This mom-to-be certainly is. I seriously thought she might go into labor during our session. Turns out, she didn't. And still hasn't. I can't believe it!!! In spite of mom's discomfort, I'm so glad we were able to make this session happen (delayed thanks to a little "rainstorm" last week) and I hope it's not much longer of a wait for this beautiful family! See you when surprise #2 gets here!

Well technically, it was an early birth. Very early. 12 weeks early. The first time I actually met his mama was while she was in the recovery room...about a 1/2 hr after he was born.

When I got the call that this would be "the day" I was so caught off guard. He wasn't supposed to arrive until the end of August. This was the middle of JUNE! But it was an emergency situation and he had to be born...immediately. Driving over to the hospital that day, I was so full of concern and emotion and I just kept wondering how in the world these parents (first-time parents) would be able to deal with what was about to happen? I mean, it's scary enough having your first child, but to get a surprise like this and not knowing how this new little life would manage outside of the womb...I can't even imagine.

I remember sitting in the waiting room...alone (nobody had time to get there), waiting for some sort of news when a man in glasses strode through the door leading to L&D. He was grinning from ear to ear and perhaps still a little white from the shock of it all. His son was here! He was tiny (2lbs 3oz), but he was healthy and it was an absolute a miracle!

I've had only a little bit of experience with preemies, but in that experience, I knew that this new family of three had a long road ahead of them. A road filled with machine beeping and tubes and tests and unknowns and ups and downs and infinite 3 minute hand-washings. While I was supposed to be there to capture the "birth day," I knew that all of those amazing first moments of this particular birth would be delayed over many, many days (67 days in all). And so I asked them if they wanted me to chronicle this very different birth journey. And so we did.

Beverly (who happens to be a very talented photographer) has allowed me to share the birth of Baby Miles with you all in the hopes that it will help other parents who are in or may someday be on a NICU journey and to generate support for the March of Dimes. After watching Miles' birth slideshow, if you are so inspired, perhaps you could donate or volunteer? In fact, to help celebrate Miles' homecoming, I pledge to contribute $1 per comment left on this post (one per person; up to $300) left between now and Sept. 1, 2010 to the March of Dimes.

So here you go. This is Miles' birth story...from the day he was born...to the day he got to come home. Truly something to celebrate:

Part two of this family's session a while back. I loved getting to spend time in their colorful home, but it was a lovely treat to venture down to the river where they spend most of their days. They are so at home here!

Did you know I offer gift cards? Yes. I do! When you purchase a gift, I will send a beautiful little card with a personalized note to your recipient. These are perfect for baby showers, birthday gifts, holidays, you name it! (Just make sure your recipient actually wants/needs a session with me first, however, as gift cards are not refundable).

If you are expecting and have already booked a session with me, you can "register" for your maternity portraits, birth photography, and/or baby's newborn photo session. I can even send cards to include in shower invitations, etc.

Of course, you could also take this route (my all time fav!).