Miss Olivia was born on a beautiful fall day, November 4th, 2013, in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This was my first birth experience and it was definitely an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. After being back and fourth to the hospital 3 times to be induced, Miss O was clinging on to momma K, even 10 days after her due date.
Finally, on November 3rd, at 7:45 pm, I got the call from Mike. “It’s Time.” I rushed myself to the hospital with camera in hand. Upon arriving, I noticed how incredibly calm both Kristie and Mike were. With each contraction, Mike held Kristie close, and Kristie breathed like a champion. Watching Kristie and Mike prepare to bring their new baby into this world was overwhelmingly beautiful, to say the least. Their lives were about to change forever and they were so ready.
It was a long and rather painful night we had ahead of us. I have never felt such empathy for someone whom I’d only met once prior to our journey together. In between photos, I did what I could to make Momma K more comfortable. Water, check! Ice, check! Popsicles, Check! Back rub, check! Clementine’s, double check! I did my best to comfort and support a couple during their most intimate time of their lives. Though, I must admit, I felt helpless many times throughout the night, watching K go through such tremendous pain, and not being able to take it away from her!
Even with each contraction growing closer and closer, and seemingly longer and longer, Kristie never lost that charming smile, and love for the clementine’s… And Mike, of course. We went dark for about 3-4 hours in the middle of the night because there was zero available light to shoot, and frankly, it didn’t feel quite right clicking away, when I could be rubbing her back or cheering her on.
After a few hours of rest, the time had come. The time to push! I’ve gotta say, my heart was racing! Baby was actually about to come out after 11 hours of labour! After only 28 minutes of pushing, and 2 minutes before sunrise on November 4th, sweet baby Olivia Jeanne Elizabeth Caissie, was welcomed into this world. Olivia was put immediately on Momma K’s bare chest, Papa M cut the cord, and two people, became three. A surreal moment to witness.
Flooded with emotions as I watched mommy, daddy, and Olivia bond, I let silently took it all in. Three people walked into a room the night before, and a fourth will come out with them. Seriously, amazing. After being cleaned up, weighed, and vitals checked. Guests started to arrive! One after the other, family and close friends came in to meet the sweetest little babes. There was so much happiness around. I got my snuggles in, then headed home after a very long, tiring, and emotional night. I couldn’t feel more proud watching Kristie and Mike work together to bring their beautiful daughter into this world. It was a bonding experience I’ve never had before.
A week later, we had our newborn shoot and our lifestyle family shoot in Mike and Kristie’s home. This part of the experience was also incredible. To see how well they have adapted and learned in just a week. They worked together and we had some beautiful photos come out of it.
Thank you so much, Mike, Kristie, and Olivia, for allowing me to be a part of such a beautiful, intimate, and surreal experience with you.
Fredericton Birth and Family Photography | DLR Photography
