It is so empowering to get to watch a woman reach down, let her baby's head fill her hands, and then pull her baby out of her body and up to her chest.  It is one of the most amazing moments in life!  

This mama worked for it.  Labor was longer than she'd thought it would be.  She kept having these long breaks at the end, too.  At one point she said, "I feel like this is taking forever."  But she had the most amazing support system.  She had her husband by her side giving both physical and emotional support.  The way he would look at his wife while she was working to bring their baby earthside almost brought me to tears a couple of times.  She had several of her friends at her house.  They were making food, running errands, and helping with the older siblings.   She also had her online supporters who were watching the live stream and cheering her on along the way.  She had her midwife and birth team making sure she and baby were doing fine.  She was held up on all sides and so was able to focus on doing the work of labor.  

She looked gorgeous while doing it and now has a gorgeous little girl to share this life with.  Congratulations, Teller family!!  What a beautiful day this was.  I'm so thankful that I got to be a part of it.  <3

If there is anything predictable about birth, its that it is unpredictable.  

Bethany had been having some contractions for awhile, but they weren't seeming to progress to the real deal.  And then they stopped all together.  And then they started...and stopped.  So when they started again, Bethany called and said they were going to head into the birth center, but she wasn't sure where she was or if she was ready for me to come.  It might still be awhile.  I volunteered to meet her there and leave again if she wanted me to because it sure sounded to me like she was going to have a baby.  

Sure enough, just a couple hours after arriving at the birth center, her baby girl was born--it was such a beautiful delivery!  Laboring women are simply stunning, and Bethany was every bit of gorgeous as she brought her little girl out of the water and to her chest.  Congratulations, Sams family!!  Thank you for letting me be a part of your little girl's birth day.  

Make sure you watch the slideshow at the end to see more from this beautiful girl's big debut!  

What a privilege is was to be with this lady as she welcomed her two little girls into the world.  I was fortunate enough to be a part of her last pregnancy when I was working as a student midwife, so to see her again was a real treat!  Unfortunately, a cesarean birth was not what she had been hoping for throughout her pregnancy, but due to health complications and the babies positions it was determined to be the best course of action for everyone's safety.  These little girls came out a-screaming!  They were feisty and ready to meet their mommy!  It was such an honor to get to be a part of this exciting day and to document this family welcoming TWO new sisters into their loving home.  Happy {birth} day, Moriah and Eden!   

I completely love photographing births!  It is one of my favorite things to do and I LOVE hearing the new mommy's reactions when they see the images and films from their delivery.  There are no words to express how rewarding of a job it is! 

But in case you aren't so familiar with it, I made this little "magazine" to tell you more about what I do and the options that are available with Growing Wings Birth Films.  I hope you enjoy it and please  contact me with any questions you have!

Oh, my kids so love having a bonfire out at Nana's house.  Even better when the cousins all get together and roast hot dogs (I say YUCK!) and marshmallows.  This time we made home made marshmallows and OH. MY. WORD. they were DELICIOUS.  It's true--everything is better when it's made from scratch.  If you like marshmallows you must try to make them!! 

I'm so glad I had the chance to video our last bonfire and capture these memories for my kiddos.  They love watching themselves!  They could sit around for hours watching these videos of their daily lives because it's also true--the simple times are the best times.  

My kids LOVE getting to spend time with their cousins.  It seems they never get enough time with them!  One of our holiday traditions is the cousin football game after Thanksgiving dinner.  While the adults clean up, the kids get dirty!  

It's always exciting to add a new member of the family, but I am especially excited for this family!  With 2 little boys to grow up together, there is sure to be lots of fun, laughter, and shenanigans!  It was such an honor to get to be with this couple as they welcomed each boy into their lives, but to get to spend some time with them and capture them being a family together--that was pure joy!!

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!