Maternity + Newborn Photos + A Prayer for Dayna

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him.” 1 Samuel 1:27

I have been intending to share these photos on the blog since the link to them showed up in my inbox. It’s amazing though how fast time goes by (and how little time you have) with a newborn in your household. People tell you and you have a basic idea, but there really isn’t much else that has happened in my house other than snuggling, enjoying, (surviving), and taking care of our brand new bundle.

How has six months already gone by since she was born? Even though it’s coming out later than I wanted, these pictures mean the world to us. We didn’t know if we would ever get to have them taken. And I love them too much to keep them to myself!

We went out for this photoshoot on a beautiful day in March, on one of the few days during that week when it was clear and the sun came out for a gorgeous late afternoon. Our photographer was Yetta Reid and she did an amazing job at capturing the excitement and joy we shared for the impending arrival of our baby girl!

When I was pregnant I loved to sing songs to Dayna, and now that she’s with us we still do! One of my favorites was “A Mother’s Prayer” written by the Gettys. Kristyn Getty explains the story behind the song and the wonder she felt from becoming a mother. The significance of the responsibility of motherhood had not escaped her, nor the calling to faithfully pray for her child. In the few short months since her birth we have felt the same awe and gratitude for being blessed with this role of parenting our Dayna. The lyrics to this beautiful song say it better than I could — “May you trust Him ’til the end.”

“Before you close your eyes to sleep
I have a promise still to keep
As I hold you in my arms.
I pray your little frame grows strong
And that faith takes hold while you are young;
This is my prayer for you.

Hold my hand;
I’ll teach you the way to go.
Through the joys, through the tears,
The journey of these years,
May you trust Him ‘til the end.
May you trust Him in the end.

This world is not as it should be,
But the Savior opens eyes to see
All that’s beautiful and true.
Oh may His light fill all you are
And the jewel of wisdom crown your heart;
This is my prayer for you.

You’ll travel where my arms won’t reach
As the road will rise to lead your feet
On a journey of your own.
May my mistakes not hinder you
But His grace remain and guide you through;
This is my prayer for you.

Take His hand
And go where He calls you to.
And whatever comes, seek Him
With all your heart;
This will be my prayer for you.
Father, hear my ceaseless prayer;
Oh keep her in your care.”

– A Mother’s Prayer by Keith and Kristyn Getty

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 127: 3-4

On the eighth day of Dayna’s entrance into this world, we had the opportunity to have photos taken of our family of three for the first time. It was such a wonderful moment to savor as Yetta once again worked her magic to create some gorgeous photos. I loved watching her work as she intricately wrapped Dayna’s perfect tiny body in pink and white swaddles and documented the details of her delicate face, fingers, and toes.

We brought a few keepsakes with us for the photoshoot. Caleb had purchased the gold medallion necklace for me in Rovinj, not knowing at the time that was where God would answer our prayers. Dayna’s bow was made by a friend who also went through several years of infertility before welcoming their own baby girl. The necklace I wore that day was given to me by another mother who went through infertility that simply said “Hope.” It’s been a reminder of not only the hope that God gave me throughout our wait but the hope for our future family that others held onto for us.

It was an emotional end to the week for us. We were still reeling from the news of Dayna’s diagnosis along with the normal overwhelming feelings of adjusting to a baby being in your home. It was a welcomed reason to take an hour to sit quietly, cuddle up with Dayna, and enjoy soaking in the moment.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

May you never doubt our love for you, our beautiful Dayna. You are a beautiful gift of life to us. God’s timing and His plans are not our own, and for that we are grateful. Even though we are far from perfect we commit to seeking the Lord for wisdom on being the best parents we can be for you. May you become a woman of God that reflects Christ’s character of servanthood, compassion, and grace. We have already seen how God has used your short time on earth to bring Him glory and renown. May you laugh, love, and above all seek Him with all your heart. We are blessed to be your parents and cherish every day with you that we have been given.

“When you meditate on the fact that God has entrusted a human soul to your care, it could not be any clearer that this little one does not exist for your personal happiness or fulfillment. He or she was created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Catherine Claire Larson, Waiting in Wonder

Dún do shúil, a rún mo chroí
(Close your eyes, oh love of my heart)
A chuid den tsaol, ‘s a ghrá liom
(My worldly joy, my treasure)