Meet Brandon, Amanda, Keylan, Ashlynn and the newest, Miss Madilynn...
This family has been through a lot in the last few years.
In February 2011, Ashlynn was unexpectedly born with Down's Syndrome and Atrioventricular
Canal Defect. Since she had holes in her heart, she needed surgery at not even 5 months
old (weighing a little over 8 pounds - less than my daughter weighed when she was born).
Then on July 2nd, 2012, Brandon and Amanda went to the hospital thinking Amanda was in labor
with their son, Waylon. But when they got to the hospital there was no heartbeat, and they learned
that Waylon had passed away some time in the night due to placental abruption.
This was a very hard time for them (for everyone), no one ever expects to lose a child. But they
were excited to find out they were expecting Madilynn a few months later! Excited and fearful,
since Amanda had so many risks with being pregnant. We are just so blessed and grateful
that she and Maddie made it to 38 weeks.
I wanted to share that because I feel there's a lot more emotion in these photos when you know the
backstory. The joy and relief when Madilynn finally arrives safely. It was such a special thing
for me to be a part of.
(for anyone that doesn't know, Brandon is my husband's brother)
They checked into the hospital the night before Maddie's birth.
Keylan and Ashlynn were still asleep when I got there in the morning.
The girls were so good for us.
Brandon praying with Amanda.
Things had gotten intense and Amanda's epidural hadn't fully set in yet.
Things had gotten intense and Amanda's epidural hadn't fully set in yet.
"You can't hold my hand like that... here, you can hold my thumb."
Keylan's reaction to hearing that Madilynn was coming!
Her doctor came in and said "Ok, we've got 30 minutes!"
(He had an appointment and was joking with us)
(He had an appointment and was joking with us)
Who looks this good when pushing??
The wonderful support of a friend and her husband.
And here she is!
Madilynn Hunter
Madilynn Hunter
Daddy cuts the cord...
And Momma finally gets to hold her healthy baby.
The joy and relief - indescribable.
Right after seeing Maddie and saying "Hey baby!" she looked at me like this - she was so excited!
A new family ♥
Nursing like a champ!
Teeny little peanut!
(I guessed her weight correctly! :P)
(I guessed her weight correctly! :P)
Daddy's first time holding her.
And big sister Keylan's first time.
Sweet friend.
She wasn't crazy about her bath except when the water was running on her head - she loved it!
Visitors!
Her first checkup :)
And some cuddles to end the day.
