There isn’t any possible way I can sum up the way I feel about the Ash family in a blog post. Sorry, I just can’t do it. As you’ve probably read, Hayley & I have known each other since we were 4.  We met in “preschool Sunday school” and  other than my sisters, she is my oldest friend.  Do you know how amazing it is to watch one of your best friends get married & have babies…well, it’s amazing.

Early last year Justin & I were at the Ash home playing cards & Hayley kept knocking everything (and I mean everything) over. She casually mentioned that last time she was that clumsy was when she was pregnant with Sophie.  We all laughed about that, and continued our game.  When we got home Justin was just as clumsy…and he said, Hayley better be pregnant, cause if she isn’t, you are.

And here we are now. And I am happy about that on many levels ;)

I thought I should combine this post and just go from event to event…so get ready for some maternity pictures, hospital pictures & newborn pictures :)

The maternity shoot was actually pretty unplanned. I was in Columbus and had my camera, and Hayley had a feeling that Laynie wanted to make her arrival before our scheduled shoot.

Love these…

The minute Richard called me to let me know they were heading to the hospital I was putting on my shoes.  Of course I had to wait a couple hours till Justin got home from school…but I was so excited!  *and surprise…Laynie decided to come about 1 month early!

Love this too:

My favorite:

I am so excited to announce that Miss Laynie Paige Ash made her way into this world today..and she’s as cute as can be :)

I got a call from Richard today and proceeded to freak out and stop all work…as soon as Justin got home, we were off to Columbus to meet her.  She is so perfect, and I promise to post pictures soon; however, I think it’s only fair for her big sister Sophie to see her before all of my wonderful blog readers (I am sure you will understand :)

I actually wanted to post these pictures this morning, but decided I shouldn’t.  When I posted Heidi’s maternity photos online, she had her sweet baby girl that day…and Laynie wasn’t due until Dec 13, so I didn’t want to speed that up.  Well, it didn’t matter my intentions…she was ready ;) Hayley & I had a quick impromtu photo shoot one night at her house, she didn’t think she would make it to our planned date (and she was right).  I haven’t gone through all the pictures, but here are a couple that stuck out.

I love this photo so much.

Happy Birthday Laynie.  I am so happy you are here, and I can’t wait to take lots and lots of pictures of you :)

In all honesty, I was completely petrified to do this shoot.  I didn’t tell Heidi that.

I love my job and the creativity that it allows me to have…however, on this day – I was thinking that a little cubicle would be nice…well, not really ;)  I’ve never photographed a maternity shoot, and frankly, I had no idea what I was going to do when it came to poses.  That is, until I got there.  After that, any photographer knows, it just happens…and when your subject looks like Heidi…your job’s not too hard at all!  I was really just nervous about posing and not making everything look the same and uncomfortable.  Heidi is so easy to photograph that I should have not even thought another thing about it…it all just happened, and we even tried a new look (outdoor backdrop)!

*disclamer…we liked the wrinkles…it’s more organic. no comments on my lack of ironing ;)

You are so beautiful.

love this one.

I love these images. Heidi, thank you so much for allowing me to photograph this amazing time in your life.  It means the world to me that I can keep coming back and witnessing such wonderful moments in your life.  Your wedding was beautiful, your little belly is adorable, and I can’t wait to meet & photograph precious baby Sharp.  Oh, and you would you just tell him/her to come already…I wanna meet them! ;)

Heidi is due any day…along with the 12 other beautiful pregnant ladies I know…seriously, I know a lot of babies on their way!