One-thousand Words

When Renee called and asked if I would be willing to drive up to photograph her son's birth, my answer was a resounding "YES!" Of course, neither of us knew exactly how it would work (with my living four hours away and having a nursing infant of my own). But I told her that it would just have to work, and that I would be praying for God's grace over the entire situation.

Faith.

So, you can imagine my distress when she went into labor at the worst possible time! Our one and only vehicle was in the shop, and my mom (who has been visiting for over a week) was temporarily out of town.

Faith without works is dead.

I made about twenty phone calls, waited at the mechanic, and was on the road about three hours after receiving the first call. Her contractions were already pretty strong when she called me, and I could tell by the sound of her voice (because I made her talk to me through a contraction) that today was indeed the day.

To say that I made it in time would be an understatement though. I arrived at about three in the afternoon, and little Danilo was born just after one a.m. (meaning today wasn't exactly the day, but close enough).

She was in triage for an hour or two after I arrived (which made me wonder what exactly a girl had to do to be admitted). And her contractions were extremely strong before she even made it to four centimeters.

A little time in the tub helped...

But after being assured that her labor was only going to become "twice as hard," she reluctantly decided on the epidural.

And besides a pair of numb, tingly legs, it was pretty smooth sailing from that point! She was starving though, and I'm happy to say that I encouraged the rebellion in this photo!;)

Ale was a truly supportive husband, and their entire birthing experience was a privilege to witness.

Thank you both for including me in your lives!

And thank you to my perfect angel of a son for surviving our ten hour hospital visit like a pro.

I love, love, loved the whole day!