He answered the door and greeted me warmly.  I could hear the kids running around through the house and thought, not for the first time, how amazing it must be.  Mom was calmly fixing the girls hair.  The little boys gave me crooked grins and pitter pattered away.   I met them and forced myself to remember their names.  I looked around their home which in every sense of the word was full of love.  A row of beds, a row of backpacks.  Cookbooks lined the kitchen counter.  Toys and bikes lined the driveway.

Sweet Sarah was expecting her seventh and they claimed, last baby.  They wanted to remember.  Her beautiful and glowing and did I mention, calm?  Him proud and more serious…

We snapped the family pics and then mom went back inside to get ready for her maternity shots.  The light was beautiful, the back porch covered in ivy.  How could I resist?

The oldest and I talk baseball…him older and wiser than the others.  The girls all giggly and cute.  One has freckles and the other doesn't.   The little boys mischievous and wanting mama…  The baby wanting my bracelet.   I wonder….what would the seventh be like?

With the kids watching a movie, it was time for Mama's shoot.  We nestled in the living room and played with the light.  We got out blankets for an informal backdrop.  We laughed and talked babies.  Dad watched and suggested…he obviously treasured this beautiful lady.  Past tense?  No.  He treasures her.  Heart and soul.

Can't you tell?

Sending out prayers and  congratulations to Sarah and Doyle!  Just yesterday, exactly on time and born at home, a sweet baby girl entered this world.  Doesn't that feel just right?