[bragging rights]

I have two of the most precious gifts in my older sisters. They have given me such a sense of perspective and truly helped shape who I am. Their wisdom and gentle guidance has blessed me through and through. They are my heroes, my guides, my helpers, conspirators, and allies. And since Ben and I have been in Nashville, life is so much sweeter being in the same city as them. 

I won't go into detail about Pax's birth story, but I will say one of the most special memories I have of that day was having both my sisters with me when he was born. Being the "go-with-the-flow" individuals we are, I'll admit Ben and I didn't have a "birth plan" and found it so hard to envision what that day would be like before it came. But I did know I wanted my mom and sisters to be a part of it if they wanted to. Since Kristen Faith had already been through the birthing experience twice (making it look easy I might add), she graciously accepted. Rachel, on the other hand, was hesitant at first and with good reason. But she came and brought along her most important accessory as well: her camera. 

On Rachel: I am oh so envious of her at times. Creativity oozes from her, heart and soul. Growing up fairly close in age it sometimes felt like she was my most formidable opponent, and one that constantly outshone me a hundred fold in our artistic endeavors. Whether it was coloring in a coloring book, doing science projects, or taking pictures, she was just always better! And for that I now give God glory. She was born an artist and she can't help but be good at it, it is a continuation of her personality and being.

I am so thankful God has given her this gift of photography. A gift that has turned into a calling. Several years ago she quit a wonderful job with an incredible salary to pursue her dream of being a photographer. She enriches our lives with her photographs and captures precious moments in time that could never be recaptured otherwise. I'll brag on my family all day long, and Rachel is no exception.

Her work speaks for itself, and here is just a sampling of that wonderful day, February 16. And further below, a sample of Pax's newborn photos. To view even more of her work it can be found here.


"Unlike any other visual image, a photography is not a rendering, an imitation or an interpretation of its subject, but actually a trace of it. No painting or drawing, however naturalistic, belongs to its subject in the way a photograph does." 
-John Berge

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-sarah