February 15, 2014 – 4 lbs – 18 inches long

When we bought our home in June, there was one thing the listing didn’t read. It forgot to mention that we were moving into an amazing neighborhood complete with awesome people, cute little kids, and a network of  neighbors who you could call at a moments notice or borrow a cup of sugar from. (Let’s face it, I never have to borrow sugar because I never bake.) We quickly started to getting to know our neighbors and discovered the hidden gem that our little village was holding in this little private drive, these people were awesome and soon we found ourselves thinking that we might stay here longer than just a few years. Spontaneous block parties, days spent out in the yards, and frequent visits from the kids in their mini Jeep. (Which I happen to be jealous of, because let’s get serious, what kid didn’t want a little Jeep to drive around in.) 

Jessica and Jim live right around the corner, they have an adorable 3 year old, Jayden (who is not so secretly in love with me.) They finally got pregnant with this little miracle and we spent the last few months talking about what she would be like, when she would come, and what they would name her. Obviously a J name was necessary, but it wasn’t until they came over on Halloween when I told them that she should obviously be named, Jenna. (Duh!) Jessica had a rough pregnancy, she was hospitalized more times that we could keep track of, couldn’t keep a meal down, and we even got to ride in an ambulance together where I discovered my hidden talent of hitting the air horn. (Seriously people, get out of the way when an ambulance is coming.) 

We had talked about birth photography for them, something I had never done but thought would be a miracle to witness. (I used to want to be a surgeon, talk about mixing my dreams.) We had plans in place but knew that things were going to happen as they would, so I was merely on call and if I could make it, I would be there… Jess had been hospitalized again with more complications, so we weren’t sure what to expect. I spent the day getting their nursery put together for the baby girl (guys, I can not put together a bassinet to save my life.) and sent them photos while they were in the hospital. I chatted with her on the phone that day and we talked about how lame valentines day is and how crappy being stuck in a hospital happened to be. We weren’t sure when this baby would make her entrance into the world, but we were hopeful that she would grow a little more before coming! 

What I didn’t expect was a call at 5a.m. two months before baby was supposed to be born! Jess was taken in for an emergency c-section and our hopes for birth photography were adjusted to hopes that everyone would be safe and healthy! I got to come to the hospital after Jessica was out of the recovery room and got to meet the littlest member of our neighborhood, weighing in at 4lbs and 18 inches long: Jenna Marie. I couldn’t believe that I get to share the same name with this little miracle (under the stipulation that I would not be referred to as: big Jenna.) She is absolutely beautiful, I fell in love when I got to spend a few hours with her in the NICU just hours after she came into this world. I am so in love with little Jenna and know that I will get to watch her grow into a strong young lady, I can’t wait to capture her journey as she settles into life and felt honored to be one of her first visitors. Witnessing moments like her big brother seeing her and her daddy touching her tiny toes makes me grateful to share this gift with the world. Welcome to the block, Jenna. So happy that I share my name with the girl next door. 

Stay tuned for more photos from the day she was born!

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Don’t you dare think about leaving, there’s so much more for you to see:

• Todd + Emily – Oshkosh, Wisconsin Wedding
• The Email That Made Me Cry
• Take Out, Sweat Pants, and Champagne
• We Won! Better Than a Hat Trick