Introducing…Juniper Rachael Joy Lanker!
And just like that, we are a family of 3!
Mark and I are thrilled to announce the arrival of our daughter, Juniper Rachael Joy Lanker, born Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 12:08 p.m. at 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 20 inches long.
Of course, being the daughter of a thespian, Juniper’s entry into the world was nothing short of dramatic. She had gotten quite comfy in her breech position for most of the third trimester, so we were scheduled for a C-section on Thursday, June 9th. But Juniper wanted to keep us on our toes because at 5 a.m. on Sunday morning, my water broke, and seven hours later, we were holding her in our arms.
The bonus days we got with her have been such a gift. We’re so glad she was an early-bird like her dad and not “unfashionably late” like her mama. {Sheepish grin.}
Juniper’s “Fresh 48”
I’m very much looking forward to sharing the details of Juniper’s birth story with you all in the weeks ahead, but first, I wanted to share with you all some photos from our “Fresh 48” photo session in the hospital.
Have you heard of a “Fresh 48” photo session before? It’s usually a quick photo shoot that takes place within the first 48 hours of a baby’s life. It’s less posed than an infant shoot and is more about the real life cuddles, kisses, and yawns. Our photographer Katie from K. Bri Photography did a fantastic job of capturing the love, relief, awestruck wonder, and sheer joy we feel for our June-bug.
Here’s our Juniper…when she was just 46 hours “fresh”!
Juniper is named for the month in which she is born and the evergreen tree bearing blue berries. A juniper bush brought Elijah shade and protection in the desert. Mark even bought me a small juniper tree for Mother’s Day this year, which made me smile every time I entered our front door. We’ve been affectionately calling her Junie and June-Bug since she has been in the womb. What a relief to finally get to spill the beans!
During my pregnancy, I was blown away by all the ways Mark showed his love for me and our Baby Girl. I truly couldn’t imagine loving him more…or him loving us more. And then Juniper arrived! And I watched his eyes fill with tears of joy as he beheld his beautiful daughter for the first time. He calmed her first cries immediately with the sound of his tender voice. He sings her original lullabies that lull her to sleep. He holds her close, and her eyes lock on his, her hero, and I see an unbreakable bond forming. It has been remarkable to see him thriving in this new role as a dad…and loving every minute.
Here are Daddy n’ Daughter, soaking up some skin-to-skin time. A new favorite pastime!
Most of my days are now spent stroking the softest skin imaginable, studying my daughter’s features both unique and familiar, and falling in love with every kissable inch of our Juniper. Tough job, I know. {Smile.}
Every time that little hand tightly grips my finger, my heart skips a beat.
Oh the delight she has brought to our lives!
Current favorite nicknames: Junie, Junie-Bear, Juniper Tree, Junie B. Jones, Mint Junip.
Introducing…the proud grandparents!
This group shot cracks me up because our poses and expressions look like something out of an old-timey photograph.
Oh, how we admire this little one!
Juniper’s two middle names honor her two grandmothers (just like mine do!). Rachael: Mark’s Mom’s first name…
And Joy: my Mom Carolyn’s middle name.
Our hope is that our Juniper will carry on the legacy of her grandmothers, two amazing women who are slow to anger and quick to laugh.
To Close
Words cannot describe the depth of our love for this little girl or the wave of emotions she has thrust us on. We know parenting will be one of life’s greatest adventures. And it has been such a thrill to embark on that adventure…sleepless nights and all.
Thank you, dear reader, for sharing in our excitement over Juniper’s arrival.
Allow me to leave you with this finale photo of some chubby, kissable cheeks.
“How can someone so small hold my heart so tightly?
I don’t even know you, but I love you completely.”
Stay Tuned
I have new posts and projects in the works that I’ll be sharing during my maternity leave, so stay tuned. And in between nursing sessions and catnaps, you can find me over on Instagram sharing way too many adorable photos of our little lady!
