Full Circle: A Return, A Baby, and June 21st
Hi friends – it's been a little quiet over here, hasn't it?
The past few months have been filled to the brim — a move, a few family getaways, and soaking in this sweet season of life with my babies. I didn’t mean to take a break from blogging, but somewhere between packing boxes and pool days, time just slipped by. And honestly, I think I needed that pause. A chance to breathe, reset, and remember why I love this work so much in the first place.
But what better way to jump back in than with a story that brought everything full circle?
A few weeks ago, I was fast asleep when my phone rang at 3:30am. Courtney’s husband was on the other end, and this time, there was no calm tone — just urgency. “Brandy! Courtney’s water just broke and she’s at 9cm — she’s ready to roll!” I bolted out of bed, pulled on whatever clothes I could find, grabbed my gear, and whispered a little prayer as I flew out the door.
Now, let me pause for what makes this story so special: Courtney was my midwife. She was there when my son Noah was born on June 21, 2023 — guiding me, encouraging me, and believing in me every step of the way. And now, two years later to the exact day, she was bringing her own baby girl into the world.
By the time I arrived, their little girl was already here — but I walked into the sweetest, most peaceful scene. Courtney was glowing, soaking in those first moments with her daughter. There was something so sacred about that quiet morning, almost as if time stood still. I may have missed the final push, but I got to capture the part that matters most — a mama’s first look at her baby girl, a dad’s joy written all over his face, and a love that filled the room completely.
To be there for Courtney, on this day of all days, felt like coming full circle — from being the one on the birthing side of the camera to standing behind it, documenting the first chapter of her daughter’s story.
Thank you, Lester family, for letting me witness this day. And to all of you still here, thanks for sticking with me through this quiet season. I’m back, and I can’t wait to share more stories like this.
