Before I had kids I worked at a bank I was a teller supervisor. I counted lots of money, balanced drawers, found *missing* money, serviced ATMs, balanced the vault, so on and so forth. All the things a banker does. Did I like my job? I mean.... I was playing with money all day! But it was just ok. I had to sell people things. Things they didn't necessarily want and sometimes didn't really even need. I hated that. I hated selling them things I didn't believe in.
When I was 2 months pregnant with my sweet Hailey girl our bank was robbed at gunpoint. It was a total take down. He locked himself in the building with us and took everything. I was so so scared. I had already had one miscarriage and was very worried that this stress would induce another. Not only was I scared for MY life but I was scared for the life of my unborn child. When it was all over with, thankfully no one was hurt. But I was still scared. I called the doctor, they brought me in for an ultrasound and said everything looked ok. But because I was so high risk they wanted to monitor me even closer than they already were. This meant doctors appointments every other week, ultrasounds on the off weeks, and non stress tests (NST) 3 x a week. In any given week I was at the hospital or doctors office 4 times a week. My husband and I had already decided when we found out I was pregnant that I would stay home with our baby. So the decision was simple. I was not going back to work. I put in my two weeks and was done.
After having my second daughter Isabelle, I sort of felt like I needed to do something. I knew I didn't want to go back to the bank. But that was all I had ever known. I started working as an intern at the bank when I was just 16 years old! I wanted to help people. I didn't want to sell them things they didn't necessarily want. I wanted to work with babies. For a good year I contemplated going back to school to be a nurse like my wonderful neighbor. Either in the NICU or as a labor and delivery nurse.
But then something happened, my friends were calling me to take their family photos. At this point I hadn't even started my business yet. I was just good with a camera (thanks to my Daddy). After shooting those few sessions almost 3 years ago I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a photographer and I wanted to work with Mommas and babies!
There is just something so beautiful about a pregnant Momma. Their glow is one thing. But there is something else. I can't quite put my finger on it. And babies, oh that is a given. They just melt my heart every. single. time.
Which brings me to the point of this whole long post...
Meet Carrie.
She is expecting a baby girl here in just a few weeks. I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with her and her husband Mike a week or so ago. They were a joy to work with and so so sweet!
Carrie and Mike I have no doubt baby will be just as beautiful and easy going as you two are, and I cannot wait to meet her!!
Oooooohhhh Jessica your story made me CRY! That bank robbery was awful! I am so glad you found your calling and that you capture such important parts of people's lives. You have a true gift! THANK YOU!
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