12/15/2024
As the Year Wraps Up:
What a year it has been! As we embrace the joyful holiday spirit and spend this advent season in reflection, Iโm feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude while wrapping up my first full year in business. The joy and peace of this season are only magnified by the immense blessings Iโve experienced in 2024.
This year, I had the honor of attending 14 births: 9 in hospitals and 5 at home, including 2 free births. These beautiful stories brought 9 baby boys and 5 baby girls into the world, and I was privileged to pray over and document each one. I only missed 1 birth (barely!), which was a lesson in distance managementโ1 hour and 45 minutes was cutting it too close, even though the midwife and I arrived simultaneously. My longest birth had me awake for 36 hours (a 24-hour labor), while my shortest was just 30 minutesโan absolute God moment, as I was already in Wichita and wouldnโt have made it otherwise.
I also circled back to my HERBAL doula training this year. While Iโm not offering doula services, I want my clients to feel confident knowing I understand and support any birth experience, staying calm and collected when plans suddenly change.
A significant milestone for me was being approved by the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS) Foundation, where Iโll soon volunteer my time and photography services to support families experiencing infant loss. Iโm currently completing my training and plan to serve families in Wichita, Hutchinson, Enid, Winfield, and surrounding areas by the start of 2025.
Another highlight this year was reinvesting in my business with the purchase of my dream camera and lens (Canon R5 C with a 35mm macro lens) and a new Mac for editing. This setup has truly elevated the quality of my photos. I even dabbled in Photoshopโwhile Iโm not an expert, learning to face-swap to save group shots feels like a small but mighty win!
Beyond births, I stayed busy with newborn and maternity sessions, family portraits, pregnancy announcements, a baby shower, co-op events, and even yearbook photos. My biggest project? Documenting our countyโs 6-day 4H fair, which included everything from livestock shows to community gatherings. Running on 4 hours of sleep during that week was absolutely worth it. I was also honored to speak to 4H students about photography and canโt wait to mentor them in 2025 as they begin their own photography projects.
Looking ahead to 2025, Iโm entering the year with an open heart and complete trust in Godโs plan for my business. This year stretched me far out of my comfort zone, and there were moments I doubted myself. But time and again, God stepped in, filled my schedule, and surrounded me with the most amazing mamas and families. Watching their littles grow over the year has been such a joy.
Iโm thrilled to have my first repeat client lined up and look forward to focusing on the Motherhood Bundles Iโve carefully curated. I also humbly ask for your prayers as I step into the unknown territory of serving through NILMDTS. I donโt know exactly what to expect, but Iโm committed to being moldable and willing as God leads me.
A heartfelt thank you to my incredible support systemโthe friends who talk me off ledges, proofread my work, offer encouragement (or kind corrections), and even watch my kiddos when a mama calls and I drop everything to leave. You know who you are, and you mean the world to me. This journey wouldnโt be possible without my village, and I am so deeply grateful for each of you.
To all of you who have supported me through likes, shares, heartfelt reviews, and referrals: thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the rest of this season with your loved ones. Donโt worryโyouโll still hear from me before the year is over because I have some adorable Christmas newborn toes to share!
With love,
Sydney