With heavy eyelids and a full heart,
All photos by K. Bri Photography. Please do not repost without permission.
She is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!
Thank you so much, Kimberly! You are too kind!
SO happy for you guys! Juniper is a lovely name and a lovely baby 🙂 Many blessings to you all! (June 5 is a good day; my father, daughter, and 2 dear friends share that birthday.)
Aw, shucks. Thanks Meg! And that’s wild to know about all the June 5th birthdays in your family! A fantastic day indeed.
She’s so beautiful – congratulations!! And what a pretty name!!
Aw, shucks. Thank you, Maritza! So glad you’re a fan of the name.
I think I just died of cuteness overload. Those pictures are timeless. I know growing up I always wanted to have photographs like these, but never did. I’m sure little Juniper will treasure them, as will your family.
You and your new family will consistently be in my prayers! Blessings, Lauren!
Your comment brought a huge smile to my face! Thanks for taking the time to look at our photo story…and share this lovely comment. Most of all, thank you for the prayers! That blesses us more than you know.
These photos and your words are true treasures as they remind us of the brand new, special time that YOU, MARK, her grandparents, aunts and uncles, first met her.
Of course baby Juniper is the best gift of all! James 1:17.
So proud of you as parents and know you will enjoy your lives together as a family! Thank you for including us grandparents in the photo shoot. I can’t wait to share many moments of laughter, reading books and the Bible together, adventures, joys, and even tears with Juniper and all of you!
Thank you for this heartfelt comment and for pointing our eyes to God’s Word! We, too, look forward to sharing more time with you two and Junie. Your next visit can’t come soon enough!
So happy for all of you. God blessed you with a precious gift, Juniper. Take each day and love every minute, even those sleepless nights and days. This is a wonderful time for all of you. Thank you for sharing your pictures. Hugs and blessings to all of you.
OH MY. These photos are beyond beautiful. I am so happy for you and your family! She is the luckiest little girl, and she doesn’t even know it yet!
Thank you so much, Katie! You’ve made this mama beam tonight with your epically awesome comment.
Good morning everyone! I’ve been following your blog for a few months now ( your blog is so stunning by such a good creativity). You’ve a French admirer! Be congratulated for first your wonderful blog (which makes me dream) and above all for your little baby so cute! Bravo, bienvenue à bébé et bonne continuation!!!!
Aw, thank you so much for the warm words about my blog and our baby girl! Your support means so much, Maylis!
Congratulations to you both!!!! Oh how beautiful she is!!!! I must add a very blessed little girl to have you two for her parents. Two who love the Lord with all their hearts, souls, minds and bodies and will teach this precious little girl about the Lord Jesus Christ. God bless all three of you.
Congratulations!!! 🙂 She’s beautiful! I love the nickname June-Bug 🙂
Congratulations!!! I am so very happy for you. You are truly blessed by the Lord. I pray that you will always love each other and know the greatest and deepest joy that Jesus came to give you all. Juniper is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations again.
Lauren and Mark … Many congratulations on your new little daughter, Juniper. What a unique name! She is beautiful, and I can see both of you in her. When I read what you wrote about Mark showing his love for you and Juniper, tears welled up in my eyes. She is one lucky baby girl. Thank you so much for letting us into your life to see such precious photos. Again, congratulations and many blessings today and always.
Congratulations to all of you, she is beautiful!
Congratulations, Lauren and Mark. What a little cutie pie she is. Enjoy every minute, even the sleepless nights. Because they grow up TOO fast. Can’t wait to see more pictures. I can see she is going to be one spoiled little girl with all her grandparents around….LOL. Take care!
Congratulations!! She’s precious!! Love all the pictures!!
so happy for all of you. she is a lucky little one.it will be so delightful to share your photos.
Congratulations Lauren! Everyone looks so happy and beautiful. Thanks for sharing all these pics…
Enjoy your bundle of joy 🙂
Congrats Lauren and family. Can’t wait to see how your lovely little one will be a part of your great blog!!!
