Meet Baby Ryder

 

This handsome little man is the newest member of the Carpenter family. Jennifer had what appeared to be a perfect pregnancy – that is, until this stubborn little guy decided to throw his mothers birthing plan for a tailspin. At 34 weeks he was breech with his little head tucked tightly beneath her ribs (I am to understand it is exactly as comfortable as it sounds). After many attempts to turn this little guy it became clear that he had set up camp for the remainder of his stay. This was obviously not an ideal way to end the last weeks of pregnancy, but Jennifer seemed to roll with the punches beautifully. On May 17th, at 3:17 am, an excited Jennifer and Scott welcomed baby Ryder into the world – all 9lb 5oz and 20 inches of him! It’s little wonder he wasn’t able to turn in his mothers tiny little belly.

Ryder does not yet know how lucky he is to be a Carpenter, but I most certainly do. Jennifer is a dear friend of mine and also one of my beloved “Chicks”. I was immediately drawn to her the first time I met her. She is welcoming, charismatic, insanely funny and probably the best example of a friend I have ever seen. The “Chicks” are a group of 10 ladies and she has supported every one of us through our dating, wedding, pregnancy and mothering adventures. I am so glad it is now her turn to be the focus of everyone’s attention. Everything in her life seems to have come racing together all at once. It was only last summer that I was a guest at her and Scott’s beautifully executed wedding. Since then, they have gotten pregnant, found and bought the perfect family home, had little Ryder, and are now in the midst of moving. These two know to get things done.

It is ideal, when photographing a newborn, to schedule it within the first 5-7 days of birth. It just so happens that my house came down with a stomach bug the Wednesday before our planned session. By the time the weekend rolled around I was up to my eyeballs in laundry and sick kids. Sufficed to say, our session was delayed. Unfortunately for us, that meant shooting on moving weekend, but we pushed aside boxes and forged ahead. I am so glad we did. I spent the morning with this adorable little guy all to myself while his parents used their now freed up hands to settle into their new home.

Everything seems to be unfolding just as it should for this little family and I couldn’t be happier for them. There is no doubt in my mind that Jennifer and Scott are going to be fabulous parents and that Ryder will be given every opportunity under the sun. Congratulations, Carpenter Family. You are away to the races!