Coker Arboretum Bump Session
The day that I met Kate and her family at Coker Arboretum was that one day this summer that the weather was like fall.
It was the most perfect day.
I am honored to be able to capture families doing their thing. I am thankful when I am invited in. This family was sweet to talk to and interactions felt natural. They are a good looking bunch too!
In a few weeks I should be able to capture them as they transition into a family of four!
Morgan
Another sweet Baby & Co. collision. This is the beautiful things about the birth community and word of mouth. I was able to meet and hear the story of Morgan's unmedicated birth all because she found me through some Baby & Co. folks.
Morgan slept through this entire session. She looks so angelic. She and her parents are doing a great job adjusting to being a family of three!
Doulaversary
Happy Doulaversary to me!
At about 3am, one year ago today, I received a call from my first doula client, Jenna. Jenna grew up with my husband and was willing to let me "learn" by being her doula. I met Jenna at the hospital and shortly after 6:00am, she gave birth to her daughter. It was my first and shortest labor as a doula. I was also smack in the middle of my doula training, so I was able to have some serious hands on experience.
And that was the beginning...
of being a doula
of being a photographer
of Sacred Spaces Birth Support & Photography
I want to take a moment today to make a statement. A statement of thanks.
To all my clients: Thank you for trusting me with your moments. I have learned so much about photography, birth, and supporting couples throughout the past year, and that would not have been possible without you! I received a gift of being able to be a part of your space. I love this work and am grateful that I am able to make money doing it. On that note, thank you for paying me! I know that seems silly to say, but when you pay for these services, you are helping me buy groceries, pay bills & ease the financial burden of being a stay at home mom. I feel empowered to be able to do something I love and contribute to the family pot o honey. Thank you thank you thank you. You've supported local. You've supported small. You've supported REAL people. Pat yourself on the back there, friend.
To my family: You have watched my kids through births that last sometimes days. You have carried the load and made it possible for me to do this work. I absolutely would not be able to do this without you.
To my mentors: Doulas, photographers, and other mamas... you have given me tips and encouraged me. You have offered constructive criticism & helped me learn. I have needed it all.
So, here are just a few of the moments that stand out in my mind from the past year.
Here's to another year doing what I love!
Alexander the Caterpillar
A few weeks ago I did an amazing maternity session with Derrick & Mary themed on the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Well, not too long after, Mary gave birth to Alexander at a local birthing center. I couldn't wait to hear her birth story and see that fresh baby!
I just want to snuggle him!
(but of course, the doula in me knows that snuggling is mostly mom's job. PSA. FYI. In case you didn't know. )
Alexander's nursery was DARLING! Mary is a teacher and has a collection of children's books. All together, it was just perfect.
Future reader alert! Also cuteness alert!
Andi Marie
This sweet little one came earthside a few weeks early, but that didn't bother Janette & Steve. They are enjoying this sweet baby girl at home, and it isn't even technically her due date for another week!
She is small, but she is perfect!
A sweet before and after <3
Baby LEO!
I had the privilege to "doula" for Cait (using doula as if it is a verb) & about halfway through her birth, she says "Oh Stephanie, will you take newborn pictures for us too?"
I stinking love that.
I am so glad that the two things I love kind of go hand and hand.
So this newborn lifestyle session was a wonderful opportunity to check up on my friend and capture a day in their life of a family of 3 (not including their fur babies!)
Eli + Christine + Noah
Oh my goodness.
This little newborn is something.
Isn't he?
He wanted that sweet hand by his face the whole time!
Oh it makes me melt!
These sweet parents are doing an amazing job adjusting to newborn life. See how they are smiling? That is a good sign. And they weren't even faking it! They are truly smitten with this baby boy.
I believe that Noah was filling up his diaper in this picture. But it is beautiful. It is the beginning of a lot of laughter and emotion on account of their sweet Noah.
The Early Arrival of Andi Marie
When you are planning a birthing center birth, your goal is a safe, low risk and on time baby. If some of those factors change, it can mean that it is no longer safe for you to have your baby out of hospital...
Enter Janette.
3 weeks early.
Low fluid levels.
So after a lot of monitoring and conversations, everyone decided that an induction was necessary for keeping an eye on the baby girl inside and getting her earth side.
As a mom who was planning to labor at home, and in the comfort of the birthing center, pushing a pole around the hospital was not exactly a part of her plan...
Even still, her motto was
"we are just going to roll with it"
and that she did.
What you see in the photo above is a Tens Unit. If you are an expecting mom aiming for an unmedicated birth, this is one AMAZING tool for handling labor. For Janette, this is what "got her through labor"
But really, SHE got herself through labor.
This woman is strong.
It is beautiful to witness the love between two partners. To watch papas guard their mamas. Truly beautiful.
The best reaction to cutting the cord...
Pitocin was no match for this strong mama. Pitocin is the WORST, but it doesn't have to mean the worst. You can still reach some of your birth goals when things don't go as planned.
But really in the end, this is the goal.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Bump
This was my first "themed" shoot. Mary came with all the ideas and props and I am in LOVE with the turnout. This is the cutest idea, and they are the cutest couple to spend time with.
One of the best parts of this gig is the joy of being able to get to know people. Mary is also doula-minded, so our conversations were lovely.
A beautiful couple, full of love and anticipation!
Noah's NC Birth
Although his parents are not from here, now Noah is. And this is a part of his wonderful birth story. As parents, you can try to do everything in your power to prepare and control the life of your child, but in the end, sometimes your children have another plan... and in this case, Noah had a plan that was different than Christine & Eli.
They labored at home, then at the birthing center for hours upon hours. Christine is a strong and persistent mama, and clearly her son takes after her. He got himself stuck and after a little help from some friends at the hospital, he made a safe vaginal delivery after transfer from Baby & Co.
