Elijah Clark's Story + Newborn Photos

I have always loved reading birth stories. They are all full of power, grace and surrender. Being moved by reading another women's birth story made me so excited to experience birth on my own. It has been Four years since and I've had this written in my drafts since Elijah was 4 months old but now seems like a good time to share our birth story.

Of course I had a "plan". Everyone has a plan, don't they?

Labor would start naturally. I would have BB at home and unmedicated. I would have a water birth. Some of these things happened, and some of them didn't.

Here is our story…

John 6:21 | When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

Rewind all the way back to before Christmas 2018. My husband wasn't yet home for Christmas from training in Oklahoma and I had a contraction scare in mid-December. Called the midwife told me to take a warm bath and chug a liter of water. If that didn't stop them to let her know. I did that, prayed so hard and thankfully they stopped after an hour of doing that. After that I thought, okay surely this baby will be here any day... before the due date even!

Thankfully, Brenton came home from training on January 9, 2019. He did have to leave before finishing but he wouldn't officially have been done until the week of my due date. We weren't willing to risk it. But then January 18, 2019, BB's due date, came and went. (The due date was very accurate because we had an IUI and therefore knew the date of conception)

For weeks leading up to my due date I felt so much pelvic pressure on walks and ball bouncing and had bouts of stronger than Braxton Hicks contractions that I thought multiple times "today is the day!" Psych!

We went to my 41 week appointment and Liz my midwife asked if I wanted to be checked. I was pretty against being checked in the weeks prior because I didn't want to risk an infection or have the number mess with my head. And I'm grateful I had no idea up until this day. I said sure and we discovered I was already 3cm dilated and the babe was certainly low. Liz stripped my membranes to hopefully speed things up. So we went home and waited for things to start to happen.

Thursday night came and went with nothing.

Friday night came and went with nothing.

We woke up Saturday morning (9 days past my due date) confused and discouraged. No contractions, no bloody show, no water leaking, no anything. We have done everything known to man to try to induce labor naturally.

I texted Liz and told her I would like try Castor oil to induce the labor. Prior to actually being so late I was very against trying this approach. I so badly wanted to go into labor without any help. I was so torn about trying the castor oil. It will only work if your body is ready, so what if I wasn't ready? What if it makes me sick, since it’s a laxative? What if it doesn't work? So much apprehension ran through my head.

But at the end of the day, a healthy, home birth is what I desired and I was creeping a little too close for comfort to 42 weeks of a medically induced hospital birth. And so with the peace of God about the situation we made a creamsicle like shake with the first dose of the castor oil and I drank it up at 1130 am.

Contractions started to happen a little more frequently but they were no more intense than Braxton Hicks. By 2:30pm the contractions waned and I was getting discouraged again. Liz instructed me to take the second dose 4 hours after the first dose, as thats the one that makes the contractions stick.

And so at 3:30pm I took the second dose.

We went for a walk immediately after. I had to stop a few times on the walk to focus through a contraction. But they weren't that close together yet. On a 20 minute walk I had to stop about 3 times. Upon getting back home I went to lay down to hopefully catch some much needed z's. But no, I only laid there because the contractions were a bit more intense than a BH.

I emerged from our bedroom around 6pm and I waddled over to the yoga ball and bounced comfortably for a few while counting contractions. They were definitely more frequent and I could not talk through comfortably them at this point.

Brenton made some pasta and meatballs and put it in front of me around 7pm. I took two bites and pushed it away. I couldn't even eat or stand the sight of food, the contractions were 2-4 minutes apart and really starting to hurt. I texted Liz at 7:40pm, here is my exact text...

"I have no idea when you should come over but these really hurt! I'd hate to bring you here prematurely. What do you think?"

haha who says that to their midwife when contractions are like 3 minutes apart and are already known to be 3cm!

She replied, "I'll head over soon. I mean we know you were already 3 in the office so it's not like you’re going backwards."

And thank goodness I did text her because not more than 5 minutes after that exchange I pushed the yoga ball across the floor and got on my hands and knees. I had the sudden urge to vomit so I had Brenton bring me a trash can. And so I rocked and labored on the floor like that for 30 minutes or so. Never threw up but felt soooo close!

I continued to labor standing up hunched over the ball that rested on the couch. I told Brenton to start setting up the pool. And poor guy he was busy doing that while I focused through the intensity of transition and I constantly asked him if it was ready.

It was around 8:30pm and the midwife still hadn't shown up yet and I had a contraction that was so intense that I audibly said, "I can't do this!" I think there is a point in labor where every woman either has that thought or actually says it out loud. But then Jesus took my face in his hands and said "Yes you can. I'm right here with you. Breath."

I was weak and helpless and yet I could feel his strength and tenderness in my pain.

Oh the relief I felt knowing that I could only do this because Jesus was right there with me. Palms up in complete surrender, I focused on the words of my worship birth playlist and swayed back and forth for a few more breaths.

Then I told Brenton I felt like I had to push. It was a mild pushing sensation not too intense but definitely different than the last few hours of labor.

A few minutes later, in walks our midwife Liz. Oh the relief I felt, but I'm sure Brenton felt it more!!

According to Liz I was 10cm dilated by the time she arrived and she quickly put absorbent pads underneath me. And thank goodness she did because no more than 5 minutes later my water broke! That was something that definitely didn't cross our minds to do.

