Unexpected Blessings

When you find a penny face up…

When coffee is brewed before you arise…

When a stranger’s kind smile makes your day…

When someone thanks you, for doing a good job…

When someone hugs you, because you need it…

When someone rejoices with you, because your joy can’t be contained…

From all ends of the spectrum. Blessings are no joke. They sneak up on you and they make you realize how grateful you really are. Truly grateful for all the big and small things life throws your way.

When my very young (but grown) daughter told me she might be pregnant about two months ago…

…I was not angry, upset, or sad for her.

What I felt……..was joy.

I KNOW. Nothing is an accident. People make mistakes, but God doesn’t.

13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. -Psalms 139:13-16

And here they are…two months after she told me.

Sydney’s belly is really growing fast at this point. We didn’t want to announce it all too soon. Of course, we told family right away, but not the general public/social media avenues.

Til now that is…

Which is why I can share my unexpected blessing with all of you. I am going to be a GRAMMA with a grandchild! OMG!

And honestly? I can’t wait.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5

Easter Weekend 18 Weeks.
Easter Weekend 18 Weeks.

It is just hard to believe my BABY is having a BABY. It took me several weeks to really process that. I am not ready for her to be all grown up and a mommy *cry!*.

But she is going to be…..no matter if I am ready or not.

© Angelia's Photography

We are doing weekly photos throughout her pregnancy. This one will be all hooked together like a movie watching her belly grow. I found that on Pinterest, because Pinterest is awesome like that.

Of course, I have BIG photo plans for the baby when he/she gets here. No, we don’t know what it is yet. And yes, we will find out. Apparently gender reveal parties are all the rage these days. Not to mention, Sydney and I went to Buy Buy Baby a few weeks ago, it was our first outing for baby and we had to buy something. As in – yes this is real and we are buying a baby thing – but there were very few non-gender things. We settled for a long-sleeve white onsie. Awh.

We told the little girls tonight. I had no idea how to do it. They are six and eight years old. Smart as little whips, but I think I will leave the birds and the bees talk to their mom. Heh.

I showed them a photo of Sydney at week 18 (above) and then I said, “Do you notice anything?” After a minute or two, one of them said, “Welllllll, her belly looks bigger.” I breathed a sigh of relief and then displayed on my phone the sonogram photo next to Sydney’s belly.

© Angelia's Photography
This was taken week 16 and the sonogram photo is at about 8 weeks.

I said, “Do you know what THAT is?”

Surprisingly the six-year old answered. “A BABY!?!”

Hands clapped over mouths in surprise, as they looked at each all wide-eyed. Then Bridget questioned aloud, “Is she married?” It made me smile because that is such a six-year old thing to say. So sweet and innocent, and no, they are not married yet and may not be for a few more years (I hope). I want Sydney to finish college and both of them to have jobs and a home, etc…etc.

Then I told them, “You two are gonna be AUNTS!” Except I pronounced it the North East way Aunt, not Ant like we say here. They have Aunts, we have Ants. I think Bridget declared she didn’t want to be an Aunt. Molly giggled some more, and proclaimed she would be a fourth grade Aunt standing up tall and holding her chest out. I think she will make a very fine Aunt.

But when I told them their Dad was going to be a GRANDPA???

It got REAL.

And they laughed, and laughed, and laughed. Molly had TEARS streaming down her face, because apparently, Daddy being a Grandpa is flippin’ hilarious.

I think we are all still smiling. I hope you are too.

Yes, it’s unexpected, but what a huge blessing.

Austin Baby….Yeah!

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!