Feed the baby, bathe the baby, hold the baby, nurse the baby, wrap the baby, soothe the baby, change the baby, rock the baby…

Although I’ve never experienced it, I can imagine that being a new mom is one of the most wonderful, yet demanding jobs in the world. All of your life you’ve been used to just taking care of yourself and then suddenly, there’s this new little life that matters so much more to you than your own.

Now imagine your husband leaving less than two weeks after your daughter’s birth to serve our country in a foreign land halfway across the world from you, and you can start to understand the admiration I have for Ali. I simply don’t know how she does it all… and does it all so well.

I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity I had of documenting a day in the life of Ali and Aspen. The thought of Ty seeing these pictures of his sweet girls makes my heart melt with such incredible joy, and yet at the same time, ache at the very thought of it.

I loved the thoughtful pieces that Ali brought for the shoot – a wooden painted sign that hangs in Aspen’s room, their matching cowgirl boots, Aspen’s book collection, and the soft pink elephant Ty bought just for Aspen when she was born – each one showing a piece of their life.

My heart is full of extreme gratitude for courageous men like Ty who sacrifice so very much for our freedom, and who miss their families with every beat of their heart. How hard it must be for this family to be apart and yet, every day that passes brings them one day closer to being reunited again.

So for the world, but especially for you, Ty, presenting your beautiful wife and precious four-month old Aspen…