It’s been almost exactly a year since I met Brooke. We met at a welcome dinner for a moms group that we’re both a part of, and we clicked instantly. I remember walking away thinking about how cool she was and that I wanted her to be my friend.

Fast forward a year, and both of us have been through a LOT in the past year. Between each of us raising our respective three small children, a miscarriage, and family drama this year was a lot on it’s own.

Except that Brooke had the WORST case of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) that the doctors at West Penn Hospital had ever seen. She was hospitalized multiple times, lost close to 60lbs, was severely dehydrated for months… daily IVs… throwing up everything she put into her body.

And… AND… this would be her fourth c section.

She is a warrior.

And she’s one of my favorite friends.

So when Brooke asked if I could capture this last baby of hers… her precious rainbow baby girl… of COURSE I said yes.

It started with a maternity session at their house. Each of their three kids has a huge personality – which you can tell just by looking at the pictures.

It was a gorgeous evening – and they’re a beautiful family, so really, it made my job pretty easy.

Fast forward to Monday, 8/27. Brooke texted me that they were doing an ultrasound at the hospital to make sure baby girl was growing okay. Since she was growth restricted and was having decelerations in her heartrate, they opted to have a c-section the next morning. Brooke sent a video afterwards – and I watched as she literally pulled her baby up to her chest in West Penn’s first maternal-assisted c-section. Y’all. I BAWLED. it was so beautiful.

So here she is, little miss Rosemary “Rosie” Jane. The tiniest, sweetest baby I ever did she. Her life is a miracle and I’m so thankful that she’s here!

I can’t. Pictures don’t really do it justice – but this baby is just shy of 5lbs. Her head is about the size of my fist. Such a teeny little babe <3

Brooke is not only a warrior woman, but she’s like… crazy talented. Her mom bought this bear from Cuddle and Kind for her, so Brooke knit a matching hat for these photos. I can’t get over it.

Thanks for trusting me, Brooke. You have a beautiful family and I’m honored to be your friend.

Click here to ask me about Fresh 48 sessions! Always remember how little they once were. <3