Dear Gage,
Happy birthday little man, today was a good day to be born. And not just because you were one cheese stick away from weighing nine pounds. No, today was sunny and warm for November. Also? 2009 has been kind of a crappy year for a lot of us who were already here so your arrival was a welcome delight to everyone who’s lucky enough to know your parents.
OH YOUR PARENTS. Such lovely people. Obviously I’m a huge fan of your mom, but your dad is pretty amazing as well. And your big sisters? I’m pretty sure given that you’re already 12 hours old you’re probably bigger than Birdie, and PK? Don’t worry about her, she’ll be off playing Polly Pockets with my kid. You and your dad are outnumbered and will have to stay close to each other.
You have been born into so much love.
SO. MUCH. LOVE.
I got to the hospital moments after you were born. Apparently you had a schedule to keep to seeing as how you came screaming out of your mom leaving her wondering what the hell just happened. (P.S. She didn’t have any pain meds, I have a good feeling you will be reminded of this regularly. So when you get the chance? Buy her something shiny.) I walked into the room to your dad smiling proudly over his son. You. I was there when your mom gasped when she saw you for the first time. And honestly? You were (and are) perfect. You looked so tiny in your dad’s arms. You fit so naturally into your moms embrace. And when your mom held you for the first time?
This is the kind of joy that can only come with babies.
Welcome to the world little man. I promise to teach you all about Chick-Fil-A, chocolate cake and crossing monkey bars.
I’m glad you’re here. I look forward to nibbling on you often.
xo-Miss Casey
making unbreakable - formerly moosh in indy. 
awwww he is adorable. and your pictures are lovely lovely as always. smooch him for me, k?
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That was beautiful, Casey.
Many congratulations to them!
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Beautiful post Casey. That pick of Em hugging Gage has me bawling.
Great shots!
XOXO
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@sam {temptingmama},
Totally agree. Don’t even know this woman, but the picture of her and her son brought tears to my eyes – true joy.
Lovely post, gorgeous photos!
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SMOOOOOSH
Dang. He’s perfect.
Congratulations, Emily, Papa & Sisters.
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so amazing,I started crying by the second photo and was a complete mess by the end.
I am so very happy for her.Welcome baby Gage!
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Ugh. Pic. Not pick. But you did pick it to share, so it’s still a good pick. whatever.
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You’re right, total weeping and baby lusting all over the place. There is so much beauty and joy in the photos and your words. I can’t wait to hear her tell his birth story! He’s amazing.
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Cutest. Baby. Ever. and those pictures are absolutely beautiful. So happy for Emily and her family. *sniff*
Welcome to the world Gage!
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A boy!!!! I’m so excited! I’m so happy!
What an honor that you got to be there so soon after the birth and witness such joy. Beautiful post, Casey.
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I’m weepy and baby rabid and I came over anyway.
DUMB.
He is so gorgeous, you are so sweet and I am so bawling.
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This is so beautiful.
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Such exciting happy news! My best friend was in the delivery room taking pictures as my son was born. Those pictures are so beautiful and priceless to me, as I’m sure these are to Emily. Beautiful post.
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Beautiful photos as usual! Big hugs and love to Emily and family, he looks like a healthy kid!
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It was a bit of a crap week. This has vastly improved on it. Beautiful shots, per usual.
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I’m all snotty crying now. Beautiful pictures of such an amazing touching moment.
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Those pictures are amazing. She should buy you a Chick-Fil-A sandwich for capturing that moment so perfectly. Welcome to the world, baby Gage! (your name is way cool)
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That was so sweet, Casey!
He is one of the most adorable babies ever!
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Awww, hi baby! Love your name, and you’re pretty darn cute, too.
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What beautiful pictures!!!!
Although my baby is only a year old those photos make me want to have another right now!!!!
Congrats to the happy parents!
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I.
Love.
Him.
*weep* *weep* SOB!
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Aww, what a little love!
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WTH! (that’s “What The Heck” cause your totally not into the f-bomb)
Now I’m pissed that you weren’t there to take pictures of when I had kids come clawing their way out of my vagina. My pictures not nearly as beautiful.
She’s so lucky to have you as a friend! Even if you hadn’t have taken such beautiful photos!
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So gorgeous. Congrats to Emily and family!
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These are unbelievable! They are making me weep and weep. Great job, to everyone!
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Casey –
This morning my mind is foggy, and words don’t come easily.
Tears, on the other hand – are readily available.
These pictures and this post are priceless to me, just as you are.
Love you so much!
~emily
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Trying to hold back the jealousy monster as I think of someone getting to see and hold my beloved nephew while I am still miles and miles away, but so thankful you were there to capture these fleeting, precious moments. You’re a good friend to my brother and Emily, and for that I am ever-grateful. Looking forward to seeing more pics of this treasured and much-anticipated little man. (You do beautiful, breathtaking work.)
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Great shots and congrats to Emily!
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Beautiful post. I can’t believe she had a little boy. He’s gorgeous.
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I’m impressed, Casey, that you obtained such gorgeous images. If I were there minutes after my friend giving birth, well, I’d have nothin’ but tears! Congrats to the DesignHer family.
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Oh my I was in tears by the second picture. Oh my.
Steph
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That was absolutely adorable!!!
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what a cutie pie!!!!
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beautiful!!
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This was beautiful Casey. And so needed this week.
Welcome baby Gage.
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LOVE this! What a gift you have given to Gage and his parents!
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ohhhhh casey….. A) my uterus is angry with you because now i wanna hava nutha babay… and B) i wanna hava you do your photo thang that you are oh so gifted with.
absolutely gorgeous. all of it. in every possible way.
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Thank you for being there to welcome Gage. These photos are a treasure. I can still feel the intensity of those first moments when I look at these. Amazing!
Many, many thanks!
Michael
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Oh, horrah! And how wonderful that you got to meet him so soon after his arrival.
Also, does this mean if I have a third (after having 2 boys) it’ll be a girl?
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What a beautiful post! The pictures were sweet and the sentiment? You made me cry.
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Just when I think your pictures won’t make me cry anymore, you go and do this! What a gift to give Emily and her family. Girl, you have been blessed beyond belief with a talent to give others joy. including me.
thankful for you.
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What amazing pictures. You captured the moment beautifully!
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Lovely. He’s beautiful. Just like his momma.
Casey – These pictures are brilliant. If I ever have another child, I’m going to have you on speed dial! 😉
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oh man, this makes me so weepy. Beautiful photos and beautifully written!
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thank you for doing this. it’s hard to be a good friend living so far away and not be able to rush to the hospital to take part in the joy. this helps make it better!
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Chills, just lots and lots of chills. The pictures are amazing! What a gorgeous little fella! Thank you for brightening my Monday morning!
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Baby Gage-welcome to the world!
Miss Casey-thank you for taking such beautiful photos to share with us the joy of adding another babe to a family of love.
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Beautiful. Congratulations to the lucky parents and families.
Ah. I love babies. (:
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What a special post, what special pics to capture such a special moment. He is precious beyond words.
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So sweet and the pictures are adorable. What great little guy!
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Amazing shots. And words to go with.
Congrats to Emily and family. Baby Gage is adorable! Warms my heart. Me loves me some babies!!!
Kasey
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