Darlings, this is my best friend from middle school.  Her name is Ashley.

You might be wondering why I have a picture of Ashley looking for something to wear in her closet.  This would be because, when I went to visit her a couple of weekends ago, I was so overcome by how adorable Little Miss Pregnant is, I couldn’t help but take a lot of pictures.  Even in her closet.

And she just let me because she knows it’s just who I am and what I do.

Ashley’s going to have a baby today, her second.  She checked in at the hospital a couple of hours ago and, as soon as I finish writing this and throw my bag into the car, I’m headed her way to photograph baby Landon’s arrival!  About three weeks ago I kept feeling like I should email Ashley and offer to come take pictures of the baby but I kept hesitating because I wasn’t sure if she’d like that or not (after all, I’m not sure if I’d want a camera anywhere near me when I’m in the labor and delivery ward).

But I kept feeling that I should ask her, so I finally sent the following email –

“My little pregnant pumpkin:

When it comes time for little Landon to arrive, would you want me to take some pictures in the hospital?  I am, of course, referring to before and after you give birth, not in the actual moment (unless your heart desires that but I just have this feeling that it does not desire that).  I was just thinking that it might be a nice thing to have later on… I’m totally not offended if you don’t want me to do it, but if you do, say the word and I’ll be at the hospital before you even arrive.”

I was waiting for her polite response of “no, thank you” when I received this back:

“ABSOLUTELY.  That sounds amazing!”

So I’m using some comp time and taking today and tomorrow off from work so that I can be in Knoxville for two blessed events, both the birth of a child and the death of my innocence also known as my mother’s lingerie shower which, in case you’re keeping track at home,  begins in approximately 24 hours.

And with that, it’s time to go load the car and put on my brave face.