And so being 10 cm dilated at 8:45pm and already pushing I could get in the pool if I wanted to. Well, funny story about that. It was full of water but the water was ice cold! Our poor water heater couldn't keep up with it. A water birth was not an option anymore for me since they thought it could happen anytime. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't upset for a breath but really I was pretty okay with it. I didn't have the energy to concentrate on anything other than breathing through these contractions and trying to push my baby out.

At around 10pm we moved to our bedroom and I pushed between the toilet and the bed for what seemed like forever. Liz and her assistant checked BB's heart rate every 15 minutes and it was at a steady 120bpm.

The pushing phase decided to take its time. I pushed on my knees, on my back, on my side, on the toilet. All the positions to move BB down and out. It took me quite sometime to understand what a productive push felt like. But once I did I channeled in on that feeling to try to make every push feel like that. I felt each push bringing me closer to meeting our baby.

There was a lot of talk when I would push my baby out... would it be January 26th or January 27th? I, of course, had no concept of time at all. I was taking it one contraction and push at a time.

At one point Liz told me I could feel my baby's head if I like... it actually took me a long time to reach down and touch BB's head. I just didn't want to get discouraged with all the pushing I've done and only feeling a little bit of the head. Well I reached down and felt a full head of hair! That was all the motivation I needed. I bared down and pushed through the pain with one goal in mind. I was going to meet my baby any minute! The baby I have been praying and waiting for for years!

I pushed for a little over 3 hours before I felt baby crowning... I knew it was called the "ring of fire" but y'all it burned something fierce and I wanted it to stop! And I thanked God hard that it only lasted a couple contractions.

I triumphantly pushed our baby's head out only to hear wailing!! The rest of his body was still inside, I haven't fully delivered him and he was screaming his head off! The most amazing sound I ever heard. And so with one more push our precious baby was born and the relief was instant.

"I can't believe I did that. I can't believe I did that."

I must have whispered that five times before I heard, "Reach down and grab your baby boy."

My baby boy! I pulled him up to my chest, kissed his head and looked at Brenton with wide eyes.

Our baby boy, Elijah Clark Batzer born January 27th at 12:28am. It was him all along! The secret between Elijah and God was out in the open. Our hearts could not contain the joy and the surprise.

He latched on to nurse within minutes of being born! Delivering the placenta was a breeze with a shot of pitocin, a few more crampy contractions, and a couple face grimaces later.

Unfortunately I needed stitches. Little man was born with his left hand by his face and the cord wrapped around his neck twice, he did a nice summersault through it on his way out. But I was holding my boy and thats all that mattered. Liz said that if he didn't have his hand up or the cord around his neck he probably would have came out a whole lot sooner. But the Lord’s hand is on every little detail and though because of this recovery was harder than I wanted, four years past I can honestly say it was all for His glory because its part of my motherhood journey.

STRENGTH GIRLS CHRISTMAS | PCB HOME STUDIO SESSION

Princeton Family Photographer | New Jersey Family Photographer

Christmas time is here!!!!! And again these images are so TWO Christmases ago 🤦🏻‍♀️

I have photographed this family multiple years now but i still have to show 2 year old twins and 4 year old big sis in their cute Christmas jammies during our PCB Home Petite Christmas session! They had a lot of fun drumming on the presents, snacking on cookies and and rolling around on the bed with Jingle Bells playing in background.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS SESSION YOU’LL LOVE THESE

PCB Porigows

Cute Kids Christmas

Leaf Fight at Princeton Battlefield

ARMY HOMECOMING | New Jersey Military Homecoming | NJ Family Photographer

New Jersey Photographer | NJ Family Photographer

Military homecomings cut me to the core. In the best way possible. As Air Force wife myself who has endured the months of separation from my spouse I can’t help but cry happy tears when I know how another spouse is feeling. My sweet friend was about halfway through her pregnancy when her husband deployed. He wasn’t able to come home for the birth of his second son because of the Covid pandemic quarantine requirements. And so this was the first time he met his second son in person.

How strong military spouses are. My friend endured hard things with a glad and joyful heart. Prayers, patience and support got her to this special homecoming day.

To say this session was challenging is an understatement. It did not happen in optimal photographic situations… it was night, in a dimly lit parking lot. Homecomings are fast pace to begin with so with that on top of the no light I certainly did my best for this sweet family reunion after 10 months and another baby later!

Please Welcome home Captain Hunter in this New Jersey Army Homecoming. Enjoy!

WELCOME BABY ADELAIDE | PRINCETON NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER | NJ FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Princeton Newborn Photographer | NJ Family Photographer

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It’s always a treat when newborns are asleep and content for the entirety of our session. Photographing this sweet girl, Adelaide, and her first time parents was such a gift to me. My husband deployed with Fernando a few years ago so this family is precious to us and I was so honored to be their newborn photographer.

We spent a wonderful morning together capturing the details of their first weeks as a family of three: All the sweet smiles, kisses, and snuggles! I love lifestyle newborn sessions because most of the final images are unposed and natural; a great reminder in years to come of how things were and how tiny your babies used to be.

I arrived just after a feeding and Adelaide was peacefully sleeping the morning away. Their master bedroom and her beautifully themed bunny nursery were the perfect backdrop for this cozy in-home New Jersey newborn photography session.

To Fernando, Haley and Adelaide. Thank you for inviting me into your home during your precious beginnings of a family of three. I’m thrilled to share these photos of you! Enjoy.

