Baby P! | Austin Maternity Photographer

I think when I was being created, somebody spilled their great friends portion into mine. Whether it was a mistake or not, I'm pretty sure that I have the best friends in the world...No really.

I wish it were possible for me to adequately articulate how blessed I am to know Julie Prothro...though I may not have given her a choice about being my friend all those years ago. With only mutual friends to attach us, I approached her at camp and nearly strong-armed her into joining The Forge that year. It's almost overwhelming now to think back on what only the Lord knew then.

Those of you who know the other half of Everest Road Photography know that she is one of the most intentional people you will ever meet. From the way she plans meals to the way she loves people, Julie does nothing without calculation. Being loved that way by someone will change your life. I am a better version of me because of her.

When Julie married Evan, the world looked on with awe...and not only because they're both so beautiful. These two were made perfectly for one another. Their marriage is an example to anyone who's even heard of them of God's covenant to us. The way Evan faithfully serves his wife looks like Jesus. Julie's humble support of her husband challenges me constantly.

When she told me she was pregnant, something in me leaped with joy! I've been looking forward to this moment for years. The child (whose gender I'm beside myself to find out in a week or two) in Julie's super cute belly has no idea what they're getting themselves into. One thing is for sure though, his or her life has and will continue to be an unbelievable adventure...

and I'm just really glad to have a good seat.

How about you? Do you have a guess at the babies gender? Want the Prothros to know how excited you are about their baby? Or maybe you just want them to know how beautiful their son or daughter will be. Let them know in the comments.

 

 

Rachel & Charlie | austin maternity photography

My friendship with Jessica really started when we became roommates after college. One of the very first things I learned about her, aside from her utter disgust at anything rubbing against carpet, was that she's fiercely loyal. It was evident even in how she spoke of her friends, always saying "my Brookie" or "my Claire". She knew people deeply, carried their burdens willingly, protected them fiercely and loved them well. With her family, the loyalty was multiplied exponentially.

When I met her family, it was easy to see the loyalty was a family trait. They all loved each other deeply and well and it was especially true of Rachel and Jess. I guess it's the bond between sisters. In the time I've known Jess, few people can encourage, challenge and love her the way her sister does. It makes me adore Rachel so much. I think it is a loyalty trait I've learned from their family, you love people who love your people well. It's a nice way to live. You end up loving a lot more people.

Spending the afternoon with Rachel and her husband Charlie was so great. They don't take life too seriously and were cracking  jokes at each other the whole day. Between the jokes though, there was little moment after little moment showing just how seriously they loved each other. She would catch his eye and then unintentionally break into a small contended smile, he would gently take her hand and help her walk down rocky paths, sweetly sympathizing with the challenges of pregnancy. Their marriage is marked by that same fiercely loyal love and their sweet Maggie Beth is going to be so blessed because of it.

I can't begin to think of what wonderful parents you will both be, and I am so excited to meet your sweet little girl!

 

Rachel, you are gorgeous!

 

the higginbothams | austin family photography

Early Sunday morning when we walked the red cobblestone drive to knock on this sweet family's front door, we were greeted with an instant feeling of peace. As dad finished brewing coffee and mom dressed their sweet son, a pleasant calmness permeated their house.

Throughout the morning, as we watched them play and enjoy their weekend together, I saw the same peaceful contentment in everything they did. They genuinely loved mornings filled with walks, outside fountains, tastes of their home-grown herb garden, hammocks and chicken dances. They found joy in just being together, living life by each others' sides. Just being with them for a morning brightened the tone of my day and I was so thankful!

By the way, the day we did photos Nicole was within two weeks of her due date, which makes her sweet kindness even more amazing to me (not to mention she looked incredible)!

We loved meeting you guys and cannot wait to come see your little bundle of joy this week!

Claire Mommy | Lafayette Maternity Photographer

A weekend in Cajun country at Keith and Renee's is impossible to duplicate. I'm not sure if it's the chill of their beautiful brick floors, the memories I have from so many college visits or the ridiculous Louisiana food, but being in Lafayette is something I never want to miss.

When my dear Claire flew in from California for her first baby's shower, we were there without question. Being with these women is home for me. I know few people who celebrate better than us.

This sweet baby Elise is one blessed little doll. I literally cannot wait to meet her in two short months.  Joey and Claire will be the most fun parents I know. Elise is likely already partying in her mama's tummy. Living inside Claire has got to be a good time!

We were so sad not to see Joey that weekend, but I get excited just thinking about him becoming a dad. Rough tough Joey will be tied around his little girl's finger...but I'm sure she'll do anything to make her daddy happy - even if it means playin' football. Watching Claire's family celebrate LSU's victory over Tennessee that weekend proved that Elise will have plenty of support whatever she chooses.







Did I mention, this family loves football? Geaux Saints.









I sure do love you, my dear friend. I only wish there weren't so many miles between us. Can't wait to meet your baby girl!
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