On Wednesday evening I had the priveledge of becoming an honorary member of the Belsky family. When I opened the door to Kelly's room just four hours after Drew was born, I heard, "Hi Nadia!" I recognized Carter's voice even before I saw her smiling face. She led me over to her new baby brother and beamed up at me. Wrapped up tightly in his blanket was Andy and Kelly's fourth child and only son. There was a tangible glow of happiness floating through the room. I took a deep breath, just hoping that I could capture even a fraction of the feelings that were written across the faces of this family.
"I'm already so in love with him," Kelly whispered as I snapped my first picture. I could see why. Surrounded by her beautiful daughters, and the overwhelming support of her husband and parents...Kelly couldn't help but see the newness, the difference, the unique experience of this little boy.
Unmoved by the flash of my camera, the disturbance of having his (just too big) hat being removed and replaced, his sisters taking turns holding him carefully in their laps, his blanket being unwound from his little body, Drew peered up with sweet eyes and became a part of his first photo shoot. Before I left for the evening, I showed Kelly a few of the moments that I captured. True to her personality, all she could say was, "STOP IT!" The moment was surreal - - - she was looking at pictures, at proof, that she had just given birth to their son.
I left that evening feeling like I had been a part of something sacred. I had been invited to witness the most miraculous experience - the first moments of a newborn child becoming a part of his family. I kissed Drew on his forehead and silently thanked him for bringing me such joy. I hugged every member of the Belsky clan and when I got to Kelly she sincerely thanked me for being a part of this time in her life. What she doesn't realize is that I was the one who had reason to be grateful.
