Well, here’s something I don’t do every day…birth stories!! I have been photographing the Cotter family since I first began this beautiful journey as a professional photographer and I am so happy to say that they have followed me on my journey and I’ve had the privilege of photographing their family many times — especially their daughter Hannah, and I’ve loved watching her grow! I think its so special that they asked me to photograph the birth of their second daughter, Hailey Anne. I had absolutely no idea what to expect when showing up to shoot this once I got the “I’m at the hospital” text. I had a doctors appointment myself that afternoon and I RUSHED, literally rushed, to get to the hospital after my appointment. I was so afraid I was going to miss it! I made it in time and 4 hours later, I watched Heather bring Hailey into this world. I just had a baby myself 6 months ago, so I knew everything Heather was going through and her strength brought me to tears.
Heather has an amazing husband, Stephen, who was there by her side for everything she needed. He played her music when she needed it, he put her socks on her when she got cold, he attempted (LOL) to put her hair up for her, fed her ice, etc. Husbands, take note! These are the things you should be doing when your wife is in labor ;-)
Heather knew going into this she didn’t want any drugs and she didn’t have any. She gave natural child birth after only a few pushes and it literally was the most amazing thing I’ve witnessed. Hailey Anne was born on Cinco de Mayo! May 5, 2014, at 6:20pm, 7lbs, 6oz, 21 inches long. Heather was so strong and I swear she was just meant to be a mother! I wasn’t sure if I wanted another child and I told my husband afterwards, “we’re having another one!!” LOL. New babies bring new nope, new adventures, and the meaning of what a family truly is. I love the Cotter family. I have loved watching them grow into a family of 4 and hope to watch many more babies be brought into their beautiful family. Congratulations, Heather, Stephen and Hannah! You guys have a beautiful new addition and I’m SO looking forward to your at home lifestyle family session! Health and happiness, XO!
Aubree Lucille, hanging out in the room while momma shot this amazing birth. It’s not ideal to bring her to ‘work’ with me but in this case, I had to! She was a good sport about it and I can’t wait to tell my little girlfriend about this adventure she went on when she was just 6 months old. Maybe one day we’ll be a mommy/daughter photography team?! ;-)
Beautiful!