Miracle is one of those words, like awesome and amazing, that is used so often that its meaning gets diluted over time. So, just to refresh your memory here is the definition of the word “miracle”.

– An effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

– Such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.

Every birth is a miracle. Each one so unique in the process, yet the outcome is mostly the same.  This time for me, documenting the amazing birth of Logan, I was struck with the realization that not all births end the same, and the word and meaning of miracle kept coming to mind.  Life was quickly put into perspective for me as I watched the miracle that took place on March 3rd.

Kalie labored all day and into the night until Logan made his grand entrance. She pushed for hours as her epidural wore off and fought, with the intense support and compassion of Matthew,  to push Logan out naturally.  I’ve witnessed several births now, and I must say that under any other circumstance, Logan’s delivery would have been very different. The combination of a super supportive husband, a rock star nurse with 40 years experience, and sheer will power created a moment I will never forget. And I truly believe it was that energy that gave little Logan the power he needed to fight for his first breath.

You will see in the video what seems to be a hole in the story.  It’s against hospital policy for me to document what takes place when things don’t go according to plan.  I guess its for liability purposes and to protect the doctor and staff.  I truly wish I could have documented those few minutes, which felt like a lifetime, because they truly are a testament to people working together, under extreme pressure, to give a family the miracle they had hoped for.  Logan’s arrival was very different than every other birth I’ve documented.  After hours of pushing, he came out limp and blue and not breathing.  This left me completely terrified. I had hoped that Kalie and Matthew were unaware that there was a problem because it was their first child, but as any parent can attest, you just know when something isn’t right.  Matthew was the first to say “Why isn’t he crying?”, which was quickly answered by “Don’t worry, he will”. As I stood in the corner, fervently praying for a miracle, I witnessed what appeared to be a lifeless blue baby laying limp, while focused nurses and doctors jostled him back and forth, pounding on his back, with the background echo of a young new father coaching his baby boy to “Come on”.

“Come on Logan, Come on”, “Come on Logan”, “Come on Buddy, you can do it”  ” Come on Logan”. Over and over he yelled, crouched down on Logan’s level, with a voice filled with  intense hope that all would be okay.

Then, suddenly, a half cry, a breathe.  Then a full cry.  Then screams.  The sound of a baby screaming will forever have new meaning for me. It will forever remind me of the miracle I witnessed on March 3rd, 2010. The awesome and amazing birth of Logan Bean.  I’m honored to share it with you.

Thank you Kalie and Matthew for allowing me to be a part of your miracle! It was such a pleasure meeting your family and witnessing little Logan’s grand entrance. I see big big plans in his future. You can’t enter the world that way and not have incredible purpose.