The Waiting Place

I was driving home from the grocery store tonight when something occurred to me - I've somehow ended up in "the waiting place" when it comes to this journey.  Those of you familiar with "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss will know exactly what I'm talking about.  For those of you who are not familiar - you should read it.  My version goes like this -I am waiting until I can justify buying that new camera or lens or I want, waiting to find the "perfect" workshop to attend, waiting for approval and criticisms, waiting waiting waiting.  And amidst all of this waiting, I've become a bit stagnant in my learning phase...maybe even a bit disillusioned. 
So, I've had this self revelation, now what?  I wish I could say that I came home and instantly signed up for 3 more classes and a workshop and miraculously found a pile of money laying around to buy all the things I want and think I need.  But my friends that is not the case.  What I did instead was to quickly put all of my frozen and refrigerated foods away.  I grabbed my favorite 19 month old, Lola, and my camera and headed out for a walk.  I just needed the fresh air and to spend some time with my girl. We got to the park near my house and I let her off her leash.  Don't panic, she's a well trained dog and I've done this with her before.  We ran and played and I managed to snap a few pictures of her before the sun finally set. 
I needed that walk, and the fresh air, and the fun with Lola to remind me why I started this journey.  I also have to remember balance and patience.  I can be patient... and yet still make progress.  So, for now, I will sign up for 1 more class and commit to pick a workshop to attend for my birthday in March.  And, just like that...I begin to leave "the waiting place."  

Labor and Delivery

Well everyone, here are the much anticipated first ever labor and delivery photos I've ever taken.  Okay...so maybe I am the only one that was anticipating this day? Surely not...at any rate, I had been waiting in anticipation for many weeks for this day to come and finally it did - Kristen delivered baby Levi on Friday, September 17th at 7:53 PM.  I was honored to be invited to photograph the whole thing.

Having never witnessed a live birth, let alone photograph one, I was filled with a variety of emotions when I pulled into the hospital parking lot.  Excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and fear all took their turns in my mind as I walked through the doors.  I found Kristen's room, which was filled with a very warm friendly family - to say I was nervous would be an understatement. It wasn't long after I got there, when the nurse sent the family out of the room and announced that we were going to be pushing soon.  I could hardly contain my excitement.  After only about an hour, baby Levi was born - 21 inches long, 7lbs 10 ounces.  Words cannot express what a beautiful and emotional experience this was for me.

  Congratulations to Kristen and Ryan and thank you a million times over for allowing me to experience such a deeply personal and special moment in your lives.  You made this experience one that I'll never forget.