Welcoming Baby Myla at Northwest Medical Center Bentonville
When my friend Amanda reached out during her pregnancy, she was glowing with excitement and had the sweetest idea: an Announcement/Gender Reveal session. I couldn’t wait to help her share the news about her baby girl! Amanda planned to deliver at Northwest Medical Center Bentonville and she also asked me to document her Fresh 48 session there. She wanted me to capture a truly special moment: the first time her oldest daughter, Layla, met her new baby sister.
About a week before Amanda’s induction, she gave me the heads-up, and her husband, Kyle, kept me updated as the big day unfolded. The texts were coming in fast:
“She’s at a 5.”
“They broke her water—she’s at a 6.”
Then suddenly: “She’s at a 9, but it might be a little bit.”
I was hoping to make it in time for the pushing stage, just in case Amanda wanted those first-breath photos. But it turns out, Amanda delivers babies faster than I can wrangle my two boys into the van! Before I knew it, Kyle texted, “She’s here! 8lbs, 10oz!”
When I arrived at their birthing suite, Kyle met me at the door with a proud smile. Myla was in her mama’s arms, basking in Golden Hour—the magical first hour after birth—bonding and nursing peacefully. The room was calm, organized, and radiated joy. Amanda even offered snacks from her perfectly packed bags (because southern hospitality doesn’t take a break—even after giving birth!).
I dove right in, moving a few things around and capturing the sweet, serene moments of this new family of four. Fresh 48 sessions like this are why I love photography so much. The emotions in the room are palpable. Time seems to stand still, and nothing else exists but love, peace, and the miracle of new life.
After snapping some photos of Kyle, Amanda, and Myla, it was time for Layla to meet her baby sister. Layla was shy at first, but she quickly snuggled into bed with her mama, soaking up the love. Amanda gently asked her what she thought of her baby sister. Layla looked at Myla and, with the most curious expression, asked, “Uh, where is she?”
We all burst out laughing. I think Layla was expecting Myla to be bigger—or at least crawling around. It was such an adorable and genuine moment that perfectly summed up the innocence and wonder of childhood.
Layla is going to be an incredible big sister—sweet, gentle, and just spunky enough to keep things fun. I can’t wait to watch these two girls grow up together.
Here are some of my favorite images from this beautiful session at Northwest Medical Center Bentonville. Congratulations, Amanda, Kyle, Layla, and baby Myla!
