I love all of my birth clients, I do, but this girl I love like a sister. We talk nearly everyday. She knows parts of me that no one else does and loves me regardless. Outside of my family, she is my biggest cheerleader, butt kicker, and all around touchstone for advice whenever I call. I truly don’t know who I would be, or where I would be if not for her friendship. So you can imagine the overflow of emotions watching your best friend become a mom. I’ve been blessed to be present at both of her deliveries, first with the birth of her twin boys, and now with precious Maeve. And oh how I adore her babies…

Eliza, Mike…. (and of course Melissa, and the nursing staff at St. Francis), you guys rocked this natural labor. I know they always say you don’t get a medal for delivering without medication, but I nearly went out and bought Eliza one. If it weren’t for sweet Maeve’s epic first poo after delivery, she most definitely would’ve tipped the scales at 9+ pounds. 

Grab some tissues, you’ve been warned. Between Eliza’s grace and strength, Mike’s unwavering support for his bride, sweet Honey’s reaction when she found out it was a girl, and of course the twins meeting their new sister… well it’s a waterworks folks.

Eliza and Mike, thank you for everything. Thank you for allowing me to share that space with you. Thank you for letting me love your kids. Thank you for your friendship. And Mike, thanks for letting me steal her occasionally for girls nights and gin and tonics.

This birth, this mom, this couple, this baby, this family… they are all so, so dear to my heart. If the Lord had a theme song for their love story, it would be the song I chose for their birth story. Lindsay and Nathan’s love story was one of waiting, as was the birth of their much awaited son. 

“Lord, today You know what I need to do,
But You can do more in my waiting than in my doing I could do.”

Sometimes it’s easy to ask the Lord, “Why?” in our times of doubt. And waiting on the Lord, is one of life’s most challenging tasks. But so far I’ve found, what’s waiting on the other side are God’s blessings… and they’re always much more beautiful than anything I could do by myself. 

His timing is always perfect. 

Lindsay navigated her unmedicated and intervention free birth with such grace and strength. Lindsay delivered standing up, with her water breaking on its own at 10cm. Her son was then guided to her chest for skin to skin, and delayed cord clamping. It was glorious! I’m so proud of everyone in that room… Lindsay and Nate for their amazing teamwork and determination, the midwife for her steadfast confidence in the birthing process, and the nursing staff who supported this momma’s birth the whole way through.

Just when I don’t think I can be surprised by the labor process, or women in general, this lady right here finds a way. She walked around 6cm dilated, with her bag of waters bulging for nearly a week. We all knew that as soon as her water broke, things were going to go FAST. And they did! She handled her quick, intense, and medication free birth with such grace and determination. And what a team she had supporting her along the way. Her husband never left her side, and her mother’s hands helped guide her newest grandchild earth-side. 

Miranda’s mother is a past labor and delivery nurse, so watching her slip back into that familiar role, except this time with her own daughter was something to behold. 

Big brother was also smitten with his new best friend, and made sure to get in on the snuggles too.

The wonderful providers and staff and St. Francis continue to raise the bar for maternal and fetal care, and I thank them for their continued kindness towards me, allowing me to capture these memories for my clients. 

This sweet woman has been in my life for the last 13 years (HOW has it been that long?!). I met Addie and Donnie in 2005 through mutual friends, and quickly found out they’re both fellow artist and creative geniuses. She’s a painter, a pottery master, with the voice of an angel, and he’s an equally amazing musician and carpenter. I had the pleasure of doing a live portrait drawing at their wedding reception, because they’re cool like that. And a couple of years later I was shooting the album cover for their first large released album. We were putting couches in creeks before it was even a thing 😂

Addie and Donnie, have had such a positive impact on my life… more than I think they even know. Her faith, and her walk with the Lord is truly something I admire, and revere. Even though she’s a good bit younger than me, I’ve always said I want to be like Addie “when I grow up”.

I’m so thankful it all worked out for me to be there for the birth of sweet Marigold. Addie had previously had a vaginal delivery with her first, a son named Abel. I was there for a fresh 48 the day after he was born. But this go around, Addie was facing a c-section due to precious babe being breech. C-sections are “usually” not the path most moms choose for their delivery, and no matter what, they are a daunting prospect.It’s like handing over the keys to the birth and delivery of your child. And I truly don’t know what is more challenging emotionally, going in for your second c-section, or in this case going in for a c-section after a vaginal delivery. Their nerves were noticeable, but one thing was certain… their total faith in the Lord providing a safe arrival of their daughter. Addie may have missed the clear drapes at our hospital by a week, but she’s one of the only moms I’ve ever seen get to hold her baby the entire time. Marigold stayed on her chest while doctors made repairs, and was even wheeled into recovery still holding her on her chest. What a blessing!

While you watch, keep an eye out for the tears of joy Addie cried when Marigold latched for the first time. To say her breastfeeding journey with Abel was difficult would be an understatement. But Marigold latched on within minutes of being on mom. I would be lying if I wasn’t soaked in tears myself. I knew what that moment meant for them. That’s not to say that Marigold’s breastfeeding journey hasn’t had it’s own challenges. Again, Addie, my hero has earned every badge of motherhood, and she’s done it with such grace.