From Alexis, our new mommy : Luciana “Lulu” was born on August 14, 2018 at 10:33 a.m. weighing 9 pounds and eleven ounces, and measuring 20 3/4 inches long. I was in labor for just over 24 hours before she was born. I went into labor on a Monday morning when I was 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant. My husband had just left for work when I realized the cramps I was feeling were actually coming in waves and getting stronger and stronger. I called him and told him it was time to go around 11:00 am. I still felt ok so I showered and labored at home for a little while, and we decided to head to the hospital when my contractions were about 3 minutes apart, around 4:00 pm. Once we got to the hospital I was 3 centimeters dilated and the contractions were getting stronger. I walked the labor and delivery floor halls with my husband and two aunts who were cheering me on. The contractions kind of stalled a bit and I hadn’t dilated any more after a couple hours so around 1:00 am the doctor suggested pitocin and I asked for an epidural. After that we all got some rest. The doctor came in to check me at 8:00 am and I was fully dilated and almost ready to push. She broke my water and at around 9:30 a.m. I started pushing. Pushing was the best part! I loved seeing the progress I was making and being able to feel the baby’s head was so encouraging! I will never forget the moment she came out and I got to hold her for the first time. I wish I could relive that moment over and over again. The first few weeks of being a mom have been so incredibly wonderful. I love everything about being a mom and I am so thankful to Tiffani for capturing the most special time in mine and my husband’s lives.

Our love story began many, many years ago. Cameron and I grew up being pen-pals, and one each other’s confidant. We shared all our ups and downs through all stages of our lives, always being a safe place full of comfort for one another.

Both of our lives were on very different paths for a very long time. The day our paths finally met up and we began walking hand-in-hand, we knew we found our place in the world.

We started a life together in Southern California and after two years, we welcomed a baby boy into the world. Ezra William has been the greatest gift and has changed us for the better in every way. He has taught us a new kind of love that is all encompassing. He has taught us patience, kindness, and warmth. He is one of the most important lights in our lives, and we feel lucky to be his. Watching him grow has been the most loving experience of our lives.

A year and a half after having Ezra, we were married at the Santa Barbara courthouse. Our wedding day was a celebration of what we already knew in our hearts, and we were beyond lucky to be able to share it with our close friends and family. The day was perfect in every way. There were no nerves, only excitement in joining our families together and celebrate the love and life we have built together. It will be a day we will always remember.

As our lives continue on, our love will only grow, and we look forward to the many years we get to spend together as a family.

love, Amy