Monday, November 12, 2012

Baby Bryce {Western NC Newborn Photographer}

So, this is my 3rd time getting to photograph this sweet little boy, but the first two times he was in his mommy's tummy. :) I finally got to meet him in person this past weekend. He's a precious 5 week old little bundle of joy! His parents adore him, and it's so precious to see them with him. Enjoy this little Christmas session we did, and check out baby Bryce's adorable little dimple!

















Friday, November 9, 2012

Isaac Is Here {Western NC Birth Photographer}

This is one of the most special posts I've ever done. One of my absolutely dearest friends recently had her third child. I photographed her maternity session, and she asked me if I'd like to photograph the birth of her baby boy. I was thrilled when she asked me to do this. I think that birth photography is one of the most beautiful, raw, and emotional forms of photography. You can't fake the emotions that the birth of a new child brings. You just can't get any more real, and I was so privileged to be a part of my dear friend, Amy's labor and delivery. Here are a couple of Amy's maternity photos:




Now, I'll share a little bit about the day. It was November 8, 2012 and Amy sent me at text around 4:30am saying her water had just broke and they were headed to the hospital. About 2 hours later I received another text saying things had slowed down and she was only at a 2. I took my time getting ready and patiently (or not so patiently) waited for the go ahead to head for the hospital. I finally arrived at the hospital at about 1:30pm, and poor Amy was only at a 4. This birth was going slow. I won't share all of the details here unless one day Amy wants to write her birth story down for me to share in more details.

Well, I stayed in the room with Amy for about 4 hours, and I decided to head out and have some dinner that my sweet husband brought to me around 5:30 or so. At this point Amy was still only at a 5, so we still had halfway to go. I talked to my husband and son and told them I probably wouldn't be home until very late that night so not to wait up for me. I walked my husband to his car so I could stretch my legs and wake up a little. When I got back upstairs, I was told Amy was having the baby at that very moment. I practically ran back to the delivery room, and as I got in the room little Issac had already made his way into the world! He took us all by surprise. Amy dilated those last 5cm in less than an hour, the last 3cms happened in about 10 minutes, and Isaac would not wait for anyone. He arrived at 6:47pm weighing in at 7lbs 5 oz and measuring 19.5 inches long. I got pictures of him when he was just 5 minutes old. When we was born we found out his cord had been wrapped around his neck 3 times, so God's hand was on this sweet boy and protected him through the whole process. I was able to spend about 4 hours with the family after Isaac's arrival and capture some of the sweetest moments. And seriously how amazing does Amy look! You never would have known she'd just given birth!

I hope you enjoy this birth story through the bounty of photos in this post. Amy, thank you so much for asking me to be a part of such an amazing and special day. It was such a blessing and a true gift!









She had to be put on oxygen a couple of times to help little Issac's heart rate.













Fresh from the womb!




I mean for real! Amy, you look amazing!





The doctor who delivered baby Isaac



Meeting big brother and big sister for the first time. So sweet!






Proud grandparents, Amy's dad hadn't arrived just yet.

What a beautiful baby boy!






There's just so much love in this photo.





First bath, and he wasn't a fan. This was the only time he cried the whole time I was there.





Cleaned up and sleep!




These are probably two of my favorite images. Big sister was a little jealous that big brother had Isaac. :)


So sweet. He's such a proud daddy.

And of course, I got in on the loving on baby Isaac action. He's such a sweet boy!
Congratulations to Amy, Jerome, Ivey, and Emma on the new addition of baby Isaac. I love all of you, and I'm so thankful I could be included in the amazing blessing!