I love early weekend morning walks with my daughter where we get away and get to enjoy some
quiet time absorbing the first sun rays of the day.

To see those first golden rays, to feel the warmth on your skin, it is so cleansing and awakening.

Being in the woods, even a small trail near the city does so much to energize my heart and soul.
Combine these ancient trees, with their winding roots, and canopy of color with a still calm lake,
and my daughter and I are in a state of peace.
A moment to reflect, to sit, to listen, to do absolutely nothing except be.

She with her ukulele and stuffy friend.
Me with my camera.

It's in the little moments that our hearts feel most content.

Embrace each day, live in the moment and do not dwell in the shadows.

Much love from Welcome Arms.
Mandy

Turn your face to the sun and all of the shadows fall behind you ~Satin & Steel

It was one of those lovely evenings where I walked and explored along one of my favorite areas of the Nova Scotia coastline, and along with me, I enjoyed the company of these two creative, silly, beautiful girls and their stunning Momma. We hopped over rocks, crouched under trees, twirled, laid in the cool moss, watched the waves crash, smelled the fresh sea air... and amidst it all, captured a lovely evening in imagery for them to cherish always :)

My heart is full
xo
Mandy

A Mother's Love
My girls...
You are precious and amazing in every way.
Through our ups and downs, your light continues to shine,
bringing the sunshine into my every day.
Your creative energies and smiles
bring joy to my soul.
You are the loves of my life! xo

~prose by Mandy, Welcome Arms Photography

Follow your Dreams!
They know the way :)

The anticipation of this little girl's arrival was high, being a second pregnancy with the first moving quite quickly, the prediction was that this little sister-to-be would make a quick welcome into this world! The first call I received from this beautiful Momma was a false alarm, but with the history of a fast birth, myself and the midwives were not taking any chances!

The second call, things seemed to be progressing, but would end up being a lot of start-stopping over the day. During these quiet times, we enjoyed some amazing home-made lemon pie made by Mom-to-be.... and it was divine! When things started to intensify in the early hours of the morning, they ramped up quickly. Momma was amazing as she worked through her breaths, taking some time to work through intensifying contractions in the tub, working through hip rotations and opening up her pelvis, while breathing on her ball. Her husband was there every step of the way, having to remove his ring as his hands were being squeezed so tightly, making sure she stayed hydrated, asking what she needed, always close and oh so present. The birth team was patient and strong, giving Mom and Dad the space they needed, while at the same time offering undeniable support and love. Both grandmothers were present making the morning even more special.

When this precious little girl finally began to crown, Momma was sweating and fatigued, but the energy that comes over a birthing woman in those final moments is always mind-boggling to me. No matter how many times I witness this raw, birthing power, it always brings a warmth to my heart, skipping a beat every time as I aim to stay focused on capturing this much anticipated moment!

And there she was, Mom reached down to bring her to her chest... wrinkly, vernix covered, perfect.

Welcome Little One! You are so Loved!
xoxo