While in my hands, the phone rang. I slapped myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming...I mean, usually, I don't get calls at 5am. It was an Austin number. I let it go to voice mail. I was paralyzed. My mom was in the Austin area and what if something horrible had happened and she was in the hospital? I forced myself to listen to the message. SIGH OF FREAKING RELIEF---it was Steven, husband to Kelli. SIGH OF FREAKING RELIEF turned into MOTHER FREAKING OUT, because YES. You guessed it---Kelli was in LABOR. She had checked into the hospital and was well on her way to becoming a mama.
I asked Steven, "Do I have time for makeup or shall I come in my pajamas? What is the forecast?" He laughed and said that makeup was just fine. I slapped some color on, grabbed my favorite sweater, and headed out the door to document one of the most inspiring events I have ever witnessed. Carter's arrival brought tears to my eyes, filled my heart with love, and stocked my head with fond memories of Millie's first few days. What a joyous occasion, and I am so honored that I could share that day with Kelli and Steven's parents and Kelli's (hilarious) little sister, Lindsay.
Below are my images from the birth of Carter Jaxon Morse, the beautiful son of my longtime clients and dear, dear friends, Kelli + Steven. Please leave them well wishes below in the comment box!
I like your socks!
I didn't know they made cashmere anklets
I love this post, my super-talented friend! Fourth one down is amazing! well done you! xoxo
(04.29.11 @ 12:55 PM)Kate, this images are incredible!! what a beautiful experience to share...
(04.29.11 @ 12:53 PM)One word, Kate...
Powerful
(04.29.11 @ 12:12 PM)Great photos Kate! And beautiful Momma... congratulations!
(04.29.11 @ 10:52 AM)I am speechless. Seriously, there are no words for how amazing these pictures are and how deeply they touch my heart. Tears well up in my eyes everytime I look at them! Thank you, dear sweet friend, for sharing that special day with us and for capturing images that will last a lifetime...WE LOVE YOU!!!
(04.27.11 @ 08:25 PM)HAVE MERCY. they are SO beautiful. all of them.
now i want another baby AND an onion ring.
(04.27.11 @ 03:29 PM)Oh, Kate....these are magnifico! Congrats, Kelli and Steven....how wonderful to have these beautiful memories on Carter's birth day!!! XO Nan
(04.27.11 @ 02:14 PM)How incredibly special that you were able to capture this amazing day for them! Beautiful pics, Kate. Stunning. Congrats to Kelli and Steven! BTW, Kelli, you look fabulous!!! No one is supposed to look that good during and after labor! You rock!
(04.27.11 @ 08:36 AM)Wow! Incredibly moving images! My eyes welled up a few times. Just beautiful!
(04.27.11 @ 04:10 AM)
Leave Sophie Sue and Mie Mie + Brad a comment below!
Dr. Sohn your little girl is gorgeous! Congratulations! You just assisted Dr. Vernon in the C-section birth of my son, Walker! Thank you for helping with a smooth delivery and healthy baby boy! Kate, is a very talented sorority sister of mine! Love those pics! Congrats again!
(04.23.11 @ 03:20 PM)Too cute for words!
(04.11.11 @ 10:52 PM)You amaze me Kate - thank you for capturing my 6 month old in a way that only you can. You are the best!
(04.10.11 @ 08:38 PM)Those are the most precious pictures ever! Love Sophie and her sweet parents. Great job, Kate! See you tomorrow! :)
Love that pink car....what a cute and confident driver!
(04.04.11 @ 06:34 PM)Love, love these! What a beautiful family!
(04.04.11 @ 12:40 PM)What a pretty big girl! I love the one of her going after the blind cord. Such determination!
(04.04.11 @ 11:12 AM)
She is absolutely gorgeous! These are fantastic pictures!
(04.07.11 @ 03:21 PM)These turned out beautifully! I just love the last one.
(04.04.11 @ 12:42 PM)Babycakes! I lurve the doggie kisses and wild ride shots. A baby's dream land. Adorable to the max.
(04.04.11 @ 02:24 AM)Love these pictures! What a precious little girl. Her eyes are so blue.
(03.31.11 @ 11:25 AM)She is like a little Annie Oakley on that pup! What a gorgeous family - you do a great job telling their story!
(03.25.11 @ 03:34 PM)
This is the cutest little boy ever! LOVE the hair!
(04.29.11 @ 07:08 PM)LOVE the one of him in the air!!! I want to have a baby so you can take pictures of it!!! it/him/her whatever it may be :)
(04.29.11 @ 11:50 AM)Once again blown away by your pictures! It's like christmas morning when we get to see all the pics from our session's with you. I wish you could just follow us around all the time snapping away..lol.
(04.29.11 @ 10:41 AM)