Jeff and Ashley are a fellow homeschool family who I first met when they popped in for homeschool school portraits just over a year ago. I feel blessed to have gotten known Ashley even more as our children played and learned together at a homeschool co-op this past year, and I was so happy for her when I found out their family was growing.
Ashley was due June 30th but was fairly certain that this baby would come early, as her other three all had. Baby #4 had other plans. The ultrasound right around her due date showed baby #4 kicked back, hands behind head, totally chill and content to hang out longer inside of mom. Hattie Rose was going to make her appearance her way, and she did, giving her family extra cause to celebrate this 4th of July.
Big sister Nora could not wait for her youngest sibling to appear, though she admits she was hoping for a boy because she already had too many sisters. (She had one . . . . and that was too many!)
Dad, Jeff, may have his hands full with three girls and Wyatt, but his heart is full as well. It is easy to see how much he adores all of his children.
When deciding on a location for sweet Hattie’s newborn session, we decided to do photos at Ashley’s parents’ home so that we could include the whole family. It was truly beautiful to include the kiddos grandparents and we were even able to include Poppy in a few photos (Ashley’s grandfather). Ashley and Jeff feel blessed to have so many helping hands around.
Emmy had strong opinions about naming her new sister. Her first suggestion was Lucille (Emmy’s middle name), followed by Emma or Emily (mom let her know that she was not getting a “junior” sibling named after her), and finally Sophia, which though a lovely name, was not Ashley and Jeff’s final pick.
After photos with the whole family, Nora, Emmy and Wyatt took an outside break and entertained the rest of us from the other side of the window, while Ashley and Jeff continued to love on sweet little Hattie.
Wyatt doesn’t have much to say about being a big brother yet, but he was certainly up for a snuggle and a game of peek a boo. He’s going to be a fantastic big brother. Hattie is so lucky to have three big siblings and so many hands ready to hold her.
I can feel the love that Ashley has for all of her children, and her awe of the perfection that is Hattie Rose is apparent. As a mom of four, Ashley honors each of her children’s differences and is a gentle guiding hand for each of them. As a homeschool family, Ashley and Jeff expose their children to wonderful communities, experiences as they travel and so many opportunities to learn. Hattie Rose has been born into an amazing family.
Jeff and Ashley, thank you for trusting me to capture these sweet moments of your newest baby girl. I have loved getting to know your family and look forward to watching your babies grow.
