We genuinely love getting to know the people in the picture. But, this particular session was different. Our very own newborn assistant, Shannon, was having her own precious bundle photographed as the newest addition to her former family of 4. What an exciting time!
Shannon has been with us at Kristen Barker Photography & Design since 2015 and continues to assist with her talents and gifts at Greater Joy Portrait Studio! She has been that extra set of eyes and gentle, loving arms to every newborn we get the pleasure to have as our smallest clients. Many of you have gotten to know Shannon as our sweet newborn helper extraordinaire and now you can read on to find out about her latest pregnancy and her experience as a new-again mama.
Shannon's youngest daughter, Brynnlee Layne, was born January 14, 2020 by c-section. But, her exciting story began well before that day. Several months prior, Shannon and her husband, Chris, found out they were expecting number 3 on their 15th wedding anniversary. They kept their sweet secret until their oldest daughter's 8th grade graduation party when they gave her a gift with a "big sister" shirt inside and a positive pregnancy test. It brought her to happy tears and everyone else felt the same joy.
As many of us know, getting pregnant is just the very beginning. Once you find out the baby's sex, it's time to start trying on names. For so many it's a daunting task to find something you AND your husband like and agree on together. This time around seemed a breeze. According to Shannon, "I googled girl names and came across Brynnlee. I got very excited because I loved it so much and needed to tell my husband. We would both touch my belly and say that name to see if it felt right. We knew immediately that it was perfect for our girl!” What a beautiful name!
Although Shannon is having her most difficult pregnancy yet, including headaches, nausea, swelling, and failing the first glucose test (she passed the second) everything is falling into place and Baby Girl is growing. Brynnlee is due February 4 and is scheduled for c-section on January 28. The countdown gets closer and more intense with each passing day but this family is ready. Shannon bares through all the grueling symptoms with thoughts of joy in holding her baby.
At 37 weeks, Shannon was at the OB office for one of her final appointments when they found out she was suffering from preeclampsia and was sent immediately to the hospital for monitoring. At Community Medical Center, she learns she must have her c-section that day because her blood pressure is rising. If this situation wasn't scary enough, the power in the hospital went out DURING the procedure!! Even though it was momentary, Shannon understandably says it felt like an eternity! But, finally, they hear the most beautiful sound to any parents' ears: Brynnlee Layne making her first cries on January 14 at 4:35 in the afternoon. At last, they can hold her and take a sigh of relief.
Finally, beautiful little Brynnlee Layne has made her arrival and is perfectly healthy. Weighing in at 8 pounds 1 ounce, she is lovingly embraced by her mama, papa and big sisters. This is the perfect time to capture that magic. Although Shannon worked for Greater Joy Portrait Studio, her reasoning for choosing us is what makes this kind of photography so rewarding. She said, "I've seen first-hand the time, love and passion Kristen puts into these photos. Her first priority is her clients. Their vision comes to light through her camera lens. She gave me just that several times before with my cherished family photos. I wouldn't want anyone else!"
Thank you for letting Greater Joy be a part of such a special time for your family! As parents, these milestones pass us by so quickly that they're hard to remember as time passes. That's why we always love working with these tiny angels and giving the parents and family a precious moment in time forever captured as art.
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