The picture on the left is what caused the picture on the right. I know that it is comical now, but in the moment, it was far from funny. I'm sure Christine will never feel the same way about Cherries again.
Eli!
You are a wonderful man, a loving husband, and now
a lovely father.
I was in awe of his love and protection over his partner.
Those tears tell a story...
After all of it, I asked Christine if it was worth it...
She didn't hesitate
"Ohhh yea"
I hope that proves a good ending to the story
!!!! Nephew Levi !!!!
I think my exact words were "I can't wait to tie him up, throw him in a basket, and take pictures of him.
My wait is over
EEEEK
Big Sis!
I am overjoyed to welcome this little bud into our family! I look forward to all the moments with him!
Emerson's Arrival
Janessa & Rea have a simple love story. Meet, fall in love, get married and have a baby. But of course, we know that in every relationship, things aren't always that easy. All of their steps were more complicated than most, but their love stood strong. That love was so clear through the 24 hours (give or take) of labor they went through to meet their daughter.
I am still in awe of Janessa's strength and feel beyond honored to have been able to walk this journey with them as their doula, and document it as their birth photographer.
If you've never experienced Suki's herbs, just know that they are the worst, but also, they work!
Above you will see the legs of Rea's sister. She was also part of the team. And I REALLY appreciate her snapping the photo below!
Notice what Janessa is doing in the picture below...EATING! As a doula, I strongly encourage moms to eat during labor. I am so thankful that Baby & Co. is focused on maternal care and understands the importance of moms eating during labor. Hello?? They need energy!
Speaking of Baby & Co., their midwives are amazing! They use their hands and have experience. I was amazed that Aundrea knew exactly what to do to help Janessa's labor to progress. So much wisdom with these ladies!
By this point in labor, Janessa was exhausted, but she never complained. She never uttered "I can't do this anymore" or "I'm too tired to do this". She just persisted in strength.
Beautiful and amazing strength.
and she pushed out her baby
The moment that you did it. You accomplished something big.
And the reward is in your arms.
With every couple, I am grateful that they allowed me into their space. This one was especially meaningful to me because it was the same place, same room, where I delivered my daughter. This was also my first birthing center birth fully unmedicated. So to me, the 24 hours with them was, exactly as it should be, a Sacred Space.
Janette's Bump at Yates Mill
This maternity session was incredible! I had the chance to meet some sweet soon-to-be parents! This was my first time at Historic Yates Mill Park and it proved to be a future destination. The scenery was perfect &I am pretty certain Janette missed her calling as a supermodel, because in
every
single
shot
she is
STUNNING!
This hat is significant. Her daughter (Andi) will be named after the person that gave her this hat. what a beautiful sentiment!
It wasn't hard to direct them. It was clear that these two are love birds <3.
SERIOUSLY?
THIS WOMAN!
BEAUTIFUL!
#loseegetsthegirl
A wedding day.
There are so many moments, which explains why people hire photographers and videographers. They want to remember every moment. They want to savor it all. and then BLINK...it is over.
But we all know it's not.
There is so much to experience in life, I am so thankful that weddings are one of them. They are a chance for the community to come together and show their love and support for two people who are in love.
And that is what this beautiful day was about. Celebrating love.
I am honored to have been able to capture many of "the moments" so that Heather & Jamie can look back at this day and rejoice over the decision that they made together
and the amazing community of love around them.
Check out the slideshow below for a glimpse into the fun at the reception!
We grew up together...
The Walters & I grew up together...not as children, but in college. Really, college is where you actually "grow up". Now, we live in the triangle together and get to hang out from time to time.
This time, we met at Pullen Park to play and capture some cute sibling love!
Bride to Be
What a JOY is was to be able to spend time with Kaylyn and her close friends and family for her bridal shower. The season that she is in is one of excitement, hope and of course, LOVE. She was incredibly detail-oriented, which is why she wanted to document this sweet day.
Everything was perfect and will be in a few short months! Lots of love and happiness to you Kaylyn!
Baby Evia
Whenever I take photos of newborns, I feel very strongly about doing it in the home. Everyone is more comfortable, Mom doesn't have to pack up a bag of outfits, and things are just relaxed. That is what I loved about these photos of Baby Evia and her family. Our conversations about birth and our common friends was very "its a small world after all" and I feel pretty confident that if they didn't live in Durham, we would be hanging out often!
Oh, and this baby...
She is perfect
LOOK AT THESE SMILES!!!!
This was a "mid-nursing" shot. She unlatched and started grinning! Yea, breastmilk is pretty amazing there Evia.
These pictures were taken at 9 days old. I am sure that by now, this family of four is in the swing of their new normal.
The Ones from Long Island
My husband is currently having trouble keeping up with my life. He doesn't know who I am meeting and whether they are doula clients, photo clients, or both! Over and over again, I have told him about Christine & Eli, my doula clients, but he couldn't seem to keep them straight. We now refer to them as "the ones from Long Island".
Let me tell you something about this couple...they are my FAV!
(of course all couples are my fav, but I just really like them!).
Yes, they are originally from Long Island, but now they consider Apex to be their home
Who doesn't love NC and our beautiful scenery.
I am so glad they moved to our town. They make it more beautiful!
You might be seeing some more of these two once they deliver their beautiful baby.
That should be coming soon ;)
Almost Family of Four
My family and I had the privilege to travel to Carthage, NC to Casey & Martin's farm for a day of pictures. The kids were able to explore, climb on tractors and planes, and of course, we ate some great local BBQ.
During all of the fun, we had a chance to capture some great moments of the McLeod family!