STRENGTH FAMILY | PRINCETON NJ PHOTOGRAPHER | PRINCETON BATTLEFIELD | NEW JERSEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Still rolling deep in the 2019 sessions friends! There are so many to share I’ll be at my computer for years editing my Princeton Family Photography sessions.

A 4 year old and 2 year old twins… does that give you anxiety? Not me! It’s such a fun challenge to get them to warm up and have fun. Usually by the end of the session toddlers are laughing and smiling so easy for me. I have some tot-friendly no candy involved tricks up my sleeve.

The Strength family had their Princeton Battlefield Photography Session not too long after all the leaves fell from the trees. Leaving a crunchy blanket prime from throwing! And throwing of leaves we did. What a fun and lively bunch this was. A delight to work with and capture their wild season of life in.

IF YOU LOVED THIS SESSION CHECK OUT:

Two locations one family

That Golden Light Though

Straight Out of LLBean

HEINLEIN KIDDOS | PRINCETON NJ FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | PHILADELPHIA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Oh you know, just finally getting around to sharing the lovely families I have had in front of my camera the last 2 year because this blog is severely neglected! These cuties are two years older now and so its time to make their mama’s heart burst sharing photos of her three babies. These kids had so much fun throwing snow and rolling around on the bed at the PCB Holiday Mini-Session extravaganza!

MARTELLA FAMILY | PRINCETON FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY | PRINCETON BATTLEFIELD | PRINCETON NJ FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

This Princeton, NJ family portrait session was so much fun! The Martellas are local and in Seattle so when big bro and new dad, Joe came home for the holidays he jumped on the opportunity for family photos.We actually shot in two locations. The first was at my most popular session destination, Princeton Battlefield and the second was during my 2019 PCB Home Holiday mini-session extravaganza! What a treat this family had… one cold location and one indoor location with cookies.

I’m excited to share the highlight reel from that late fall session. The light was dreamy and the love was flowing!

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS FAMILY SESSION YOU MIGHT ALSO LOVE:

Princeton Family of Three

A Very PCB Christmas

Golden Hour Park Family

CHRISTMAS AT PCB HOME WITH THE PORIGOWS

princeton photographer | pcb home

I have about 20 sessions I haven’t shared between November 2019 and today! Between a deployment last year with an infant, the first trimester yuckies, then the Vid (this is what I’m calling Covid bc its like saying "you know who’s name”) and newborn life I really haven’t invested much time into this online space. But here is one of them!! Now don’t get too excited because unfortunately I’m not able to offer indoor mini-sessions in 2020. I am very much praying 2021 looks different and we can have PCB Home minis again!

Its not everyday a military family moves back to the region they went to college and definitely not common to even live 15 minutes from your college roommate and dance team Big! But that happened. Jess and I met when I was a freshman at Penn State when I joined the Whiplash Hip-Hop Dance Team. And we were housemates my Sophomore year! Oh we saw the good, the bad and the ugly of college life together as most college roommates do.

Jess and Alex met at Penn State in their program! And so I met Alex in the last 2000’s too! So to be able to photographer their sweet little family was a joy! Enjoy their 2019 Christmas Session at PCB Home in Cranbury, NJ.

Bryan & Lily Engagement Session | Johnson Locust Hall Farm | New Jersey Engagement Photographer

New Jersey Engagement Photographer | Johnson Locust Hall Farm

Working during a pandemic… one thing we all never thought we would do. And for service based careers business came to a halt in March in the North East. We lived in a limbo of “um, what next” for a few months until states started to begin their phases of reopening businesses. We are still living in the new normal of wearing masks to work and social distancing to keep ourselves and others healthy.

When restrictions started to ease up I received an inquiry for an engagement session from Bryan and Lily. Bryan is an Air Force pilot and Lily just finished training to become a police officer! Talk about authority! I was so thrilled when they contacted me for their session, I love working with couples so much. I asked where they might like to have their session and they mentioned a farm would suit them well as their wedding will be at a farm. Well, I knew just the place! And a place I have been wanting to shoot at since moving to New Jersey.

Johnson Locust Hall Farm seemed like the perfect location for these two! We had a great time starting with a casual walk through some trails and the peach orchard, finishing up in the sunflower field during the beginning of golden hour. And then things took a fancy turn involving a little black dress, dress coat and the original 17th century barn.

Congratulations Bryan and Lily! Cheers to starting your lives together as one!

CRANBERRY SAUCE PARFAIT

Its the weekend after Thanksgiving (Or Christmas) and I K-N-O-W you have a bowl full of leftover cranberry sauce in your fridge… maybe even some cornbread (or biscuits, those would work for this recipe too!). This recipe I created for Pure Taste last year has only three ingredients and you probably have then all in your fridge right meow!!!!!

Visit the link below for the recipe on Pure Taste Recipes!

CRANBERRY YOGURT PARFAITS

2 INGREDIENT PUMPKIN PANCAKES

It’s that time of year where we go crazy for all things pumpkin for month or so and then forget about that delightful squash until next October.

This easy recipe kind of came out of necessity because I was really craving pancakes but did not have almond flour and was stranded without a vehicle.  Oh the joys of a one car family! So I because resourceful and made pancakes out of only two ingredients… eggs & pumpkin puree.  Oh and a little bit of cinnamon and salt (because everything is better with cinnamon and salt!).

