One of my biggest unexpected blessings of 2009 was most definitely the growth of my birth photography.  Words simply cannot explain how much my heart has been opened just by witnessing tiny miracles grand entrances to the world.  I truly feel so honored to have been chosen by so many families to be apart of such a personal experience and its not something I take lightly. In fact, I will take each and every experience with me and truly treasure it for my life time. To say ” I was present at your birth” isn’t something many people get to say more than a few times with their own children. So, for all of you who entrusted me with such a special time, thank you. Thank you from ever fiber in my being.

I love how each and every birth is so completely unique. Little Aurora’s grand entrance was so extremely special because her stoic momma had her naturally (that means no drugs people!) I must say that I, personally am a huge fan of no pain, hence my decision to have an epidural with Mia Grace, but I must say, if I thought for a even a split second that I could handle childbirth the way Lauren did so beautifully, I would sign up for natural childbirth in a minute. (hence, why I will be ordering up the epidural on my way to the hospital for round two!)  I truly was in awe of the whole process and I still cannot wrap my mind around how I didn’t hear a peep from her until it was time to push! Even the nurse looked amazed and couldn’t believe how “controlled” she was. Wow is all I can really say!

Dad, Royce, was equally as strong. I heard a rumor that he doesn’t do well with hospitals and that sort of thing, but I thought he was the perfect combination of support for Lauren during the whole process.  This was also the first birth I’ve photographed where there was a sibling involved, which I LOVED.  It truly was a joy for me to watch Braeden experience the whole thing. He did a pretty good job of not acting too awfully excited, as every seven year old boy should, but his whole demeanor changed when he saw her for the first time.  And, for someone who wasn’t too impressed with the whole thing, he certainly didn’t budge from his front row view at the nursery window while those nurses cleaned and pricked and prodded at his new baby sister.  It was quite a site to see!

Lauren and Royce’s family were just delightful as well. I often wonder how the family feels with me being there … this stranger with a huge camera! I hope all the families of the births I’ve photographed know what an important role they play during the whole process. Thank you all for your kindness and welcoming hearts to me. It can’t be easy meeting someone for the first time and trusting them with such an important day. What an honor it was to meet and chat with you all!

I received permission this morning to share from Lauren (so thank her!) as you take a peek into the amazing birth of sweet Aurora Grace. Isn’t she just beautiful?!!