When I think back to my birth, the most supportive, consistent, and loving “component” was my husband. Without him I could not have endured labor let alone a 42 hour labor. To imagine facing the fact that he wouldn’t be there would have been heartbreaking.

Kelsey first contacted me about photographing the birth of her son because her husband would be away serving our country and would miss the first 2 months of his son’s life. I knew I had to be there. They lived further than I would typically drive for clients but I couldn’t turn this family away.

When we met to discuss details at 36 weeks she had exciting news; Robert MAY be able to make it to the birth. He would be able to return home from August 1^st – 14^th…she was due on the 6^th. For those who do not know the average first time pregnancy lasts 41 weeks and 1 day, in Kelsey’s case the 14^th!

The labor call came on the 6^th. Dilated to 5 at lunch time we were all pretty sure this little boy was going to beat the odds and arrive on his actual due date , but he apparently had other plans for his momma. After a long overnight labor, which Kelsey handled beautifully, baby Oden arrived at 6:36am on the 7^th. Robert and Kelsey got to enjoy pregnancy for 1 week together and they got to experience family life together for 1 week together. Perfect timing for an imperfect situation.

This mom’s support team was incredible! Could she have done it with just her mom? Yes. Could she have done it with just Robert? Yes. But with the two of them together helping her relax, she was truly able to tackle each contraction with ease (she might say differently but to outside viewers she was the picture perfect Bradley® student).

I was so excited to capture these moments this sweet couple thought they would not get to experience.