today, i got to photograph such a wonderful couple, expecting their first (and only) child. she contacted me about a month or so ago to schedule maternity and newborn sessions. we discussed doing maternity photos on the beach. we were both excited. then about two weeks ago, she called me and said that it looked like she was going to have to cancel her maternity session because she had been admitted to the hospital and wasn't going to be released until after the baby was born. knowing this was going to be their only child, there was no way that i was going to let that happen. so i discussed doing maternity photos in her hospital room. i just needed some light and if i had that, i knew i could make it work. well, today i went and had the most awesome time with them and so many amazing photos. L and M...they were real. they were natural. they were comfortable. in the beginning, M was wondering if he should take off his watch. L said, "no why don't you just leave it on; it's part of you". me...i loved that. usually watches are removed for photos. i loved that they wanted the watch in the photos (knowing that there was going to be close up belly / hand shots).

and this maternity shot of L and M...gives me the chills. i love that dad's watch is in it. i love that he has his LIVESTRONG bracelet on. i love that we made it work in her hospital room. i love the light. and...as parents, we hope and dream that our children will forever live strong. so this photo...it's very symbolic for me and i hope that L and M will feel the same.

L and M...thanks for such a wonderful time. i wish you a beautiful and healthy delivery. it's the most amazing experience you will go through in life. enjoy and see you again real soon.

Hopes and Wishes
May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone. May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace. May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them. Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.

Teach love to those who hate, and let that love embrace you as you go out into the world. May the teachings of those you admire become part of you, so that you may call upon them. Remember, those whose lives you have touched and whose have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished. It is the content of the encounter that is more important than the form.

May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart. Find time each day to see beauty and love in the world around you. Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way. What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future. May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience. May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another's judgment of your accomplishments. May you always feel loved.
- Author Unknown