I made silver dollar pancakes, because these are a little tough to flip because they are so… the word everyone hates… moist.  So smaller is better with these pancakes, they won’t end up all over your stove top.

These pancakes would also be GREAT for babies! Just omit the salt and they’ll gobble them up.

I can’t wait to hear about your adventures trying out this recipe!  Please come back and tell me how it goes and stay tuned for more recipes! Leave a comment with your thoughts.

Head over to my Instagram and Facebook to know when I post new recipes and adventures in my kitchen!

xoxo Cheers friends!

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2 INGREDIENT PUMPKIN PANCAKES

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 tsp salt optional

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon optional

  Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl while the pan is heating over medium high heat with butte/ghee/coconut oil.

2. Use a 3 tablespoons of batter to create a silver dollar pancake. Allow to tiny bubbles form (about 2 minutes).

3. Flip and cook 1 minute more or until cooked through. Enjoy

BAKED OATMEAL | OPTION FOR LACTATING MAMAS

Baked Oatmeal recipe that is full of heart healthy goodies as well as a boost of lactating encouraging ingredients like flaxseeds and brewers yeast.

Our little guy, Elijah Clark, is now 9 months old and as cute as can be. I've been toying with the idea of sharing his birth story. It is actually written I just haven't brought myself to hit publish. .

This change from no baby to one has been a dousy! Every single aspect of my life has changed, not to mention I've been solo parenting while my Air Force pilot husband has been going on trips. So that has left little breathing room but now we have a good rhythm. I finally feel like I'm starting to have some "free-ish" time. Elijah prefers to put himself to sleep and he is very good at entertaining himself for a decent amount of time, not to mention bedtime is around 7:30pm now! Love those 2 hours I get to myself at night. You can usually find me curled up with a book and a glass of wine. Although sometimes all I want to do is fall asleep right there with him!

Onto the Lactation Baked Oatmeal.

This recipe is definitely one you are going to want to keep in your breakfast arsenal whether you are breastfeeding or not. You can definitely make it without any of the lactation encouraging ingredients. In fact thats how I was introduced to it. Many many years ago my friend Hilary made this baked oatmeal recipe for us. We loved it and it has been in our normal breakfast rotation for years. So thank you Hilary for introducing this baked oatmeal recipe to us!

Let's talk the lactation part of this recipe. I am by no means a lactation expert and breastfeeding has not been the easiest thing for me like I thought it was. We dealt with a poor latch, cracked nipples, thrush and worrying that my PCOS was going to effect my production. So in those early weeks I made all the lactation cookies and treats I could to boost my supply with. I don't know if it helped or the fact that I nursed Elijah every 2.5 hours around the clock through all that pain for what seemed like forever but I have a freezer full of milk! I'm ecstatic I have been able to feed him solely on my milk for 5 whole month! My goal is a year of nursing but one day at a time right?

I'm definitely not saying that the lactation baked oatmeal is going to be your ticket to a freezer stash but I am encouraging you to try it. Just see if it works along with frequent emptying, increased hydration and a solid, healthy meal plan.

Lactation Baked Oatmeal Powerhouse Ingredients:

Oats - Packed full of iron and calories.

Flaxseeds - Increases the alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) in breastmilk.

Brewer's Yeast - It is full of B vitamins, protein, iron and minerals. Great for helping along your milk production.

Have I mentioned how versatile this Baked Oatmeal recipe is?

Both the contents and toppings can be changed to your preference. It is also both dairy-free and gluten-free! You can make all different combinations. My favorite combination of flavors is blueberry-pecan. Try that one or another like apple-walnut, strawberry-almond or go crazy and throw a banana-chocolate chip together!

I can’t wait to hear about your adventures trying out this recipe!  Please come back and tell me how it goes and stay tuned for more recipes! Leave a comment and rate it!

Head over to my Instagram and Facebook to know when I post new recipes and adventures in my kitchen!

xoxo Cheers friends!

Baked Oatmeal (Lactation friendly!)

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp cinammon

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 3 tbsp brewers yeast

• 2 tbsp ground flax seeds

Wet Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Nut Butter I used almond

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1 cup yogurt I used almond milk yogurt

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup almond milk more if needed

Topping Ideas

• blueberries

• pecans

• coconut sugar

• salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with coconut oil and set aside2

2. Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Then add in the wet ingredients. The "dough" should be somewhat scoopable/pourable, so if it is to dry add a little bit more milk.

3. In your baking dish, lay a layer of fruit, a handful or so, like sliced bananas and blueberries. Then top with the oat mixture. Then add another handful of fruit and top with whatever you have on hand. I just tossed on what I mention in the ingredients.

4. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until lightly browned. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

5. SHARE THIS RECIPE

If you don’t want the lactation enhancers omit the brewers yeast and flaxseeds.

WATERS WEDDING | WHIDBEY ISLAND WASHINGTON | DESTINATION WEDDING

Fireseed Catering | Whidbey Island, WA

Hannah and Leonard, I think it’s time I honor your wedding day!

Way back when I photographed a wedding in Washington. This wedding day was absolute magic, the weather a perfect combination of light rain the night before, leaving way to a thin layer of clouds. This was not your typical Seattle Autumn weather but the perfect for an outside wedding ceremony. As you can imagine the venue was located in the woods, down a not so traveled road. Driving down the dirt driveway lined with centuries-old evergreens gave way to a welcoming elfin hollow on my right and a beautiful barn that would celebrate my left.

