Sarah and Darren chronicled Jack’s short life with grace, humor and faith. He was rallying, he was growing, we all thought he was going to make it.
But he didn’t.
And on a rainy October day, Sarah and Darren buried their first-born child, their son.
Are you crying? I am. Now get ready for the happy tears.
Grandpa died in January. Selfishly, I still miss him. But it was his time and he surely had a joyful reunion in heaven with his wife whom he had mourned for four years.
In February, darling baby Sofia came to Matt and Jessica(you saw their adoption photos here two weeks ago). And shortly after that Sarah announced she was expecting, again.
I’m a hyper-drive worrier when I’m pregnant but I can’t imagine how joyful and fearful this pregnancy has been for Sarah and Darren. I can’t imagine losing so much….and risking my heart again.
As Sarah neared the end of her pregnancy, she and Darren moved into the “little house” where Grandma and Grandpa spent happy weekends.
Sweet Audrey Pay came into the world Saturday afternoon. 6lbs. 6 oz. profoundly healthy and beautiful all over.
Baby Jack will always be missed, just as we miss all our loved ones, but this sweet girl fills her parent’s aching empty arms and hearts. As Grandpa would say, “Things will work out. Keep trying. Be believing. Be happy. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out.”


Audrey’s great-grandmother’s maiden name was Pay.
Grandma always used Pay as a middle name and now Audrey shares that privilege.
This is of course, grandma’s ring.





They don’t want her out of their sight.







Jessica
What a great photo, Michelle! You have captured her sweetness perfectly!
Annie
oh my goodness, what a sweet shot! Makes me want to time travel and have you photograph my own three wee babies, way back when.
Great job.
Blue
Step aside Anne Geddes!
♥
twoelves
So adorable. I can’t wait to see more.
Jan Russell
She is BEAUTIFUL! I wish one just like her would show up in a basket on my doorstep 😉
Chelle
I figure I need to come up with one code word, like: INCREDIBLE! that I can use when I see your photography skills. Then I won’t have to be redundant when commenting about how beautiful, touching, lovely, unique, perfect and spot on your photos are.
From now on… INCREDIBLE stands for all of the above. Deal? : )
millertimeab
amazing!
Tracy
She is perfect. Thank you for the happy tears!
Redhoodoos
Just beautiful.
Ken
PURE JOY!
Thank you for sharing their joy.
twoelves
Beautiful! Love the little toes shot – darling. I almost want another baby just so you can take the pictures.
Jessica
These are all so perfect. So Perfect.
Claudia
Truly magical. The Lord is so mindful of our hurts and sorrows. Thank you for sharing this beautiful miracle. Still crying, too.
Michelle Vilensky
Oh Michelle! What a gift you have in capturing the magical moments in life! It was when I got to Audrey with Jack’s bunny that I couldn’t hold the tears back any longer. And I don’t even know these people–that’s how amazingly talented you are!
millertimeab
um yes crying!
beautiful, baby, pictures, her story, and of course her name
m_and_m
Beautiful.
If I had to pick a fave (luckily, I don’t) I’d pick the one on the coffee table.
What a beautiful baby. She IS so tiny!
(Mine were never so small….)
Ada Bowler
I am Sarah and Jessica’s cousin, and can’t help but rejoice in the beautiful miracle of little Audrey Pay! These photos are priceless!
Tiffanie
Beautiful and you are an AMAZING photographer!
Mama
Thank you so much for this post. I am so glad to see a new chapter begin in that precious family’s life. It really lifts my spirit.
Life Trekking Mama
Wow. What a powerful and touching life story! Thank you so much for sharing.
Love,
A.