Family, completed.

Sometimes life doesn't happen as expected. Sometimes it's much better.

I met with Shelly and her beautiful family last week for a session at her in-law's Atlanta home. We had a fun playing with 15 month old Jack, running through hoops and tickling him with feathers to get him to smile. And it was a beautiful summer day.

After our session, Shelly and I had a chance to wind down, talk girl's talk, and I got to learn about how their family became a family...

Shelly had just come back from working in New York, fell in love with her childhood neighbor, and soon after - found out un-expectantly, they were expecting! Within 4 months, they married without witnesses in the Caribbean's. Life was about to start for this 24 year old.

Then Jack was born, and Shelly's world changed. This sweet, cuddly, little boy smiled when they looked at him, didn't care where they lived or how chaotic life was, and made everyday a day worth celebrating.

I really believe children are God's gift to us. Whether we're ready for them or not - they teach us to care and love unconditionally. The allow us to grow out of old habits and become responsible parents. And we begin to find joy in the smallest things in life.

I'm so glad to have witnessed all of the joy in Shelly's life and hear her story of her family. She feels complete, and that is a wonderful thing.