My friends and family take me for granted.  I know this because they tell me all the time.  They say, “oh it’s nice having you around because we know we don’t have to take pictures.” However, if you think I’m complaining about that, you’re wrong.  I love it.  I take it as a compliment.   Every once in a while, I get to document something special for them.  This is one of those times – and it is truly an honor.

A little background: Cindi and I have been friends for almost ten years now.  It started with a similar love for music and grew into one of my longest and most cherished friendships to date.  She’s one of the most genuine and thoughtful people I know.  Throughout all these years, I’ve also grown really close to her husband Adam.  These two are at the top of my list.  Now you may remember an engagement session from a few months ago of Michelle and Nick.  Between Adam and Cindi, Nick and Michelle, and myself and my better half, Shannon, it’s rare that we go a few days without seeing each other.  In fact, we make a point out of getting together for dinner, which Nick documents on his blog A Slight Discomfort.

About 7 months ago, I met Adam and Cindi out for a drink, which was very typical for a Friday night.  They saddle up to the bar with me and I offered to buy the first round.  Beer for Adam, water for Cindi.  Weird.  I turn around and look at her and she blurts out… “we’re pregnant!!!!”  And that’s where the story begins.  After that night, we had many of nights talking about all the different possibilities this new opportunity would present itself for all of us, but especially Cindi and Adam.  It was exciting for me because I’ve never been this close to someone who was having a baby.  To this day, I’ve still never changed a diaper.

The weekend of April 13th, Shannon and I had a weekend planned in Minnesota.  On the 14th I woke up to the following texts from Adam – 4:23am “at the hospital” and then… 6:00am “baby girl – 6lbs 9oz.”.  Wow.  A few weeks early but a healthy mom and baby.  On Sunday we drove straight to the hospital to see everyone.

You can expect to see Marilyn gracing the pages of tjuttke photography quite a bit.  After all, I am her official photographer.