Have you ever heard the quote, "Babies smile in their sleep because they're listening to the whispering of angels?"
When baby Summer was 5 months in utero, her dad, Aaron, put his hand on her mom's tummy and Summer gave him a little nudge. He felt her for the first time. The next day, for a reason only God knows, Aaron lost his life in an unforeseen accident.
Then began his safekeeping, guidance and love from afar.
This little girl is an especially blessed one. She's got a warrior of a mom, an army of love and support from friends and family, and most importantly a guardian that is second to none.
Summer came to see me when she was just 6 days new.
I had the honor of incorporating sentimental objects into her first photo shoot.
Here she is lying in her great-grandfather's crate imprinted with a bow hunter, a sport that her dad enjoyed.
Summer clung tightly to a necklace of her daddy's fingerprint, which her mom wears around her neck.
One of the more touching moments for me was seeing Summer snuggled in with her dad's shirts. The one encircling her was one of Aaron's favorites. During our session, there was a moment when she started to fuss until I laid her here. She settled right in perfectly, as if he was wrapping his arms around her.
Summer's dad was a hunter and he died doing what he loved. This was a very meaningful image of his first deer and his baby girl.
I know that Summer will bless this family in unimaginable ways.
"A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities." - Eda J. Le Shan
She is the rainbow after the storm.
Blessings to Amber, Summer and their families...