Praise God!

Those are the only two words that belong at the beginning of this post about Matt and Karli. As I sit here at my computer prayerfully seeking the right words to tell you their story, I am at a loss. I haven’t walked the path that they have walked as a wife and mother or husband and father. I’ve walked it as a daughter. My childhood was at times defined by the journey of loss and grief. I remember the journey being cold, lonely, difficult, and devastating. But I wasn’t the mother or father and therefore, I do not feel adequate to even begin telling you the story that has led them to this day. I apologize for starting this post out so solemnly, but I feel it only fitting to do so out of respect for the past and for the loss of their first child. But, please be encouraged because theirs is a story of stormy seas, yes, but also of a glorious and peaceful sunrise. “Your sorrow may last for the night, but joy comes with the morning”!

If you’d like to read Matt and Karli’s story I strongly encourage you to go to her blog “Feed Me, Mama!” and read about their journey of “Infertility, Miscarriage, and Hope”.

The day of Matt and Karli’s maternity photos was a day of celebration for me with them! I felt so blessed to be able to capture such a precious and joyous event in their lives. Every time I am around Karli, I leave encouraged by her, even during some of the very difficult days she has had. Karli is an outgoing, vivacious, passionate, and joyous person. I love her hugs and her heart! I don’t know Matt quite as well due to his traveling with the ministry he is involved in and his quiet nature, but it’s obvious that he has a kind heart and relentless spirit to accomplish the good works that God has for him to do. Matt and Karli, I look forward to meeting your sweet little girl in a few short months and celebrating her arrival! You will be fabulous parents and I can’t begin to tell you how filled with joy I am for the two of you. May God bless your growing family!

Aren’t these two such a gorgeous couple?!

The decoration hanging in the tree was handmade by their sister-in-law to decorate little girl’s bedroom. Isn’t it adorable! And such perfect colors to go with Karli’s dress!

We wanted to incorporate Karli’s “Steady” tattoo. Here’s the meaning of the tattoo straight from Karli:

“A few days after we lost the baby, I began asking the Lord to show me ANYTHING to comfort me, to remind me that He was in control. That night, I had a very vivid dream. I was in the bottom of a ship in the middle of a rough storm, the waves tossing the boat about. I was very scared, but the Lord spoke to me in my dream, telling me that He would keep the ship steady, that He knew the way, that He had sailed it all before. With that, I laid down in the boat and fell asleep- and when I awoke, in my heart I had peace that the Lord was in control, and that my family was in His hands.”

Again, praise God! He is faithful to meet us where we are and provide the exact thing we need to encourage our faith and give us peace. Thank you for sharing this intimate detail of your life, Karli! XoXo

What a beauty! Karli, you’re one of the most naturally beautiful people I know! Matt, you’re a blessed man :)

And here she is! Oh, how loved you are little one! Your mom and dad, grandparents, many aunts, uncles and friends CAN’T WAIT to hug and kiss you!

I’m pretty sure shoes don’t come any cuter than these!

“I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. ” Psalms 9:1-2

Feed Me, Mama! blog by Karli