I am constantly in awe of the strength and bravery of motherhood – in even the most ideal of circumstances. It’s no secret that while motherhood is an incredible blessing and fills our hearts with a love we never knew existed, it can be equally challenging, in ways we never would have anticipated.

This mother is the epitome of strength and grace as she carried and delivered her fourth baby all while her husband was deployed. I cannot even imagine how she felt as she received the news that she would be doing this alone. Those few months of carrying your baby inside you – holding your partner’s hand over your belly to share the sensation of those kicks – dreaming out loud together about who this little one will be – those are some of the sweetest months of your life – and yet all these dear moments together would be missed. The loneliness of knowing that when the time comes, you’ll be delivering your baby alone, without your partner by your side. And of course the practical challenges and worries that come along with learning how to be a mother of 4 all by yourself.

And yet – when I walked in the door for little Mia’s newborn session, her mother and 3 older brothers and sisters were filled with laughter and energy and love for this new little girl.

It was such an honor to get to document this family as they welcome their littlest one while waiting for Daddy to return.