The bridal party and guests welcomed me, Elizabeth (Sage & Scarlet Photography), and my 24-week pregnant self with compassionate hearts. Always asking me if I was feeling okay, making sure I was drinking enough water, and trying to keep me off chairs (which I love to do at weddings!).

Before you move onto the moments captured I have to mention that the Bride and her posey had their hands in every element of this wedding, from the cake to the flowers to the bride’s dress and even the very wedding chuppah Hannah and Leonard exchanged their vows under! How special to have your family and friends rally around you for the most monumental day of your life. And with that Hannah and Leonard were surrounded and celebrated by their closest friends and family in that beautiful glade in the woods. Thank you for trusting me to capture the most beautiful day of the start of the greatest adventure you will ever be on.

VENDORS

Ceremony/Reception: Fireseed Catering

Bride's Dress: Designed by Bride, made by a Family Friend

Florist: Costco Flowers, Bride assembled!

DJ: Bride & Groom’s Friend

Photo Booth: Happy Camper Photo Booth

Cake: Family Friend

Catering: Fireseed Catering

Bridesmaid's Dresses: Amazon

Groom's & Groomsmen Suit: Menguin

Invitations: Shutterfly, designed by the Bride and her Aunt

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS WEDDING, YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…

A Wedding Among the Vines

A Sweet Love is Worth the Wait

Not Just Another Backyard Wedding

JP, KRISTA & COPELAND | Family Photographer in colorado springs

(This session is from my time in New Jersey. I no longer serve New Jersey but as a Colorado Springs Family Photographer.)

My, how time seems to fly by! I’ve been in the throws of mothering our little baby boy and the world keeps on turning. The time has come, after nearly a year of “maternity leave”, I am so ready to take on clients in New Jersey!

One of those first clients was the O’Connor family. JP & Krista moved to Princeton from Seattle a few years ago as JP attends the Princeton Theological Seminary. We met at The Bridge Church back when Krista and I were both pregnant with our boys. Copeland is just about 2 months younger than Elijah so they’re basically besties! I’m so glad God has brought our families together during our time in NJ. Our love for the PNW and our boys made us quick friends.

The air was a most welcomed crispy one on this first of November day. Nearly the end of daylight savings time, the sun hung low and peaked softly through the trees in its golden splendor, wooing me back after a long hiatus away. Dappled golden light, a happy family… I’m hooked again.

Thank you, JP, Krista and Copeland for allowing me to capture this sweet season in your life at the Princeton Battlegrounds.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS FAMILY SESSION YOU MIGHT ALSO LOVE:

Golden Hour Love

Christmas Farm Cuties

Milky One Year Old Whitley

Welcome! I’m so honored you are here checking out my blog. I wanted to tell you a little more about me; I am a family lifestyle photographer and a Mama of two. If you would like to learn a little more about me click here. I serve clients in Colorado Springs and Denver.

If you love these photos, and you are looking for a milestone, family, maternity, or newborn photographer in Colorado Springs and Denver I would love to learn more about you, your family, and the season of life you are in. I’m currently booking all of 2024 and early 2025 for my Bump-Baby clients. Fill out the contact form here and we will be in touch!

WELCOME BABY ELI | NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHER | NEWBORN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

new jersey newborn photographer | lifestyle newborn photography

To be completely honest newborn photography wasn’t really my thing… I never advertised I did it. I felt uneasy, nervous and frankly scared around newborns and new moms. I felt like I was invited into this sacred space where I didn’t quite belong. In the waiting it was hard to be around something I wanted so desperately. I know my newborn clients had no intention of making me feel uncomfortable and I hope I never gave off the vibe that I was because it was truly a joy to capture their first moments as a new family together. And I did love getting a fix of that sweet newborn smell! But that was the old Melissa….

When a fellow Air Force family contacted me about capturing their first moments as a new family of three I did not have those same feelings! I realized that after experiencing my own newborn there was absolutely NOTHING to be nervous about… they aren’t as unpredictable (or fragile) as I use to think! I jumped on the chance to photograph this very short moment in time for them.

When I got the message that Hannah was in labor I couldn’t wait to hear the news, ask how mom was and schedule the shoot. Now my very first thought isn’t “Awwwww, free baby smells!!!!!”, now it’s “Gotta find out how mom is doing!” Postpartum recovery is NO JOKE people! I feel like I was extremely insensitive to my moms previous because I just didn’t know! So if you are a newborn photographer ask how mom is, move slow during the session and bring them a meal when you show up.

I had a blast during Eli’s newborn session!

1. It felt amazing to get behind the camera again with clients in front.

2. Hannah and Joel were game for anything and hosted me in their home for nearly two hours because I just couldn’t stop myself!

I am so grateful to the Woods for asking me to capture this once in a lifetime memory. Enjoy all the newborn snuggles even though you may feel like you’re going to pass out in your coffee…. oh and don’t forget to brush your teeth!!!!

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS NEWBORN SESSION YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

Rylan’s Beautiful Redemption Story

Smiley Noah’s Newborn Session

Claire’s Home Birth Story!

WHITLEY CELEBRATES ONE YEAR | MILK BATH | ONE YEAR PHOTOS

colorado springs family photographer | milk bath | one year photos

I have been waiting for a solid nap when I don’t want to sleep to share this magical one year old photo session.

