The five stars stand for the number of years it took Amber’s tumor to go away.  Five years of hope that maybe the 77 pills a week would finally work and maybe…hopefully…her and Joey would get pregnant.

I love shooting births.  I’ve been in many labor rooms…always as the photographer staying the shadows…only occasionally stepping up to help when needed…usually with foot or back massages.  Once I helped a mom push doing some sort of tug-of-war exercise with a towel when the midwife ran out of strength.  Sometimes these things take a very long time.

Eleven years ago today, my brother Chuck called me and told me it was time.  Amber and Joey were on their way to the hospital.  By the end of the day Maddy had made her way into this world…like a fireball.  

With a new life comes hope.  That day as I drove home from the hospital, I wondered what kind of person Maddy would grow into.  If she would be artistic like her mother…an animal lover like her father.  Would she be a kind person…a good friend to others.  Turns out she is all of these things…and so very much more.

Happy Life Day, Maddy.  May the next 11 years be full of horse riding and kitten cuddles and many amazing adventures!

Love, Greatest Aunt Stephy