Welcome back to the blog! Today I’m sharing beautiful moments from my recent First 48 Session with baby Carson and his family.

In my previous post, you read about Carson’s birth story, and if you haven’t yet—you should! It was such a wholesome day, and you can find it right here.

What is a First 48 Session?

Unlike a newborn session, where the focus is often on perfectly posed portraits, a First 48 session captures many of the firsts—the raw, fleeting, and beautiful moments of life just after birth. These sessions are often held at the hospital, where we document all those early details, like the tiny hospital bracelets, those classic pink and blue striped blankets, and the cozy newborn hats. Other times, they take place at home, where we capture the first moments of adjusting to life together—rocking in the nursery chair, snuggling on the couch, or simply soaking in the joy of this new chapter.

Why First 48 Sessions Matter

Those first couple of days with a newborn are a whirlwind—exhausting, emotional, and full of love. The tiny details change so quickly, and before you know it, the hospital bracelet comes off, the wrinkly newborn hands start to smooth, and the first moments of sibling introductions become cherished memories. A First 48 session preserves these details forever, allowing you to relive them long after the newborn haze fades.

Carson’s Story: The First Days

A Peaceful First Night

Carson had slept through the night as peacefully as a newborn can. The hospital room was quiet, with the occasional soft sounds of baby stretches and tiny sighs. The next morning was spent soaking in the newborn snuggles, with Samantha and Jeremy adjusting to the newborn routine of tracking feedings and diapers.

Expert Care from Dr. Shirley

One aspect of Carson’s first 48 hours that made the experience so special was the exceptional care provided by Dr. Victoria Shirley at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. From the moment Samantha and Jeremy arrived, Dr. Shirley fostered a warm and personalized atmosphere for their growing family.

She cultivated a peaceful, empowering environment during the birth, creating space for the most meaningful and intimate moments. Dr. Shirley invited Jeremy to catch the baby as Carson entered the world—a moment filled with awe and connection. She encouraged both parents to feel the umbilical cord still pulsing with life, grounding them in the sacredness of the experience. Her calm presence and thoughtful guidance made the entire process feel safe, tender, and truly unforgettable.

Naming Their Newest Addition

Throughout the pregnancy, Samantha and Jeremy tossed around several name ideas but never quite settled on the one. Even after their son was born, they chose to take their time, wanting to be sure his name truly suited him. They also took into account the thoughts of the family members who were present at the birth.

By the time big brother Hudson arrived to meet him, they knew—he was Carson.

Big Brother’s First Meeting

While most of the family got to meet Carson right after delivery, it was too close to Hudson’s bedtime for him to visit, so his first meeting was postponed until the next day. But let me tell you—Hudson was ready!

Jeremy went to meet him at the entrance, and from the moment he saw his dad, Hudson was pulling him along, eagerly saying, “Mommy go! Mommy go!” When they entered the hospital room, Hudson climbed right up onto the bed, wrapping his mom in some much-needed love and cuddles.

Then, the moment arrived. Jeremy gently rolled the baby’s bassinet closer, and together, he and Samantha introduced their first child to their second

Hudson’s face lit up instantly. “Baby! Baby!” he exclaimed with a huge smile, placing his hands on the side of the bassinet to peer inside. Samantha softly asked if he wanted to touch his baby brother, and with an eager “Yeah!” he carefully reached over, touching Carson’s tiny face and resting his hand on his newborn hat. He was so gentle and tender!

Samantha’s heart melted as she watched her two boys together for the first time. Seeing Hudson so full of love for his little brother—it was the moment she had been dreaming about for months.

Soaking in These Moments

There’s something sacred about being invited into these intimate family moments. With this family, I was particularly moved by Hudson’s gentle introduction to his baby brother—those are the split-second expressions that parents might miss in the emotional whirlwind, but that I’m privileged to preserve forever.

The beauty of a First 48 session is that it captures the moments that often blur together in those first few days—the tiny fingers wrapped around Mama’s, the sleepy baby stretches, the quiet bonding between parents and their new little one.

These photos hold more than just memories. They tell the story of the beginning. The first snuggles. The first introductions. The overwhelming love that fills the room when a family grows.

Samantha and Jeremy, thank you so much for trusting me to document these beautiful moments. Your boys are absolutely the cutest!

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If you want to see more of Carson’s earliest days, be sure to check out his Birth Story Here, and if you’re expecting and want these precious first memories captured, let’s chat about a First 48 session! I’d love to document these once-in-a-lifetime moments for your family. Click here to get in touch.

-Aspin