Way back in the fall when I was passing through Oklahoma a dear friend was also in town and asked me to take one year photos of her daughter. The weather was fantastic in November for a Golden hour milk bath photo session! Lindsey was extremely thoughtful choosing the details of Whitley’s photo session. There is beautiful meaning behind every detail of this shoot. The most meaningful are those sunflowers you see. Lindsey’s brother unexpectedly passed away over the summer and those bright yellow sunflowers embody everything about her brother. And so of course Whitley honored her uncle by dawning beautiful sunflowers in her hair and in the bath!

Thank you so much Ambrose family for choosing me to capture such a sweet time in your baby girls life! Love you very much

xoxo Melissa

A PERFECT GOLDEN HOUR COUPLES SESSION | RYAN + SARAH

Colordao Springs photographer | couples photographer

I absolutely loved how busy my shooting schedule was this spring into early summer in Spokane. I tried to get in as many sessions as possible before we left. And now I’m officially mourning not being able to have a fall mini-session with my clients. So to distract me from missing my favorite season in the PNW I’ll be feeling baby kicks and posting old sessions.

Ryan and Sarah were the winners of my couple session giveaway back in February. We just were never able to get it on the schedule until July. Oh the busyness of life. I’m so glad we waited because the light during our South Hill Cliff Park session was simply beautiful.

I actually met Sarah through a Spokane Foodie Insta-meet back in early 2017. She’s the ring leader of foodie things in Spokane through Gather & Savor. She is connecting the Spokane women creative and entrepreneur scene as we speak. Sarah’s Instagram is all things Spokane’s local food scene (which is the bomb!!!). She’s the reason why I got hooked up with so many ladies in the area. I am so grateful for her willingness to create an atmosphere of community instead of competition in our Spokane community. I can only pray that I can find a community like that in New Jersey.

Anyway, onto the couple! Ryan and Sarah were so stinking cute! The scheduling of the session worked perfectly for celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary. They claim they were nervous and awkward in front of the camera but y’all they were the most comfortable couple I’ve had in a long time! You can definitely see it in all these photos.

Thank you Ryan and Sarah for being such incredible clients and playing along with all my suggestions during the session, no matter how silly. You are amazing! I miss you like crazy.

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!

With so much joy and even more gratitude join us in celebrating...

BABY BATZER ARRIVING JANUARY 2019!!

This is officially my favorite post ever... After 3 years of trying for Baby Batz (affectionately named BB for short) and never once getting a positive pregnancy test we are so thrilled that it finally happened!

I AM PREGNANT!

I can't believe that I finally get to share that.  It's all I've wanted to do since I started blogging in 2012! It's bringing tears to my eyes.  This has been quite the journey to get here and we are still in shock honestly (even though I purchased maternity shorts last week because the hair tie wasn't cutting it anymore).  It all feels like a dream.  Even with hearing BB's heartbeat, seeing BB's first picture and all the blood work. Gahhh!!

We are so incredibly over joyed for this little miracle.  The Lord definitely shocked us in the best way possible when I took that pregnancy test.  I'll be sharing the entire story in another post soon but this little nugget has been covered in so much prayer for years that I'm so glad the Lord opened my womb when He did to home this angel for as long as He sees fit.  But for today, we celebrate & give so much thanks & pray for those who are waiting eagerly. If that’s you, know I’m here for you and understand what you are going through.  Don't ever give up hope even when all hope seems lost.  If you have, I'll hope and have faith for you.

UPDATES

1. I am diligently checking my growing bump to make sure there's actually a babe in there and not just ice cream and the 3 extra meals I eat a day!
2. I'm back to eating mostly paleo meals again except for the occasional Mac and cheese and feeling amazing and energized from eating healthy again.
3. I have my first midwife appointment August 8th in northwest Texas (worth the hour and a half drive for the care I want).  Fun Fact... I'll have seen 4 providers by the time we meet our sweet little BB.

