This post is really special because in December of 2008, I had a contest for a free photo session, and I just asked folks to submit a mini essay on why they or someone that they knew deserved a free session…..

The winners Amy and Mike had such a touching story that I wasn’t able to share at the time…. but now, I write this post able to share a piece of their journey with you. (Again, sorry that I can’t link back to it because of the problems with my old blog, but I just found out from Ross at Flosites yesterday, that it might be able to be fixed after all!)

I won’t go into all of the details because it definitely is a very personal matter, but Amy has been to doctor upon doctor, getting scans, blood work, 3 surgeries…. and the doctors told her that she might have trouble having children… and to try sooner rather than later . Amy quit her job as a first grade teacher (which she loved) to concentrate on starting a family…. eliminating additional stress factors that would impact their efforts.

Amy and Mike ended up seeing more doctors, more tests, etc., and then tried in vitro fertilization, with the first time not working and the 2nd losing the baby.

So Amy was put on more medication…. that was supposed to help in the long run….and after this treatment they would try in vitro one last time, and if it didn’t work they needed to begin thinking about adoption or perhaps a surrogate.

The thing that I loved about Amy’s story was that she just adored Mike and his support through the process. I think it was touching to hear how their struggle was bringing them closer even though it was painful and stressful. It made them grateful for one another, and they came out stronger in the end. That folks, is what life is about! We aren’t meant to go through life alone, whether we share hard times with a spouse, a best friend, or a family member…. and I think that their story is beautiful.

And, it has a beautiful ending…. I was just at Amy and Mike’s on Monday to photograph their precious new son, Brayden! Brayden Tyler Warren was born at a healthy 8 lbs and 5 ounces…

Welcome to the world little guy! Congratulations Amy and Mike!

Future Tennis player like daddy…. I just love his little cheeks! Such a cute baby boy!!!

He was full of energy.. that is for sure… Although it may appear that he slept a lot during the session, he did not!  He was wide awake for his model debut!

This photograph I think is adorable…. because he is basically in the same position as gorilla… and we didn’t position him that way. 

Thanks Amy and Mike!!!! (and Baby Brayden!)

m.e.