I have been friends with Tara since we were teenagers. So.....a VERY long time.  She was my maid of honour in my wedding. She was there for the birth of my oldest. She was by my side when my marriage ended. 

When her and her husband decided to start their family, I was with her every step of the way. Every question she had, I tried to answer. We talked before and after every appointment. For years, I cried with her with every negative pregnancy test. I lamented over her bruised belly from the shots. We made horrid jokes, just to not get too sad.

Till one day, I was sitting in the parking lot of the mall. And I got a text. An "OMGGGGG!!!" text. And, there, in the mall parking lot, I sobbed. 

Finally, Tara was going to be a mom. As I looked at those beautiful lines on her test, I cried. I didn't even cry when I found out about my own pregnancies! But for Tara and Jeff, man, those tears flowed. I honestly can't think of a couple more deserving of being parents.

I documented her pregnancy the only way I know how. And the first year (as best I could, due to Covid restrictions.) Their daughter is the most beautiful, amazing baby girl. I love her so much. My kids consider her their cousin. My middle kid, especially, is so in love with her!

I'm so so so blessed to watch this baby girl grow. I love her parents more than words can say and I'm so very happy their dream came true!!