FAQS

1. How far along are you?!– 15 weeks TODAY! Friday, July 27th!  AND I'M PRETTY SURE I FELT THE FIRST OF MANY TO COME BABY FLUTTERS THIS MORNING! They felt much different than my pulse and more like popcorn. 
2. So, you’re due when?– January 18th is the assumed due date but I'm not holding that date tight... anytime in January works for us!  My sister's birthday in January 29th sooo maybe she'll have a birthday buddy.
3. How are you feeling?– Hmmm... Honestly not too terrible!  This little nugget has been so kind to me.  From weeks 6-11 I was EXHAUSTED and needed a 2 hour nap everyday even when I did next to nothing.  I couldn't keep my eyes open to save my life.  If you couldn't tell I wasn't around much on social media, I basically did the necessary for my business like answer emails and edit/deliver photos and then just slept. When the day came I realized I didn't need a nap I signed right back up for a spin class!!  I still have days where all I want to do is nap (today is one of them) so I'm still abusing my current "no kiddo to care = free to nap whenever" status! 
   I never really felt sick, maybe a few days of intense nausea but it only lasted an hour. The nausea usually came if I was really hungry or too full and after a nap.  But sadly I did have a lot of food aversions.  Which is so sad for a foodie like me.   The smell of any coffee was overwhelming and the idea of drinking it made me feel sick. I wanted nothing to do with anything chicken or salad.  Meals were always a last minute decision.  Some days nothing sounded good to eat but I knew I had to eat or else I would get nauseas, in came eating for survival instead of pleasure.  Fortunately week 12 came and I started to actually stomach salads with chicken again but still no decaf coffee (hopefully soon).  
4. Speaking of food, have you had any weird cravings?– The first weird craving I had was a carrot at 6 weeks...  And I've eaten more pickles in the last 15 weeks than I have in my entire life.  From weeks 8-9 I craved carbs hard... pasta, pizza bagels, so I guess it was a good thing we were in New York.  Cheese is a big one and sweets mostly in the form of stone fruit but I would love a donut on the daily! I ate about 10 peaches in 4 days around week 11.  Actually who am I even kidding, this craving is still going strong.  I'm glad that I'm pregnant in the summer with all the fresh fruit available.
5. Surprising Pregnancy Symptoms?- I'm already having some round ligament pain.  One night at 13 weeks it was excruciating that I couldn't walk and Brenton had to help me around.  Also I was diagnosed with a rowdy bladder infection at 10 weeks which was very uncomfortable.  
   Also things they don't tell you about that could happen in pregnancy... the worse gas pains ever! I've had about four episodes of incredible gas pain where I had to lay down and breath it out <--- getting me ready for labor. AND the tender belly button that I can't even touch some days. All normal I guess ::shrugging shoulders::
6. Best Part of First Trimester?- Definitely hearing the heartbeat at a strong 144bmp at 7 weeks, 179bpm at 9 weeks and 164bmp at 13 weeks! It's the best music in the world.  Also, telling the people we love in person was just the best.  Seeing our friend's and family's joyful and usually tearful reaction meant the world to us. I wish I could have seen your face to this joyous announcement!!
7. Worst part of First Trimester?- The fatigue was killer.  I didn't get to the gym once from weeks 6-10 and so missed 4 weeks my beloved spin classes.  Also packed on about 3lbs because I didn't make it to the gym during those carb loading weeks.
8. Are you finding out if it’s a boy or girl?– Hard no here! We are waiting until the birth to find out.  Although I'm pretty certain Brenton wants to find out but I have had my heart set on not finding out early since I can remember.  I'm not even thinking too hard about the old wives tales... As long as BB is good in there I'm excited for the biggest surprise of our life!
9. When do you move?– We just got to Oklahoma a few days ago after a really great road trip visiting family and friends.  We will officially be settled in New Jersey the beginning of December.  We are excited to have family and old friends so close because it takes a village.  Amiright!?!?!
10. Do you think Sadie knows?– Sometimes I think she does because she's been a bit clingy but I think more realistically the packing up the house and moving is more responsible.  So I don't think so... not yet.  But she's getting all the extra lovings now while she's still the "only child."

More than anything, we’re SO beyond thrilled & full of gratitude for this blessing! We can’t wait for the exciting season ahead and wild ride to come! Thank you all for your amazing support & encouragement during this time – BB is already so, so loved! And we officially welcome all the tips for raising the sweetest of babes who love Jesus and others!

FEEL FREE TO POP THEM BELOW TO GET US STARTED!

If you want to follow along on our journey to parenting BB daily please head over to my personal Instagram... @herheartandtable !!!  And more personal posts and updates on herheartandtable.com !!!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY TO ME! (SAN DIEGO TRIP)

Well folks I have officially entered a new decade of life!  Hello #thirtyflirtyandthriving!!!

I didn't want to stick around cold, dreary Spokane this year so I decided on a place that was warm with sun, sand, beach and still the USA.  And that place was San Diego!!  

Fun fact: this was the first birthday of mine in 3 years that my husband was home for!!!!

^^gotta love the military for that one^^

Here's a blast from the past, I worked at UCSD in La Jolla for two summers during college as a counselor at a weight loss camp for kiddos.  I loved every minute of it there and really did not want to leave SD when the time came to go back to school. So I used this trip as an opportunity to go back to my old stomping grounds and share my love of that place with Brenton.  Living in a place for 5 months gives you some bearings on whats too touristy and what isn't.  I have never been to the zoo nor do I plan to.  I've been to Sea World way too many times with the kids at camp to ever want to go to another sea lion show... I'm more of an off the beaten path kind of traveler.  

With that said, I planned out exactly what I wanted to do on this birthday trip and it was absolutely perfect. 

We walked the path on the beach in Pacific Beach.

Hiked down to Black's Beach and watched hang gliders.

Watched the sunset while eating In-and-Out Burgers at Sunset Cliffs.

Went to local beach town bookstores.

Ate all the tacos in sight.

Saw the seals lounging at the Children's Pool in La Jolla. 

And laid on the beach reading for an entire day with only a break to get what else but tacos. 

Perfection!

I asked Brenton as we were leaving what he thought of San Diego and he said he couldn't find anything bad about it! YES! The seed is planted for after retirement.  :) 

Here's the recap of my 30th Birthday celebration to San Diego with my man, eating amazing food and soaking up the sun in the only way I know how... through photos (iPhone & camera)!!

And keep scrolling to get the most important info...

all the food deets!

**All iPhone photos edited with the VSCO app for those who are curious

And here are the photos I took on my camera!!! 

cali looks good on you babe!!

Okay now the moment you have all been waiting for!  

The food...

I actually spent 4 hours last week planning our where we would eat for each meal every day.  I think I could research restaurants and planning restaurants for other people's vacations for my career! All the restaurants we ate at were phenomenal and I would recommend them all to anyone who asks.  As you can see by the photos my meals of choice we either tacos or fish!  Also an ocean view was a must for most meals.  This ocean loving girl must be able to smell the salt, hear the water lapping on the shore while chowing down on perfectly seasoned halibut to make her heart the happiest.

