Welcome Baby Sawyer!

Holly and Josh were such a joy to work with. From the moment we met, they were so invested in the process of capturing and sharing their baby’s birth story. I remember as we finished our first meeting and I asked them if they had any further questions, Holly asked “Yes, what can we do to make your job easier.”  I think that will stay in my heart forever. I am blessed with clients that jump into the process and want to actively participate in making sure their baby’s birth story is well documented. 

This business is unpredictable. Babies come when they’re ready and timing can be a real challenge, so having parents that keep you in the loop is HUGE at ensuring you won’t miss the big arrival. Holly and I had been in lots of contact in the weeks leading up to the big day, through pretty significant Braxton Hicks, right to the point where she was in the hospital and feeling pretty steady contractions. Always calm, she was a birth photographer’s dream at keeping me posted. At 7:30pm she was about 2cm, so we still had some time. It’s my job to give my best guess and have the gut instinct of when to head to the hospital.  I now know that when Dad starts to text because mom can’t type so well, that’s a BIG SIGN. At 8:04pm I got a text from Josh letting me know that labor was pretty intense.  Regardless of how dilated mom is, when Dad texts, that’s a sign for me to head out the door.  I’m really glad I did. Labor didn’t last long after I arrived and little Sawyer came earthside at 10:30pm, all 8lbs 8oz of him.  He was absolutely gorgeous and perfect. 

It always amazes me how strong all of my Mommas are. I often watch them go through so many stages of emotions, from excitement and hope, to concern and doubt, it’s so powerful to observe the process. One thing always stands true for all of my mommas so far, they can do it and are way stronger than they give themselves credit for. When they doubt that they can go on, they worry that they can’t continue without an epidural, even when the birth plan changes completely and they have an unexpected c-section, they always prove to be so resilient and strong. Holly did beautifully. She connected with her doula, listening to her soothing voice, and even when things became very intense, she focused and got through it. 

Every family I photograph has a special dynamic. They have their own ways of relying on each other for strength and supporting each other through birth. Holly and Josh were no different. Quiet yet focused, Josh was always by Holly’s side, holding her hand, gently kissing her forehead. It was incredibly sweet. Once baby Sawyer was here, I saw Josh jump in with confidence unlike I have ever seen. Granted, he has experience as a pediatrician, but it was a wonder to watch him hold his son, look him over with the care of a father and curiosity of a physician. Holly and Josh seem to have a beautiful partnership, and it was so evident in how they parented in those first hours. 

Lots of love to you all.  Congratulations Holly and Josh.  Sawyer is incredibly lucky to have you.  Happy Birth-Day little buddy.  We’re all so happy to meet you.