It was 5am.  I was sound asleep until Hazel walked across my torso and licked my forehead, letting me know that she needed to visit the doggie ladies' room, a.k.a. our backyard.  Hurriedly, I hopped into my Uggs, grabbed my iPhone to use my cool new flashlight app that Bobby recommended, and chased Miss Pee-Pee Pants outside to do her business.

While in my hands, the phone rang.  I slapped myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming...I mean, usually, I don't get calls at 5am.  It was an Austin number.  I let it go to voice mail.  I was paralyzed.  My mom was in the Austin area and what if something horrible had happened and she was in the hospital?  I forced myself to listen to the message.  SIGH OF FREAKING RELIEF---it was Steven, husband to Kelli.  SIGH OF FREAKING RELIEF turned into MOTHER FREAKING OUT, because YES.  You guessed it---Kelli was in LABOR.  She had checked into the hospital and was well on her way to becoming a mama.

I asked Steven, "Do I have time for makeup or shall I come in my pajamas?  What is the forecast?"  He laughed and said that makeup was just fine.  I slapped some color on, grabbed my favorite sweater, and headed out the door to document one of the most inspiring events I have ever witnessed.  Carter's arrival brought tears to my eyes, filled my heart with love, and stocked my head with fond memories of Millie's first few days.  What a joyous occasion, and I am so honored that I could share that day with Kelli and Steven's parents and Kelli's (hilarious) little sister, Lindsay. 

Below are my images from the birth of Carter Jaxon Morse, the beautiful son of my longtime clients and dear, dear friends, Kelli + Steven.  Please leave them well wishes below in the comment box!