San Diego Food Tour

• Backyard Kitchen (Pacific Beach)

• In-and-out Burger at Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma to watch the sunset
• Brockton Villa (La Jolla) - OpenTable reservations recommended
  • I ate here before with my friend Leslie when I worked as UCSD.  It has the best views on La Jolla Cove and the Coast Toast is AMAZING!!!!!  Highly recommend this place for your next brunch in San Diego.
• Coasterra (San Diego) - OpenTable reservations recommended
  • This is where my birthday dinner was at.  Price wise it was the most expensive restaurant on our list but I think for a special celebration its worth the food.  The view from here was an incredible unobstructed view of the city at sunset/night!
• Cafe 1134 (Coronado)
  • Think cute little local cafe that gives off a European feel to it.  We got iced coffees a few mornings and walked downtown Coronado.
• City Tacos (North Park)
  • Top 5 if not the best authentic taco joint in SD!! This taco aficionado would have to agree!
• Brigantine Seafood Restaurant (Coronado) - OpenTable reservations recommended
  • Actually a pretty good price point for being across the street from the Hotel Del Coronado... $$ though. 
• Fig Tree Cafe (Liberty Station) - OpenTable reservations recommended 
  • We had originally planned on going to the Breakfast Republic after attending church at The Rock but the wait was wayyyy too long. So we stumbled upon the Fig Tree Cafe.  Price point was perfect as we were tired of spending more than $30 on a meal.  I will say that its directly underneath the path of the planes taking off from the airport, so every 2-5 minutes there was a loud plane flying overhead.

Have you visited San Diego??? What are your favorite places to eat at so we can hit them up next time!! 

Cheers to your next adventure!!  Make it a yummy one... should we even bother with anything less?? 

WHAT'S IN MY CAMERA BAG + Q&A

I have been wanting to put together a post about what's in my camera for a while now.  After two wedding seasons (& the beginnings of the third) and countless family sessions I'd love to share with you what I find useful, & not so useful, to have in my bag.  I've had so many people ask me what I shoot with and what I find the most useful.  There are definitely lenses I use more than others and for specific purposes especially while photographing weddings and families.  Also some things I carry around aren't the most conventional of items but I have found them so useful to have! So here's a little sneak peek into what I lug around with me to sessions...

So... What's in my camera bag?

Cutest Camera Bag Ever: Kamarette

• Canon EOS 5d Mark iii
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
• Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG
• Lint Roller
• SNACKS (of course)
• Hydroflask
• Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT (2)
• extra AA batteries for speedlite
• fully charged extra camera batteries + charger
• Tac N' stick - for getting rings to stand up
• Extra SD cards
• CF card for backing up photos
• Business Cards
• Lens Cleaning Kit
• Attractive hook + extra command strips so you can hang the dress anywhere!
• Mini reflector for ring shots/details
• Expodisk 2.0 to help with white balance <-- though still learning this
• Session Emergency Kit: scissors, tweezers, bobby pins, safety pins, tissues, tide pen, Advil

Not Pictured (because I'm using it to take the photo!): 

• Canon T3i Rebel
• Canon 50mm f/1.8
• cute wooden hanger for dress
• flat lay boards

Okay, no this doesn't all fit into my Kamarette backpack but everything I need to have on had that I use during sessions (lenses, batteries, emergency kit, snacks, extra cards) it fits! So that is perfect for me right now.  I'm sure once I need to use my flash more readily that will change and I'll have to come up with a better option. 

Here's a Q&A I put together for you about my gear:

Which lens do you use most for family sessions?

My Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM was basically permanently fixed on my camera for portraits until I purchased the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG.  Now that is on my camera body for almost all portrait sessions and for family portraits during weddings.  Although if I want even more bokeh (that creamy background in my photos) I'll slip the 50mm back on because the aperture gets even lower than the 50mm. The 35mm has come in quite handy with indoor sessions (which is really why I got it).  I'm able to get into tighter spaces more easily because of the wider angle view.

Which lens do you use most during weddings?

Since most of the wedding day is ceremony and reception I usually have on my Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM.  I love how I can get a wide angle of the ceremony and reception while also being able to get tight shots of important moments between the bride & groom.  Although I feel like I might be adding a 70-200mm lens soon so I can get even tighter shots.  

How are you able to get those detailed photos of rings and small details?

Ah, I'm able to capture those beauties because of my Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.  You really can't get close up shots of small details without this lens or an extender for another lens. If you try getting really detailed shots with a wider angle than a 100mm your camera will not be able to get the item into focus.  Your best bet for these is to get an extender or purchase a MACRO lens.

What about your food photography? What lenses do you use for that?

I mostly use my Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM.  The 100mm produces crisp, tight detailed shots while the 50mm allows me to get a wider shot without having to stand on my roof. 

What will you add next?

Next I will add another full-frame DSLR body to have as a better back up.  I can use my T3i just fine as a back up but I'd love to have another camera body with the best low light capabilities.  So if it comes soon it will probably the Canon 5d mark IV. 

Do you have any other questions you would like me to answer about my gear?

I would love to answer any more questions you do have! Where to rent?  What I like/don't like about each lens? What I recommend for beginners?  Best bang for you buck? Anything! Let me know.  Comment below and I'll do my best to answer them!