Celebrating a Special Arrival and Cherished Friendship
There are some blog posts that feel a little extra special to write, and this is undoubtedly one of them. October’s Newborn of the Month is Kolsen Michael, and this little guy holds a very special place in my heart. Kolsen isn’t just any newborn; he’s the first baby of my best friend, Shelby. Watching Shelby become a mom has been a journey filled with love, memories, and a lot of happy tears.
Shelby has been my rock through so many chapters of my life. I started my journey into motherhood at a young age, and Shelby was right there by my side. She showed up for every milestone, from birthday parties to baby showers, and even visited me in the hospital after both of my babies were born. She has never left my side regardless of what she had going on in her own life.
When Shelby told me she and her husband, Michael, were ready to start trying for a baby, I couldn’t contain my excitement. A few months later, she FaceTimed me, holding up a positive pregnancy test. I remember that moment so vividly—I was overcome with emotion that I cried LOL. Throughout her pregnancy, I tried to support her however I could. I shared tips and tricks (while trying not to overwhelm her with advice) and made sure to give her space to experience everything in her own way.
One of my favorite moments was capturing Shelby’s maternity photos—a beautiful session we did right in my backyard. It was surreal to be on the other side of the camera, photographing my best friend as she prepared for this new adventure. I also got to throw her a baby shower, which felt like a full-circle moment after everything she had done for me over the years.
As her due date approached, Shelby was scheduled for an induction a week early. We texted back and forth throughout her labor, and towards the end, Michael took over the updates so Shelby could rest. When I heard she needed a c-section, my heart raced. I knew it wasn’t part of her original plan, but I also knew she was in the best hands. A few hours later, Michael sent me a photo of their new little family, and I was overwhelmed with relief and joy. Kolsen was here, and he was perfect.
Two weeks later, Shelby and Michael brought Kolsen to my studio for his newborn session. If you know Shelby, you won’t be surprised to hear she walked in wearing a hoodie and sweatpants, immediately declaring, “Yeah, family pictures aren’t happening today.” I couldn’t help but laugh because she was experiencing the raw, beautiful chaos of new motherhood. We skipped the family shots and focused on Kolsen, who took a little time to settle but eventually fell into the sweetest, most peaceful sleep
As I photographed him, my heart was bursting with pride. Capturing those tiny features and fleeting newborn moments for my best friend felt like such an honor. Shelby and Michael are already such incredible parents, and I can’t wait to watch them navigate this journey with Kolsen by their side.
Kolsen, you are so loved, little one. Welcome to the world, and thank you for letting me be a part of your story.
