Emma- Denver Birth Photographer

I tell you what...the more I do birth photography, the more I fall in love with it.  

It is such a privilege to be invited into such an intimate place.  And the rewards are ten-fold.

Who doesn't want this moment captured?

I got the text to let me know little Emma was on her way at about 1 in the morning.  I had a hard time going back to sleep and since this was Amanda's second baby I wanted to be sure I didn't miss anything.  So I got ready and hopped in the car and headed to the hospital.  She progressed slower than expected and so I spent the night working and catching up on the early morning news.  This is how everyone was feeling.

If you have ever had a baby...you know how amazing the popsicle tastes!

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

Finally the doctor came and broke her water and 30 minutes later, it was time for Emma's debut.  Of course, the doctor came in the ONE time I wasn't in the room.  I was moving my car from the ER overnight entrance to the main entrance.  And there wasn't a single spot in the lot.  I had been there for 9 hours and I almost missed the birth because I was moving my stupid car.  Isn't that how it always goes?

Once it came time to push, it only took 2-3 contractions and about 8 minutes before little Emma was born.

First breath.

What a moment.

These two were in love with their baby girl from the moment she took her first breath.

Sometimes based on where I am standing it can be really tough to get the dad cutting the cord.  But this time I had a great view!  And the dads can tell you that the cord is really thick and it is really hard to cut!

 

 

I have loved watching the dads from the last few births I have done.  These dads are ALL in and I love it.  They are smitten and it is so fun to watch.

Look at the sweet relief on her face.

 

Often in Colorado babies are whisked away a few minutes after birth to make sure they are breathing well and sometimes to get them some oxygen.  The dad follows the baby while mom finishes delivering the placenta and gets all cleaned up.  

Often the nurses will do footprints and measurements at this time while the baby is only a few minutes old.

 

Then when the baby is finally returned to mama for some skin to skin it really starts to sink in and the emotions come to the surface.  I love capturing their expressions and love.

 These shots are my favorite and most often when everyone is most emotional.  The time when all three of them are together for the first time.  

Amanda's mom and sister were in the room as well.  It was a full house, but a house full of love too.  They are lucky to have such a wonderful support system.

I was able to stay long enough for Ethan to come and meet his baby sister.  I love when the siblings first meet.  It is so cute!!

A wise nurse told me some great advise when our second baby was born.  And it worked so well for us that I have passed that knowledge on.  Make sure that mom isn't holding the newborn when the sibling comes in.  That way mom (and dad) can give their full attention to the older child.  It can often be overwhelming and strange to see mom in a hospital bed so if they can get that reassurance that everything is okay it helps a lot.  Then after they get some love and hugs, bring the baby over to meet the sibling.  It works really well!

Ethan loved kissing his baby sister.

Congratulations Yaw family!  Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day.

Stay tuned for Emma's newborn photos coming soon!

For more photos follow me on Instagram, Facebook or visit www.photolilo.com.

Ethan- Colorado Birth Photography

3 years ago I decided I wanted to get into birth photography.  So I put it out there to see if anyone wanted to be my guinea pig.  And one of my favorite families took me up on it.  It was such a wonderful and beautiful experience (minus me being 7 minutes late for the birth because Noah came to quickly).  You can click here if you want to take a trip down memory lane.  So when I found out this family was growing again, I couldn't wait to be a part of it again.

I was there nice and early this time because I wasn't about to miss another McKelvey baby being born.  And we had plenty of time to spare.  Which meant we had a lot of time to chat and hangout, which I loved.  It was so nice to catch up and hear all about their jobs and family and even their funny pest control issues!

They were hoping Becky would progress without having to break her water, but alas it was a long wait (thankfully with an epidural).  Once the doctor came in to break her water, Ethan was there within an hour.

It was so cute that as soon as it was time to push Becky got all nervous and was scared she wouldn't be able to do it.  I reminded her that this was her 3rd baby and it was going to be easy-peasy.  And it was.  Less than 10 minutes of pushing and little Ethan was here.

3:35.  Ethan McKelvey joined the world.

I love these two.  They are wonderful people and the best parents.  They are bursting with love.  Love for each other and love for their boys.  Just look at them.  They hadn't even touched their baby yet but had to kiss each other. 

Their 3rd boy.  I can relate.  And I love that they are just as happy with 3 boys as I am.  So many people ask me if I am going to try for a girl.  Nope.  And if I had another baby (which is NOT happening) I would want another boy.  Having 3 of the same gender doesn't make the birth of the 3rd one any less special.  I mean, look at these two.

Ethan needed a little extra oxygen when he was born so they whisked him away to the warmer for some oxygen.  And Brian was there every step of the way!

Brian is such a hands-on dad.  I love that!  He was always by Ethan's side.

All cleaned up, diapered, banded and ready to go!

Look at his dimples.  Are you kidding me??  

After a little snuggle time with mom, it was dad's turn.  I love these pictures.  You can just feel the love and emotion flowing through Brian.

When it was time to nurse, Ethan took to it like a champ.  And proceeded to nurse for almost an hour.  I think they are going to have a bruiser on their hands!  I love the way Becky wanted to uncover his toes so she could play with them while she was nursing.

I stayed long enough to get some pictures of the big boys with their new baby brother.  It was adorable to watch these two with the baby!

Noah was all about the baby.  Aidan was a bit more hesitant.  He understood being a big brother a little more and knew what was in store. 

Three of a kind makes for a full house, right guys!?

Becky's arms and heart are full!

First family selfie!

I love this one.  It just looks like a complete circle of (or heart shaped) love.

You can tell they love their daddy.  Just look at Noah's hand.

Congratulations McKelvey family.  I have loved these last 5 years of watching your family grow and it was such a privilege to be there to watch Ethan enter this world.  I am so thankful for you and your friendship!

For more photos follow me on Instagram, Facebook or visit my website at www.photolilo.com.