

They are going to be incredible parents. Their love, joy and fun just wrap around in an endless circle. Did I tell you how happy I am for them?

I wanted to show you what I saw through the lens.

Beautiful couple in a beautiful Austin park gazing in awe and wonder at the miracle of a growing life.

Congratulations to you both. I can’t wait to meet baby Lyle.

After the session, Jason and I took off for Chuy’s Hula Hut on Lake Austin. Mexican food and margaritas – oh yeah!

Best of all we got a lakeview from our table on the patio. Of course, I had to run and get my camera.

Patio Palm tree along the walkway next to the lake.

String of lights over the dock at Chuy’s. This restaurant has boat parking. How awesome is that?

It was a great way to end our day.

Like I said, I heart Austin. I heart this adorable couple. What a great adventure and what a great opportunity for my photography quest.

Thank-you Mr & Mrs Fox for a wonderful session and being my maternity guneia pigs. I adore you both and can’t wait to see you again.

Jason and I are headed back to hill country this weekend. This time to Marble Falls. I hope to do much exploration of this area and take LOTS of pictures (of course!).

Have a great weekend everyone!