A Night at the Hospital... Final Chapter.

castrol

TPF Noob!
Joined
Apr 26, 2006
Messages
421
Reaction score
0
Location
Spring, TX
A week ago yesterday, my nephew came into the world. I was lucky enough
that my sister in law, who also happens to be my very best friend in the
entire world, allowed me to be present during his birth.

I was very excited during the pregnancy. She told me very early on that
she wanted me in the room during the delivery. I was both honored and
excited. How cool would it be to witness a human being brought into the
world? I couldn't wait. She also wanted me to document it on camera.
Woot! That means I get to hide behind the camera.
smile.gif


As we neared the date, there were a couple of false alarms. I would sit
in the room as the doctors checked her out and the more I thought about
what was to come, the more I started to freak out about it. It became this
huge thing in my mind. Ugh. No wonder expectant fathers pass out during
this ordeal. I could feel that welling up inside. Heh.

Well, cut to the final day, one week ago when it was time to happen. We
actually almost missed the whole thing, because once it starts, it STARTS!
We had been at the hospital for about 36 hours, labor was pretty easy going,
and there wasn't a whole lot of progress being made. They started talking
about a possible C-section and I was going to be disappointed as that would
have meant an operating room and all that jazz. I really wanted a photo of this.

It was an opportunity of a lifetime.

Standing out in the hall, talking with her 10 year old son, my brother in law
steps out of the room and says, "you better hurry up, its happening!" We went
from a possible C-section to full blown birthing in about 10 minutes. I rushed back
inside, found my camera, and put the right lens on while everything is in chaos.
Nurses were rushing around, the doctor was down where he needed to be and things
were happening. I was planning on staying up near her head and photographing from
her perspective, but that didn't last. I witnessed the entire thing. Everyone
was yelling at her, cheering her on with encouraging words. My wife was crying,
cheering and jumping up and down. The whole room was filled with chaos and
excitement. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life.

As she pushed her final push, and he was all the way out, everyone cheered
and then got really silent. We all waited for that first breath and first cry.
The silence was deafening as we all held our breath waiting for his...

Then there it was. Everyone in the room burst into cheers and tears as he
started his cries. As soon as he let out his first cry, I snapped my photo,
immortalizing that moment in time.

first%20breath.JPG


As I walked back out to the waiting room, passing the elevators a woman stepped
off on her cell phone. I overheard her explaining to someone that grandma
had just passed away. It was a touching moment and I felt odd over-hearing
it, but I couldn't help but think about the entire circle of life since her and I
were at the hospital for two completely opposite reasons.

More of that afternoon's photos.

cutting%20the%20cord.jpg


handing%20to%20mom.JPG


looking.jpg


SeanJosh.jpg


aunt%20ceejay.jpg


kissing.jpg


josh.jpg
 

.Serenity.

TPF Noob!
Joined
Dec 12, 2007
Messages
159
Reaction score
0
Location
Alaska
Can others edit my Photos
Photos OK to edit
beautiful. Your writing was so touching too. What a beautiful moment to remember. And coming from a mom that means so much that you were able to be there and take those beautiful pictures for her.
Plus she looks fantastic for going through a long labor. :)
 

JenR

TPF Noob!
Joined
Nov 17, 2006
Messages
350
Reaction score
11
Can others edit my Photos
Photos OK to edit
JUST BEAUTIFUL!! The photos are amazing. You have captured something *very* special for the new mom and dad.
 

dpolston

TPF Noob!
Joined
Apr 8, 2007
Messages
949
Reaction score
1
Location
Norfolk, VA.
Can others edit my Photos
Photos OK to edit
Those are awesome! Priceless keepsake photographs.
 

PhotogGirl

TPF Noob!
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Can others edit my Photos
Photos OK to edit
Amazing photos and story. Thanks for sharing. As a mom, they make me all teary eyed...
 

Teresa

TPF Noob!
Joined
Dec 14, 2007
Messages
225
Reaction score
0
Location
wylie texas
Website
www.photographybyteresa.com
Can others edit my Photos
Photos OK to edit
all i have to say is beautiful photos and that all that you said gave me goosebumps...coming from a mom and being in that position once before
 
OP
OP
castrol

castrol

TPF Noob!
Joined
Apr 26, 2006
Messages
421
Reaction score
0
Location
Spring, TX
Thank you all for the wonderful comments. I feel like it was an opportunity to do something
with someone I care about so much, but I didn't need to be "involved" if you know what
I mean. If my wife ever gets pregnant, I doubt very seriously she'll want me photographing
the event... I'm gonna have to be holding a leg most likely. :D

Thanks again to everyone who enjoyed them. I am overwhelmed at the whole event...

Still.
 

Alison

Swiss Army Friend
Supporting Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
9,468
Reaction score
99
Location
TX
Website
fatephoto.com
Can others edit my Photos
Photos OK to edit
Congratulations on your new nephew! You did a wonderful job documenting his arrival.
 

Most reactions

New Topics

Top