Grayson's birth story is such a special one. Grayson's mom, Amanda contacted me a long, long time ago. She explained that she and her husband were trying to get pregnant, and asked if I would photograph the announcement, the Gender Reveal, Maternity and Grayson's Newborn photos. Of course, I was super honored that she would think of me to do this for them. From this conversation our Bellies and Babies packages was created. As time went on Amanda asked that I begin praying for them. We knew a baby would come in God's timing, but sometimes it is really hard to wait! I began to pray in agreement with them. One night at church, God really placed Amanda and Justin on my heart. He told me they had been faithful, and that this was their month. When I came home that evening I was truly hesitant to message Amanda. Is this me? Or is this really God? I went ahead and sent the message super late that evening. Amanda's phone is set up to not receive messages from Facebook after 10:00pm. Even with this set up, my message went through and woke her. She read it and replied. At the end of the month, I messaged her again asking if she had any news. She was still not pregnant. I was really devastated, and honestly felt like maybe this was just me after all. That next month, Amanda messaged me that they had a positive pregnancy test-- so it in fact was that month; God had answered their prayers that month and created their child.

Documenting their entire pregnancy was an amazing experience. I was truly surprised that Grayson was going to be a boy! I just knew there was a little girl in there :) And the reaction to the pregnancy reveal from their family and friends was so neat. When it came closer to time for Grayson to arrive, I actually reached out to the family and asked if they would want me there as well. Amanda's response was so sweet. She said "you have been a part of everything thus far, and we would love to have you there."

 Amanda is truly the only person I know that can be going through killer contractions, and grinning from ear to ear at the same time. The smile on her face says so much about who she is as a person. No matter what she's going through, there's always a smile on her face! Apparently, though, she has quite the grip when squeezing those hands! 

Mr.Grayson arrived on April 11th at 3:50pm. He weighed 6lbs, 5oz and was 19 and 3/4 inches long.

Grayson's dad Justin is a hard working fire fighter in Russellville. I thought it was awesome that Amanda had Grayson's very own little turnouts made for his newborn shoot!

This family really does mean the world to me, and I consider them family! I am so honored to have been part of the excitement of welcoming Grayson into the world. I will forever be thankful to the Smith Family!