It’s been a whirlwind of a few months, but we can say it’s been the most exciting, adventurous, and AMAZING time of our lives! Back in June we made two HUGE life changing announcements… First, Rachel was pregnant AND second, we were moving!

Being pregnant in the midst of our craziest busy wedding season ever, wasn’t an easy task, but Rachel was such a trooper! She was capturing weddings two weeks before her due date and then again three weeks after. That’s right, she’s a rock star!

Laura was in Arizona capturing the last wedding before Rachel’s due date, when she got a text at 4:15am as she was getting ready to head to airport for her flight home from Rachel saying, “I’m starting to feel something.” OMGoodness! Let’s just say that hour flight felt like a year, but she was on the ground and at Rachel’s house in a blink of an eye. 

Labor pains had begun, but still inconsistent. We started keeping track of time, next we knew Sunday had come and gone. In the wee hours of Monday morning, we were outside in the cold night air, walking the circle of the street again and again, doing everything we could to alleviate pain, yet get this party on the road. 

By 6:00am Monday morning, contractions were regular, lasting about 60 seconds every 4-5 minutes, and that was our sign and we were hospital bound! Arriving to the hospital 7 centimeters dilated, we thought it wouldn’t be long until baby girl Bench was here. After having not slept since Sunday morning and 40 hours of laboring later, we would like to introduce you to the newest member of the family… Makenna Rose Bench!

In Rachel’s exact words, “It was brutal. The most amount of pain I’ve ever been in! Back labor is no joke!”

But the reward was worth every moment of it! She came out wide eyed, with only the sweetest little squeaky cry sound to announce she was here. The first words out of the doctors mouth was, this is one robust baby!

Born Monday, October 8, 2018, at 7:32pm, weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces, and 20 inches long with the most beautiful dark blue eyes and brown hair.

Motherhood fits you beautifully Rachel!

Officially Granna! This moment will forever be etched in Laura’s heart.

Our first official family photo of three.

Dad looks good on you Paul.

Two days later, we were on our way home with new bundle of joy! BEST. FEELING. EVER!