DUNCAN, OK BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY | BABY ELROY

This was not my first opportunity to spend time with the Elroys. However, it was my first opportunity to spend time with them at Duncan Regional Hospital as they waited on the arrival of Baby Brother. It's never a small thing when a couple decides to let me be their Birth Photographer, and to let me in on that personal space. This birth story was just double sweet document, because I have gotten to know the Elroy's over the last few years of being their family photographer.

As excited as I was to be there that day, no one was as excited as Big Sister, EK. You'll see more of what I mean I as share this Birth Story with you.

Lisha was set to be induced on July 31st. Per usual, the induction process was started early that Tuesday morning. I took my time getting to the hospital, and spent the majority of my time there patiently waiting for The Time to Come. EK kept going for walks, or out to get a treat, and would always come back into the room so disappointed that Brother wasn't born yet. 

"He's STILL not here?" she would ask every time she came back in to give Mom a kiss. Bless her sweet, excited heart.

Although in all honesty, even though we adults were showing patience on the outside, on the inside we were asking the same exact question! Lisha and Jeff both made the comment that they were surprised at how long it was taking. To be fair, Lisha was progressing at a safe rate, and Baby was handling the labor well. But let's just say it, the watched pregnant belly never gives birth.

Even though as a Birth Photographer, I'm hired to capture the moment the babe comes into the world, I don't necessarily mind a little waiting. I get to hear stories from families and be entertained by older siblings. You never know where the conversation is going to go.

Jeff and I were just really getting into our topic of different types of seafood when the nurse came in for a check. 5:45pm and The Time Had Come! Lisha was complete, and it was time for action. Baby Boy Elroy would be here in just minutes. It was then that Jeff said, "Oh man, now I'm nervous." Which is understandable, but truth be told, he never once acted nervous. 

The pushing part seemed like it went so fast. We waited and waited and then, Ta Da! Lisha barely broke a sweat, Jeff never took his hand off her head, and Baby came out with wrinkly, 'puppy-dog-skin' and a beautiful umbilicle cord. 

Let's also take a quick moment and marvel at the Baby Nurse who checked vitals of Tiny Elroy without diminishing the intimacy of the moment for the Mom and Dad. The Birth Center staff at Duncan Regional Hospital has yet to disappoint and will always have my respect.

And Dr. Elfink - world class doctor to say the very least.

There is this small window of time right after baby is born, and before everyone else comes into to have a peek, that is so peaceful. Mom and Dad stare at the baby, trying to take in every detail, talking about who the baby resembles. Jeff even got a few minutes of skin to skin with Brother before they did the weighing, measuring, and wrapped him back up to meet his biggest fans.

I have very vivid memories of what I ate after my boys were born. So it's my own special mission to grab a shot of whatever Mom finds most appetizing after labor and delivery. Lisha said that was the best Star Crunch she's every had.

Now here comes the best part. EK comes back in the room to check on Mom, and FINALLY that Baby Brother is out of the belly. Her excitement was extremely contagious!

I've never had an older sibling react with so much enthusiasm to meeting the new baby. It can be really scary and overwhelming to walk into a room with a brand new person. There is typically some hesitation at first, and then the warm fuzzies come when everyone gets home. EK could not stop squealing and asking questions. My favorite question being, "Mommy, can I help you feed him?" It took some explaining to why that wouldn't be possible on that given day.

Oh, Elroys! What a beautiful day July 31st was and will now forever be for your family. I'm so honored that I got to be a part of it. <3