Ashley and Joe welcomed their sweet baby Maxwell Thomas in December, and several weeks later I had the absolute honor of spending the morning with them in their home in Indianapolis to photograph them in the first phase of parenthood. I remember it well–the beginning is a blur, time that moves both too swiftly and too slow, moments that fill you with absolute joy and overwhelming exhaustion. It’s almost indescribable how your heart continues to expand time and time again with every new coo or smile.

 

Ashley is such a sweet and patient mama. Max cried as the rain clouds rolled in outside, and she hushed him, nursed him, and rocked him close until he drifted off to sleep again. She and Joe have such a wonderful relationship. They lovingly referred to one another as ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ in their conversations with each other; a new endearing nickname for one another now that Max is here. I had to smile when I heard this, as my grandparents always did the same.

 

 

The nursery is themed around adventure, and I can certainly tell that there will be plenty of wonderful memories to be made here! Joe has such a protective and calm nature with his beautiful wife and new son that was so wonderful to witness. With a new baby comes a new sense of purpose, and it suits him well!

 

 

And we can’t forget their curious kitty who stayed close by!

 

 

I am so humbled to have the opportunity to capture these precious moments for families like Ashley and Joe. To witness their journey into parenthood has been such a blessing, and I am so honored that these images will forever hold a piece of their story that continues to unfold.