Footsteps Photography

Miles Asher made his way into the world at 10:58 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17th.  Weighing 8.2 1/2 pounds and measuring 21 1/2″ long.  I started some labor signs early that morning and my doctor opted to start induction Tues afternoon as opposed to waiting till Thursday (or to see if things would develop on their own).  We had reason to question if my water had broke.  The IV drip started at 5 p.m., my water officially broke around 6:30 p.m. but little Miles was having trouble so they increased my dose of potosum (sp?) after I received the epideral.  His heart start going above and below the charts – racing, dropping, and leaving Shane and I (and the medical staff) very uneasy about the whole thing.  After watching him for 10-15 minutes with internal monitors they called my doctor and we were immediately headed to the O.R.  My doctor was there in 15 minutes and within that time, I was prepped and laying on the table, waiting for her to start surgery.  Shane and I had no idea how serious things were…probably best.  Wasn’t till after we were in recovery that we heard the reality of the situation.

Miles had the cord wrapped around his neck, twice.  There was also meconium in my uterus from him being in distress.  Shane and I both know people who have lost babies or came close to losing babies and the mothers in this situation.  Bottom line – Miles and I received a miracle Tuesday night (thank you to those who were praying!).  Now every time I look at his sweet face it is extra special to me – knowing things could’ve easily been very different.  Thank you Lord for your protection, provision and putting us in the very best and skilled hands.  We know it is by Your grace that we are here and healthy.  Thank you Dr. Ellis for your quick action and expertise and for caring so deeply for us – your judgment saved us.  We love you so much already – and are extremely appreciative to have you as our magnificent doctor.  Thank you medical staff at Akron Summa for your compassion, care and keeping us calm.  We had the most wonderful professionals caring for us throughout the labor and also during our stay.  Truly – we were blessed beyond belief.

This was my second ‘section’ and it took much longer for the doctors to close my abdomen.  I’m very sore – but its so worth it.  It amazes me how Miles is here – perfect in every way and it amazes me that my body is recovery so quickly from surgery.  We came home last night.  Hopefully I will be back in full swing soon enough.

I hope you enjoy these hospital photos of Miles as much as I am. : )  I will have him in the studio this week with the help of my wonderful husband to move props, lights, etc.  I’ll post those asap.  I will also post, in a week or two, to let you know how I’m feeling and hopefully with an estimated timeline for my return to the studio.

Thank you, everyone, for your well wishes and most impotantly – prayers.  We were lifted and SAVED.  I know medical professionals face these circumstances regularly – but it certainly was not what I was expecting.  And I feel abudantly blessed to have all of us here – perfectly healthy.  Amen!

Totally has daddy’s thick head of hair…love it!  And smells sooooo good.

Love how it looks like he’s praying here….he holds his hands together all the time.

Big yawn…

Those would be my swollen fingers next to his very loooong toes.  : )

 

Love you so very much Miles – thank you for staying.  : )

Every year I watch and wait as the stems grow – starting in the spring.  This year they reached close to my shoulder in height.  One of the best gifts the previous owner left us with the house…my lilies.  First, the white ones come.  They overwhelm you with the most amazing fragrance as you come out of the garage.  If its cool enough to open the windows, I enjoy their sweet smell in my kitchen, too.  I love these flowers.  I love their color, their shape, their smell.  I am by no means a green thumb.  Thankfully I married a landscaper.  But these flowers…they are my favorites.  They come and go so quickly each summer that I love to take a few photos of them to glance at through the winter…in promise of the beautiful summer ahead.

One of my favorite indoor treats are my orchids.  I love not only their dainty shapes and colors, but that its nearly impossible to harm them.  : )   The perfect indoor plant for me.  They get 3 ice cubes every Friday and they’re perfectly happy.  So am I.  This particular one is in my office and we have another on the kitchen table.  Aren’t they amazing?  It simply boggles me how God created so many different and intricate flowers alone.  Each spring I am reminded of His majesty with every different bloom.

We are still enjoying the last of these…my favorite, favorite, favorite.  When Shane and I were dating I told him if he ever got me flowers – these are the way to my heart.  I LOVE star-gazer lilies.  Look at this rich color and the fragrance to match.  It is like cotton candy….but better.  I love how even the closed blooms have a hint of pink coming through the delicate petals.  Love them!!

