This family is one the families I have grown closest with along my journey as a photographer. I first met them when Katie was pregnant with their first daughter Madeline. Madeline's daddy was deployed so I was there to document her glowing pregnant belly and there for the big day, when their baby girl would enter the world. I documented Madeline through her 1st year and before we knew it baby #2 was on the way and my services were going to be needed again. Once again I was there to capture Katie's growing belly and then again at the hospital, with daddy this time. Two amazing births that I most certainly will never forget. Two beautiful baby girls that I will forever miss, once Katie finishes up serving in the Navy and they continue on their journey as a family.

The doctor that delivered sweet Charlotte happened to be the same doctor that delivered Madeline the year before. She is so hilarious and was so much fun to work with and very supportive of a photographer being present.....that and she really liked my camera. So much so I turned when I heard some clicking and flashing to see her taking photos with MY camera. I offered to trade jobs for the day but no such luck. On the plus side, I'm so happy to have these photos of me and Katie (forgive me, it was 5 am after a long drive and rolling out of bed). I've never had pictures of myself at a birth so this was pretty neat and the doctor to some really great photos to include some selfies :)

What's so funny about this next photo you might ask? That would be the doctor giving Katie ice chips. Hey, she had a midwife helping her out, she needed to keep busy.

This family has been so much fun to....no, they've been awesome! They really have. They are spunky and funny and just crack me up. When it was time to get serious and have a baby they were the most tender and loving couple. Dad was there every step of the way. I've never had a home birth myself but after being present at several, I can really say they are so magical. The calm, support, love and peace is just amazing. I mean you can really "feel" the emotion. 

Sarah opted for the comforts of a water birth. She handled it with so much ease. She's one that makes me WANT to give birth again. Never did I think that is something I'd want to repeat lol When Sarah and Than's baby was born there was so much happiness and tears. The love was so strong. It was such an honor to be present for such a personal moment. Thank you Pham family! 

A few weeks I had the privileged of photographing the birth of my friends second grand baby. It was a gorgeous Fall day, the sky was blue the leaves were starting to change color and even better, traffic was great :)

Baby Kimberly had a hospital full of guests waiting for her arrival one of which included her 1 1/2 year old sister. The labor and delivery went great and a sweet baby girl was welcomed into the world.

Katie and I met when she was about 20 weeks pregnant. We had all sorts of things planned for different photo sessions. Her fiance was deployed but was expected back before the baby was born so would be able to join us for the maternity session. Things changed and he got extended several more months. Then we get word he will be back early but two weeks late for his daughters birth. 

This birth was the most emotional one for me yet. To see the sadness in Katie's eye and the tears roll down her cheeks just broke my heart. I was so happy and honored to be there to capture every moment of their daughters birth so they could look at the photos together when Ben returned home.

Ben and Katie emailed back in forth during her VERY short labor and delivery. This mama went from contraction to complete in just 6 hours. Ben wanted to be on speaker phone for the delivery of their daughter but missed it by 6 minutes. He was able to hear sweet Madeline cry though and I could tell it meant the world to him.

Welcome home Ben! I can't wait to meet you soon for your family's photos. Thank you to both you and Katie for the sacrifices you make for us. It is truly appreciated. 

At 11:35 pm last Saturday my cell phone rang. It was Lauren to tell me it was time for their baby to make it's arrival. Lauren and her husband were going to have an at home water birth. I arrived at 12:35 am. 
When I walked in I knew I better hurry as I could tell Lauren was going through transition already. Her midwife, Dr.Chenelle Roberts, was so amazing. Hearing her talk even made me relax. Lauren moved to the tub, and just in time. There newest edition made it's arrival at 1:01am. It was the most beautiful birth I have witnessed. Lauren was so brave and strong. Her little baby was a chubby little thing weighing in at 9lbs 12oz. Congratulations Lauren and Gabriel! 

This beautiful family came to the studio a couple of weeks ago. They are just the sweetest! I had met them 2 weeks prior when they hired me to do their Maternity, Birth and Newborn photos. This was a surprise baby and they were going to have it at home with a midwife. 

There sweet baby came 2 days ago. I was there to capture every amazing moment of it. I'm not telling what they had though, stay tuned for their Birth post :)