Natural Born Champion. Columbus Baby Photography

It was an absolute whirlwind. I had been in labor for 24hrs before they brought me into the OR for a c-section – my stubborn girl wouldn’t turn her head the right direction – I have no clue where she gets her strong will from 🙂 Anyhow, while having a c-section was the one thing that I did NOT want to have happen, the experience was amazing. All of the nurses, doctors, assistants, etc. were so very kind to Mike and I – we were actually joking and laughing through it. And honestly by that time, all I wanted to do was see my little girl. Everyone joked when they pulled this large baby out of my small frame and I kept trying to stretch my neck farther and farther over the curtain to see her. They brought her around and a rush came over me that I can’t even try to put into words. I fell so instantly and madly in love with this tiny human with her Mama’s huge cheeks. All of the pain and disappointment of having to have a c-section melted away. She was here, and perfect!! I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

What was your baby’s birth weight and length?
Well the doctors, Mike and I were all wrong. She wasn’t a tiny little peanut; Alice was 8lbs 7 oz and 20″ long. We shouldn’t have been surprised though, I had a huge baby belly. And no wonder I ended up with a C-section due to her head not turning – her head was in the 97 percentile!! Big head = big brains, right?!

Is there a story behind your baby’s name?

There is! I was extremely close to my grandmother growing up, even calling her “mom” through the years. She helped raise me, taught me how to garden, cook, bake amazing cookies, love country music, and laugh and love unconditionally. With her passing, I wanted to pay homage to her memory, so Miss Alice is named after her, Alice Marie. I will admit, it was rather strange at first saying her name, but now, every time I do, it gives me a warm feeling in my heart. I know she is watching over her namesake every day.

Give us the scoop. What has surprised you the most about parenthood?  Are there any funny stories or firsts that you’d like to share?

There are a few surprises. I didn’t know how quickly and deeply you could fall in love with someone so instantly. And how things that you thought were so incredibly important pale in comparison to spending the time to care for, interact and love on your daughter – like sleep, a hard workout and a hot meal!! She makes Mike and I laugh constantly with all of the sounds she makes – she grunts and moans like his grandma, she burps incredibly loud like her Aunt Ashley, she cannot sit still like her daddy and is already extremely stubborn like her Mama. I find myself just staring at her some days completely amazed that we made and get to love such a perfect little girl.

What did you like best about your experience with Crystal Jo?

Crystal Jo made every part of our experience enjoyable. She was relaxed and incredibly patient with our stubborn and uncooperative girl that day. She makes you feel like your shoot is the most important thing in the world to her that day and will spend as much time as necessary getting you the perfect shots. Her energy is infectious and her eye for what will be stunning in a photo is undeniable. Even Mike, who loathes having his picture taken had a great time – now that’s saying something!