10/31/2026
A baby story. 🤍
There aren’t adequate words to describe witnessing a woman bring a baby into this world. Each birth I’ve documented feels like a world unto itself. Time moves differently. It’s the slowest fastest time in the strangest stretchiest way. We all assumed Olivia’s second birth would go quickly (as they’re prone to do), and since I had to drive nearly three hours, we didn’t take any chances. But as the evening hours ticked on and contractions stayed sporadic, we decided to all go to bed. I slept in their guest room with the door open and sweatpants on, ready to jump up at any minute. But morning came and still no baby. The four of us spent the day together. CJ made breakfast. I swapped between playing with Zara, and editing photos from their couch. We all went for a very long walk in hopes that would help move things along. And sure enough, post walk, and post Zara’s nap, Olivia finally transitioned to painful active labor. One of the funniest moments of the entire day was Zara stripping down and jumping in the birthing pool to join Olivia with the enthusiasm of a kid on Christmas. CJ and I helped Zara hold still and be quiet during contractions, and told her to cheer her mama on in between. Her little two year old voice repeating, “this is hard but you can do it” is a permanent mark on my heart. Olivia pushed baby Lowen into the world through about three contractions, after an hour in the pool. My eyes welled up with tears. I cannot believe this is where this job has taken me. I’m grateful to God for holy moments in life that give us a taste of heaven.
(Also shoutout to LEXIE RAE PHOTO who was nearby and going to step in for me if I didn’t make it in time! It takes a village. 🤍)
