It was Wednesday night. I had been asleep for a couple of hours, and I got the call. Be on high alert. I couldn't go back to sleep, I was so excited and anxious. Well the call didn't come that night. Or for the next many nights following. I woke up on Monday Sept 21st to a text message saying contractions from 4-6 were intense, but were loosing intensity with the rising sun. I was disappointed for her. She had been having on and off contractions since Wed, and was mentally and physically tired. But something in my gut knew that it was baby day. So I got up and around anyway (instead of going back to bed like I wanted). I was getting the girls breakfast when I got another message saying things were intensifying and it could be baby day. So I panicked. I had it in my head that I was going to miss this birth. I don't know why. I didn't, obviously.

I arrived at 8:30a. The first of the birth team to arrive. Mamma was in the tub for some relief, and both mom and dad were working hard. They were so connected. He supported her through the entire birth.

I thought for sure baby was coming, and there wasn't going to be anybody but me or dad to catch it. But thankfully that didn't happen. We transitioned to their bedroom for some more tough contractions, and then the rest of the birth team showed up.

This birth team was so great. Sarah Foster at Natural Arrivals Midwifery and Amy Townsend at Little Ways Doula Services were so connected with mom.

I am in awe at birth workers. When Sarah came in, she was able to help mom relax through her contractions, and it was amazing to watch. She calmly talked through each contractions. Her words were soft and soothing. I watched the bond between mom and midwife grow and strengthen during this time. 

Mom transitioned back to the tub for some more relief.

Otto was born into the water at 4:22pm.

This mama is so strong. She labored for 12 hours before she finally got to meet her baby boy.

Everyone was so enamored with him. 

Big brother counting to make sure he had all his fingers and toes. The boys wanted to be helpful after Otto was born, so Griz asked his mama what he could do. So mom told him to make sure that he had all 10 fingers and toes. He made sure to get the job done. When I took this photo, I first thought it was so cute that he was touching his hand and I wanted to capture that. Then after I got the shot, I heard him counting. It wasn't until later that I learned what he was doing. 

A special thanks to my dear friend for allowing me into such a private time in their lives. It has been my dream now for months be photograph births, and she was gracious enough to be the first one. I truly can't thank her and her family enough.

Welcome Earthside baby Otto. We are all so glad you're here.

If you're interested in having me photograph your birth, contact me through Facebook. The link is below.