Congratulations! She is precious! May God continue to bless your beautiful family always!!! So happy for you as you begin your journey as a mommy!!! xo
Thanks so much for sharing this special time with us. The pictures are amazing! Bless you all!
So happy for you Lauren and Mark, and for the Grandparents who adore your precious little Juniper!! What a special gift and blessing! Hard to imagine, but true, your love for her will deepen and grow everyday. So glad you are documenting all the treasured memories!! Thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos!!
She is absolutely precious! Love her name and all the cute nicknames. Big congratulations to you and your family!!!
A baby is a blessing from God and looking at these pictures and your entire post, I know that you all are very aware of that! She is just too cute and I know that you will have the time of your life with her. Enjoy EVERY minute because time passes quickly and before you know it, they are grown. so………….CONGRATS to you all. God bless…
She is beautiful! Your birth story sounds similar to my daughter’s! Breech, scheduled C-section, water broke a couple days before…We always joke about the “lost” weekend and last pre-baby date night that never happened, but oh so worth it! Enjoy your time with your sweet little one!
Congratulations to you, Mark and your whole family! Juniper is a true blessing! Your photos are beautiful and I love her name! My son is named for my grandfathers for similar reasons. May G-D continue to bless you all with happiness and love!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU LAUREN! As soon as I saw this in my blogger dashboard, I SQUEALED with excitement, just like when I first saw that you were prego! Can’t wait to see how little Juniper grows, and how you mature as a parent! I know it’s hard work (not that I’ve been one!) I love her name too!
I already can’t wait to talk to you about how cute Junie Bear is in person! Thanks for sharing these! Love all 3 of you
Congrats again Lauren! I love seeing these photos – how special that you will always have them! She is so beautiful and you all are such a wonderful family. There’s nothing quite as precious as a newborn baby. I am so excited for you all and the wonderful journey you are embarking on… watching your tiny baby turn into a little person is pretty much the best thing ever! Can you believe that in just one short year Juniper might be walking and talking?! Keep sharing lots of pictures!!! ♥
Congratulations! You have truly been blessed with a beautiful daughter. I love her name and you are all just too cute! God bless your beautiful family!
Congratulations!! She is absolutely adorable, and I LOVE her name! Thank you so much for sharing these pictures with us, and congrats again! <3
Juniper – what a lovely name! A blessed, beautiful family of 3. Congratulations. Juniper is the image of her daddy. ☺
Such a beautiful baby girl. Love her name. Congrats! Enjoy this season in your life. It will go by quicker than you think.
Congrats! She’s beautiful and I love her name. Nice to hear good news after so much bad in Florida. Such a blessing.
I’m sitting here crying happy tears as I read your sweet words and look at those pictures! I am so filled with JOY for you and your family, Lauren. She is so beautiful, just like her momma 🙂 That photo of she and Mark, skin to skin – oh my gosh, I melted! Soak it up, sweet momma!
By the way, you look absolutely amazing! Being a mom looks good on you! XOXO Love you so much!
Congratulations!! She is beautiful 🙂 and you are in the best ride of your life (until you become a grandparent!! haha)… isn’t it amazing how much love your heart can hold? every day… enjoy her!
She is just beautiful … Not just saying, that’s the truth! God bless you and your family. Happiness always. Thanks for sharing photos.
I just… I could not be any happier for anyone, I think. These photos make me so emotional, but in a good way. I’m so happy for you and Mark that you have your baby girl, and I am beyond delighted for Juniper to have such incredible parents. I already adore her, and am more determined than ever to come see you in Florida next year 🙂 love you Lauren! <3
Awww, thanks for sharing all of these photos Lauren! I feel like God must just grinning ear to ear… he had this little secret the whole time… and we finally get to join in!!! She is absolutely beautiful and we couldn’t be happier for your whole family!!!