 With that said (if you’re still with me), another one of my favorite things is very near arrival – our newest addition, Miles Asher Polen.  I’m beyond excited to see the face God created to go with the name we’ve chosen.  His name means “Soldier of Happiness”.  Who couldn’t use one of those in their homes?  : )  I’m sure the happiness he’ll bring us is beyond our comprehension and it humbles me to be blessed so abundantly with another baby boy. 

I’m officially on maternity leave for the next few weeks.  I will be sure to post pictures of Miles as soon as we’re home, settled and I can get them edited.  If you’re interested in an upcoming session, please email me and I’ll respond to you as soon as possible.  I had a c-section the first time around and we’re trying to deliver ‘normally’ this time (is there such a thing?  : ).  Depending on how the delivery happens, will determine the length of my leave.  I have a list of names started of clients I’ll be contacting after his arrival to start booking sessions when I’m on my feet again.  I”m happy to add your name/email to that list if you contact me in the mean time.

Thank you for your understanding and patience!  We are so excited to introduce our newest little love to all of you!

This family has grown with me over the last few years – starting with Heidi’s maternity photos from Isaac’s pregnancy.  I’ve watched Isaac grow – and called Heidi many times for advice when we were new moms seeming he is just 4 months older than Finn.  Hard to believe Isaac turned 3 this month and Finn will this fall.  *Sniff*.  Isaac now has a baby brother who you’ve seen before – Luke.  Finn will soon have a baby brother too.  Actually, I’m a little disappointed that I’m still posting and working.  Kidding…love what I do.   However, I do look forward to God’s PERFECT timing of Miles’ arrival.  I know He has a reason to keep me hanging with this big belly in 104 heat index, 80+% humidity weather.  I hope its sooner rather than later…maybe you won’t hear from me again till after?  We shall see…

Enough about me – look at these EYES.  Isaac has the most amazing blue eyes – he always has.  They just keep getting bluer and bigger.  Love him!  And Luke, well, not that he needs any introduction as his cuteness speaks for itself.  But I will say that holding him and playing with his smiley self made me super excited to have my own baby again very soon.  Love this chubby, gummy, belly laughing age. 

I would have to say that this first photo is one of my ALL time favorites.  The sweetness, shyness and orneriness of a boy wrapped up in one photo!

Isaac was being so good trying to hug his wailing brother.  The photo looks like he’s squeezing him to tears.  Just made me laugh…I’m sure there will be many more moments like this for Heidi (and me!). 

I am so glad that someone still thinks I’m funny.  : )

Sorry for not posting recently.  I have started winding down in preparation for a little maternity leave.  Baby Miles should be here any time now – so if you don’t here from me, you know why.  You KNOW he will be in the studio as soon as we’re home.  Then I’ll have lots of fun photos to post.  : )  I already have props and hats lined up for him.  Waiting for his debut.  He has no idea what he’s in for.  : )

For now, I have this sweet, adorable, beautiful eyed little girl.  She was soooo easy.  I was thankful, being this pregnant, that she thought all of my tricks were funny.  She went along with every prop, setting and outfit change.  She was an angel.  Look at her…with an angel face to match.  I love my boys more than anything…but it sure is fun to have a baby girl in the studio!

She was not too sure about the red flower hat.  With her adorable hair – I was wondering why I would want to cover it up?

Love her…may just have to keep her.  : )

I worked with this family in the studio before vacation and then did a quick shoot for them at their family apple orchard when I returned.  Seriously, some of the CUTEST kids ever.  These girls not only have sweet names, they could not be any more precious.  Mom, is incredibly talented.  Not only did she put their adorable outfits together, she also made the floral hair clips to match!  And she said she just whipped them together the night before.  Amazing!  I already asked her if I could get some. 

I had to share some of my favorites of the girls, first and foremost.  I threw a few family shots in too, but these girls…well, you’ll have to see for yourself.  Meet Ruby and her younger sister Truly.

I had the girls pose on this old trunk.  Then I thought it would be cute to put them in it…they had a blast, but I couldn’t get them to hold still for one shot!  : )

Here are some from the orchard.

This last one is a favorite.  They’re just so sweet!