I received the text message at 10:04am on Wednesday, January 9th that Kara was officially being admitted to the hospital because she was finally in labor! With her early progression at the very end of December, I was convinced Henry would have come much sooner than January 9th, but it seems as though he couldn’t have come at a better time. Everything worked out perfectly and the timing seemed to be spot on. I was able to quickly find a babysitter, my new lens arrived just minutes after receiving the “it’s go time” text message and despite Kara’s fast labor, I was able to photograph everything in just over two hours! It was awesome!

When it comes to birth photography, this was my first experience. I had been wanting to do it for the past year, but was convinced I’d probably never find anyone brave enough to actually let me do it. Until Kara. She emailed me back in July to schedule her maternity session….then she decided on a newborn session and finally (and unexpectedly, for me) birth photography. And she decided this before we even met! We had emailed back and forth a bunch of times, but we never met or talked on the phone and she was already trusting me to photograph such a private and special event for she and hubby Trevor! If you ask me, Kara gets some HUGE gold stars for that. Such a brave chica, right? 🙂

Photographing Henry’s birth was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Being present during the arrival of new life was so exciting, rewarding and calming. Seeing Kara push through her labor (without an epidural! YOU GO GIRL!) after waiting 4.5 years to get pregnant was empowering. Seeing she and Trevor finally get to hold their bundle of joy was beautiful. I was honored to give Kara and Trevor the gift of once-in-a-lifetime memories that they can treasure forever. It’s still hard for me to believe I was actually given such an opportunity, but I guess that’s what happens when you have awesome clients that become friends. Kara and Trevor, I hope you will never forget Henry’s birth because I know I certainly won’t. 🙂

I’m guessing the number 526 may be a lucky number for the G family from now on. 🙂

After going back and forth from behind the doorway curtain, I was finally able to place myself behind Kara’s bed for the perfect angle! I was within a couple feet of all the action and it was amazing!

One of the final pushes before Henry’s arrival…

And he’s here! Henry’s first moments on earth. Kara was especially excited for this moment to be captured. 🙂

Henry’s first moments in mama’s arms…

Grandma’s first glimpse at her new grandson. Her expression says so much.

Henry’s first cell phone picture!

Such a happy mama. 🙂

Mama and Doc admiring the new life…

Both grandmas ooing and awing over Henry!

Now it’s Grandpa and uncle’s turn to check out the little guy!

Trevor holding Henry for the first time. This new daddy couldn’t stop smiling. 🙂

I think Henry heard the sound of my shutter!

First official family pictures!

And lastly, new mama Kara and her little miracle. 

Kara and Trevor, CONGRATS on your beautiful baby boy and THANKS A MILLION for inviting me to share in this special life-changing moment. I absolutely LOVED being there and I cannot thank you enough. God gave you guys a gift that day and you gave me a gift. 🙂