Category Archives: Editorial

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Sisters

A rare thing has happened…I am struggling to find the exact. right. way. to describe today.

I think it’s impossible.

A family welcomed a new little life into the world. That, in itself, is always a miracle.

But this family? Well, I think it’s safe to say that people all over the world held their breath today, waiting for news of this little girl’s safe arrival.

She is the third of three girls, and big sister Maggie was at the hospital to welcome her much-wanted, much-anticipated, much-adored-in-the-belly Baby Katie.

What was to be an induction this morning turned into a c-section as Katie showed everyone that she may be the last, but she’ll make her grand debut on HER terms. A surprise breech meant a last minute change of plan, and though it wasn’t expected, spirits were high as we waited to hear that first, clear, unmistakable newborn cry.

Dad’s scrubs are now marked with the footprints of each of his baby girls:

Once in recovery Baby Katie was admired and snuggled before being introduced to family and friends through the nursery window (most importantly, to big sister Maggie)

Maggie and Daddy headed back to see Katie and Mommy in person

After everyone was safely ensconced in their home away from home (at least for the next few days), the rest of the crew was invited back. Katie was passed around, baby huffing occurred (I am certainly not immune to the allure of a brand new baby, just hours old), and Maggie decided she was ready to hold her new baby sister.

…and then, she fell in love.

Congratulations, my friends. There are just not enough words to describe how full my heart is for you today.

Welcome to this world, Baby Katie. You have found the perfect family.

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Mariam

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Meet Mariam. Isn’t she gorgeous?
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It’s easy to see where she gets those amazing eyes…
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Not only is her Mommy sweet as pie and unbelievably beautiful,
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she tells REALLY funny secrets too ;)
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Introducing Annie…

One of my sweet mommy friends is Kelly…She keeps a wonderful blog documenting the day-to-day life of her first daughter, Lucy, and on Thanksgiving they returned home from Vietnam with their second beautiful baby girl, Annie.  She kept a separate blog for Annie’s trip (waiting to tell the online world about their adoption until their return), and I chewed my nails and worried obsessively about this sweet little family. Their return trip to Vietnam was very different from their first, and their flight home was bumped up two days to just get everyone HOME.  They have been struggling with attachment issues and some possible health related issues with sweet Annie, and I can certainly understand that desire to just get home as soon as possible.

Sweet Annie is beautiful, with big solemn eyes and a little snub nose.  I hope she settles into her new life with her adoring big sister and precious parents very soon (because selfishly…I want to play with her too!)

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Thankful…

On Thanksgiving morning I set my alarm extra early…but not to fire up a turkey or start the stuffing (that would come later).  I snuck out of the house and hit Starbucks for a little wake-up call, then headed to the airport with my friend so we could welcome home a sweet baby from Vietnam.  She and her family were arriving a few days early, and her arrival was a Must Photograph event.

We walked into the International Arrival area of DFW and were met by hordes of people waving flags and cheering as music blared and soldiers returned home from overseas.  It was amazing to witness.  This father peeking under the blanket that covered his son’s carseat, to peek at his baby’s face for the very first time. These soldiers coming home to a welcome like I have never seen before. Incredible. I had chills. And tears. And am oh so thankful that I was able to witness this sight.


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Gold Medal (times TWO!)…


Remember this little gem from last year?

Well, Saturday night it won two gold medals at the annual Parenting Publications awards ceremony for magazines with a circulation of 55,000 or more (as in, the largest cities in the US) .

Interior Photography (Original)
Gold: Dallas Child, “A Portrait of A Modern Birth, February 2007,” Jennifer Weintraub, photography;
This tremendous piece of documentary photography puts readers in the birthing room. The immediacy and emotion of the images come through, and it is clear that the photographer gained the subjects’ confidence. The images and the text hold together as a tight package. This is a wonderfully strong story.

Feature Layout (Black & White)
Gold: Dallas Child, “A Portrait of a Modern Birth,” Jennifer Weintraub, Photographer;
Elegant photography and typography enhance the beauty of the topic of childbirth. The designer uses plenty of storytelling devices to guide the readers through the package and to invite them into the stories of these two families.

Click HERE for the pdf version

Big, huge, I-owe-you-one thanks go out to fellow photographer and awards ceremony attendee Waynette for calling and texting the night of the ceremony to let me know the piece was not only submitted, but WON GOLD. TWICE!!! I would still be completely unaware that anything had happened if she not recognized my name. XOXO Waynette!!!

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