9 months later...

Remember Baby Twitch?!  Well, I followed up with Erin, Salem, and Owen recently for his 9 month milestone session.  It was such a delight to watch how lovingly this trio interacts.  Owen is growing into a cheerful and radiant little boy.  He loves eating avocado, rolling to get around, and the clicking sound of my camera.  Erin and Salem are enjoying watching their little man grow and have developed into abundantly loving parents. 

Take a look at some of the images from our in home documentary milestone session below.

Contact me at lulubeaphotography@gmail.com to book your little one’s documentary milestone session.

Baby Twitch

Long before he was born, during a trip to Africa, Baby Twitch got his nickname.  Soon-to-be Mom and Dad teased each other by calling themselves Twitch. They had learned that it was slang for bird watcher and were really into birds.   Nine months ago, I watched baby Twitch make his grand entrance…. bottom first.  Twitch’s mama, Erin, displayed the power of a warrior. She was determined to have her breech baby vaginally, and seeked out the expertise and support of Denver’s own Dr. Hall. 

When I arrived that Friday morning, Erin and Salem, along with their doula, Flame, were resting up and building strength to push.  The possibility of a cesarean was on the table, but Erin’s determination, strength, and connection to her body guided her to move forward with delivering her breech baby vaginally.  Erin navigated her contractions with low and barely noticeable moans and fluttering of her lips.  As the time arrived to start pushing, she was so focused that baby Twitch was in her arms in less than half an hour. 

Below are Erin’s words to her baby boy:

"Twitch's birthday!! One day after your due date, we were so surprised :) I woke up at 2am, started having contractions about 3, and woke up daddy at 5. They were about 8 minutes apart when he started timing, but quickly got to 5. I was in the bathtub for an hour or two and they got stronger and were just three minutes apart or so. When our doula, Flame, arrived a little after 10, I was 6cm, then my water broke at 10:45. We were at the hospital by 11:30 fully dilated. The doc was worried about you, your heart rate was low, seemed like you were sitting on your cord. They thought a c section might be best, but decided to slow down my contractions and see if the rest made you stronger. Of course it did, because you are the strongest, and we were able to have a natural breech birth with no drugs other than the one to slow those contractions! I was so surprised when you popped out after 22 minutes of pushing! I just couldn't believe it was real! Daddy announced you were a boy and I couldn't get over how cute you were!!! Daddy said he will always be proud of me for your birth, xoxo"

Contact me at lulubeaphotography@gmail.com to book your birth photography session.

Thanks Mom!

Mother:

ˈ/məT͟Hər/

noun

1. a woman in relation to her child or children

This is one of many different definitions of the word “mother”. This year marks my 4th Mother’s Day.  Though I have never agreed with the “Hallmark” consumerist nature of this, and so many other, holidays, I do WHOLEHEARTEDLY believe in the celebration of mothers.  While, in my opinion, this should be done EVERY day, I am grateful for the national holiday to serve as a reminder of the importance of this role in the lives of others.  

This year I have had the good fortune of having my mother live near me and my children for the past 4 months. Having lived across the country from my parents for the majority of my adult life, it is a special chapter in my mom's, life, my life, and my daughters' lives. I realize it is a blessing  for all of us to be able to spend regular time with each other and share the everyday happenings that often get missed or forgotten, but end up shaping who we are.  I am so grateful to have her support and her love to share with my daughters.  I am so  thankful that my mom chose to be a mother and that she had me as one of her children.  Had she not had me, I would not have met the love of my life nor become a mother to my two spunky, intelligent, and loving daughters. When I see her with my children, I see her light up like I never have before.  Her capacity and desire to love has been further expanded and she is the happiest I have ever seen.  As I watch her embrace her role of Abuela, I am moved to know more about her journey as daughter/mother/grandmother to this point. Here is what I found out.

What is the most vivid childhood memory you have of your mother?

"watching her work non stop since she worked at home, and putting us to bed while we listened to radio novellas.”

When did you know that you wanted to be a mother?

"I truly can't remember when I knew I wanted o be a mother but when I became one at the tender age of 22, I embraced it with all my heart."

What were your initial feelings about motherhood after having your first child?

"My initial feelings about motherhood after my first child were of profound love and at times fear and frustration."

How did your own mother influence the mother you have become?

"My mother was very responsible and strict, and I think I have been a responsible mother but at times too strict in my beliefs"

How did those feelings of motherhood transform as you had your second and third child?

"When I had my second and third child I learned to be less strict with myself and enjoy my children's development more I also became more mature  and relevant.”

What have you found to be most gratifying about motherhood?

"The most gratifying about motherhood is the realization that all you did for so many years was so worth it when you see the results in the wonderful human beings I raised.”

What has been most challenging for you as a mother?

Most challenging as a mother is to let go

What does it feel like to have your daughter become a mother?

My daughter becoming a mother is the most amazing experience in my life after giving birth

How has becoming a grandmother impacted you?

Becoming a grandmother had a great impact. I want to  live long and healthy and have strong bond with the grandkids  so that  I will live in their hearts in happy memories forever.

What do you want your granddaughters to know about motherhood?

I want my granddaughters to know that motherhood is beautiful, difficult , intimidating, rewarding, and the most important role in a woman's life

Thanks mom for your HUGE heart. Thanks for modeling such an amazing capacity for love. Not only did you make me feel safe as a child, but your love laid the groundwork for my transformation into mother. I am so happy that my daughters get to experience your unconditional love during these important and influential years in their young lives.  I love you mom!

LOVE

Valentine’s Day always offers me the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of LOVE.  As much as I love receiving flowers, chocolate, and gifts in general, in my opinion LOVE is not about tangible gifts.  For me, LOVE is an amalgamation of feelings and intangible qualities that are often easier felt than explained.  Some of the words that come to mind are respect, support, empathy, devotion and cooperation.

These words not only make me grateful for the LOVE I have in my life, but also for what I do as a Birth Photographer. I often have the opportunity to witness these qualities of LOVE in people as they partner together in labor and meet their child for the first time.  I get to observe, capture, and organize these to tell their story.

When I arrived at Baby+Co for baby Caspian’s birth, I had not had the chance to meet dad (to-be) yet.  As I quietly made my way into the birth space shorty after midnight on December 26th, the connection between April and Clayton stood out immediately.  From the moment I arrived to the moment that Baby Caspian made his entrance, Clayton was by April’s side.  He moaned with her through each contraction. He braced her when she felt weak. He validated her when she was strong. He encouraged her when she felt scared. Once baby Caspian was born, Clayton continued by April’s side, showering her with kisses and affirmations of her power and their baby’s beauty, and even climbing into bed with April and their new baby.  In the 10 hours I was with them, the only time Clayton left April’s side was to get her something she needed. I captured images of selfless LOVE and teamwork. Their collaboration created an environment of LOVE for baby Caspian to enter.  I can’t think of a better introduction to life.