09/01/2026
I can’t imagine what it would be like to discover you’re pregnant at 18 years old.
At that age, you’re still trying to finish high school, figure out who you are, make plans for your future and do all the things young people normally do at that point in their lives.
And suddenly, everything changes.
Jennifer told me she was terrified when she found out she was pregnant with Hayden. She laughed and said she was scared of babies and scared to have one.
I think that’s probably pretty understandable at 18.
Actually, it’s probably understandable at 28, too.
Jennifer will also be the first to tell you that she and Hayden have been through their share of ups and downs over the years.
But through all of it, something pretty wonderful happened.
Today, Jennifer looks at her daughter as her best friend.
And after spending some time with Hayden, I can understand why she is so proud of her.
Hayden is artistic. She’s comfortable being different. She has her own look, her own personality and doesn’t seem terribly interested in fitting herself neatly into somebody else’s box.
I liked her right away.
She even has one set of eyelashes that is blonde and the other dark. It’s such a distinctive little feature and somehow seems absolutely perfect for someone with an artistic soul like Hayden.
But what stood out to me even more was her personality.
She is kind, considerate and compassionate.
I also loved seeing how much she enjoyed having her grandparents there for the photo shoot. You could tell immediately how much Hayden is loved by them.
And I think having her dad there meant every bit as much to Jennifer.
Every time we talked about it, Jennifer would tear up.
Actually, tears became a bit of a recurring theme when we sat down afterward to look at the photographs, too. 😂❤️
Hayden’s stepmother came to the reveal as well, and I loved seeing the relationship there. There was no sense of “step” anything. You could tell she simply looks at Hayden as family.
I haven’t had the chance to meet Hayden’s dad yet, but hopefully someday I will.
Jennifer told me that Hayden is the greatest gift she has ever received.
But I don’t think she really needed to tell me.
I could see it.
The smiles you see on Jennifer’s face in these photographs are completely real.
I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever photographed a mother who was more visibly excited or more incredibly proud of her daughter. I’ll remember standing there in the studio that night and watching Jennifer smile from ear to ear while we photographed Hayden.
There was something very special about seeing a mother who once found herself at 18 years old, terrified at the thought of having a baby, standing there all these years later absolutely bursting with pride over the young woman that baby became.
Funny how life can write a story you never could have imagined at the beginning.
And Hayden, I hope this isn’t the last time I get you in front of my camera.
I would LOVE to see you become part of Ratchford Next Top Model someday.
We love celebrating young people here, but I have a particular soft spot for the ones who are willing to be a little different, take some chances, express themselves and not worry too much about looking like everybody else.
I think you’d fit right in.
And Jennifer, all those tears at the reveal?
That’s allowed.
Isn’t that what a proud mama does? ❤️
