“It’s time to start pushing” the nurses say excitedly as they transform the room for delivery. Parents-to-be share nervous, excited looks as they mentally prepare for what’s about to happen.
...
“Look at all that hair!” the doctor says. My brother’s face is full of delight, disbelief, and wonder as he sees his son’s head for the first time. “I see his head! I see it! He’s right there!”
He counts out every contraction cradling her head as her body curls up for each push. Exhaustion is beginning to creep in. “You’re doing great Beth! He’s right there, but he’s about to be right here” he says as he places his hand on her chest. Overcome with emotion at the thought of finally getting to hold her sweet baby, tears stream down her face. As they prepare for another contraction, his thumb gently runs over her forearm where she has the script “be brave” and their eyes meet. Without saying a word, he says so much: I love you, you can do this, I’m right here. She takes in a deep breath. “Come on Beth! You can do it!” You can see the power rising up from deep inside her as she pushes with everything she’s got.
It’s 1:28pm. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5. “He’s here! It’s a boy!!”
“Hi baby! Hi baby!” She says through sweet sobs of relief as she experiences a new kind of love that has changed her forever in an instant because a piece of her heart is now outside of her out in the world.
“Dad, do you want to cut the cord?”
“Yes!” And with that, their son has officially begun life outside of his mom.
“Does he have a name?” Everyone is so excited to hear his name that has been secret for months.
“Guys, this is Isaac” she says through tears of pure joy as she gently strokes his tiny face.
He’s ready to be measured and the nurse takes him over to the scale. “He’s a big boy!” she says. 8 pounds 10 ounces and 20 3/4 inches long. The nurse sits him up on the scale for his first portrait. David is standing close by talking to Beth across the room. As Isaac cries in the nurses arms, his head pulls back toward David every time he speaks as if to say I know that voice! David comes closer, cradles his son’s head, talks to him directly and Isaac stops crying and looks at him. The moment he recognizes his daddy, my little brother, for the first time completely melts my heart ❤️❤️❤️
Let me tell you, taking pictures through giant tears in your eyes is such a challenge! I was a mess!! But oh, how I wouldn't trade that moment or this job for anything! Life is such a beautiful thing and I can't believe I get to witness such incredible moments through my lens!
Welcome to the world, Isaac!!
xoxo,
