disclaimer: The photos below are all appropriate and not graphic in nature. however, they do depict a natural birth and if you are uncomfortable with that you can just skip this post (although you would be missing an incredibly beautiful moment in the cycle of life process)

It had been a long day, and i was just finishing up editing some photos at around 1 am.  I always work late at night because it’s just my relaxer, my decompressor. it’s also pretty much the only time my home is quiet enough for me to really punch out a decent amount of work.  So when my phone rang, i knew it was Christen, and she was having her baby. We had just met for coffee that morning, and when i asked how she was feeling she said she was feeling great. definitely ready to have a baby, but not feeling any signs that it would be happening soon.  but, babies always have a way of surprising us i suppose.  it is always funny to look back on those conversations right before a labor begins… Christen had wondered if she’d really be able to do it naturally.  i empathized with her as i had had a hospital birth with an epidural for my first baby, and i had the same concerns with my second.  how much pain will really be involved? can i actually do it?

I love that feeling of a nighttime birth.  hopping in the car and driving to the birthing center with the air so silent and still.  It always feels like everyone else is sleeping in the whole world, and we are on a secret mission to deliver new life.  I arrived at the Labor of Love Birth Center just as Christen was pulling up- perfect timing.   and then things started going quickly…

the birth of Faith was incredible, so smooth and quick….  Christen made it look effortless.  When Faith  began to crown i looked up to see Tim crying…  i just love fathers who are so connected emotionally with their wife and children.

we hadn’t even been at the birthing center for an hour.  it was that quick.   i could hardly believe the clock, and i remembered that conversation with Christen that morning.  she had done it, and done it beautifully.

Faith Hannah born 3/24/2011 at 7lbs 4oz