Birth is such an incredible event.  I am so thankful that I was asked to capture the day this family met their little girl for the first time because the dad and mom are the ones who caught their daughter!  It was so sweet and so emotional.  This woman's face when she holds her little girl for the first time gets me everytime I watch their video.  It was such a beautiful moment for their family and it was an honor to be a part of it. 

Oh, the anticipation and excitement over this little baby's arrival is so great!!  Mom, Dad, and all the siblings just CAN'T WAIT to meet the newest member of their family--and neither can I!  Everyone is still debating if it's a boy or a girl and at the moment I'd say the votes are split right down the middle.  But one thing is for certain--this little baby is loved more than s/he knows and we are all anxiously awaiting the day when we get to meet this little one!  

This family is super special to me and it was so fun to get to spend some time with them as they got ready to celebrate little sister's first birthday.  It's hard to believe almost a year ago we were all waiting for it to be "the time."  What an empowering, memorable birth (I had the honor of photographing this home VBAC and you can see it here)!  Now here we are and that little girl has grown SO MUCH!  

This sweet girl was sure in a hurry to get here!  We came right when she called and well still almost missed it.  I'd say we've got another strong and determined little girl in our midst!  :)  It would be more than fair to say that she gets it from her mom.  This lady acted like a pro at this labor thing, fast and furious though it was.  It was amazing to witness such a peaceful labor!  

There's something about getting to be with your best friend when she delivers her baby--I'm not sure I've been more excited about a birth since I had my own babies!  The lady was with me, supporting me with my babies and I'm so glad I was able to be there with her while she labored to bring her little one earthside.  Labor is hard work, but when we are surrounded by those who love us, encourage us, and support us, it makes the work less overwhelming.  This is a birth story that I will treasure always because this family means so much to me, so I hope you enjoy watching this incredible woman on the day she welcomed her little man into their family!  

What an awesome birth! 

Early this morning, one waiting mama had her day begin with a big gush of breaking water.  Baby had been teasing us for a couple weeks, but there was no denying it this time!  Everyone excitedly gathered (again) at the hospital, ready to meet the newest member of their family. 

Mama walked and rocked and swayed for as long as she was able, but there came a time when she was ready for some relief.  Baby, though, had other plans.  While waiting for the anesthesiologist, mama was suddenly feeling the need to push with her contractions.  In  matter of 45 minutes, she had gone from 5 cms to 10 cms! 

Have I mentioned how much I love surprise babies?  Mommy and Daddy made all of their family guess whether baby was a boy or a girl before they were allowed in the room.  It was wonderful!  Everyone was smiling from ear to ear and baby is as precious as can be. 

Congratulations, Mommy and Daddy!  Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your special day and share in the sweet beginning of your family!

~Rebekah

I actually thought I might miss a delivery this morning!  There's always that chance that labor will progress quickly and I won't make it before the baby is born, but that is not typically how it goes.  This morning gave me a run for my money, though! 

My phone rang at 3:40 this morning.  Contractions had started around 2 a.m. and they were pretty sure this was it.  Mom was planning to labor at home for awhile, but while I was gathering up my things, I got a call saying that she couldn't stay home any longer and they were headed to the hospital.  I met them at the hospital at 4:30 and she was 8 to 9 cms!

At 7:41 this morning, a sweet new soul joined our world.  Another surprise baby (yay!) and beautiful new family of three is born. 

Congratulations Mommy and Daddy!

~Rebekah

I just got home from welcoming a new baby into the world.  Well, actually, I just finished stuffing my face with some long overdue dinner, but that's irrelevant.  :) 

I loved watching this family dance through labor.  Mama and Daddy were accompanied by their 2 young kids.  It was beautiful!  The youngest was cooling his mama with cold washcloths and the oldest was holding mama's hand and taking pictures (a birth photographer in the making!).  It was incredible to watch this family working together, supporting each other and welcoming their newest member as a unit. 

One of my favorite parts of this birth is that the family did not find out if they were having a boy or a girl.  Mama seemed pretty convinced that it was a girl, but SURPRISE!  Baby is a boy!  I think she said, "I can't believe I have another boy!" at least 7 times while I was there.   She was thrilled...and maybe a little surprised.  :)

I am so thankful that they let me be a part of it all.

Pictures to come soon! 

~Rebekah