Welcome Carter – A Birth Story – Mercy, Folsom

Welcome to the world, Carter!
Born on September 24th at 10:56pm, Carter is the first child to Ashley and Aaron, a wonderful couple whose wedding I photographed almost exactly four years prior (Ashley and Aaron’s David Girard wedding)

Carter was ten days past-due when Ashley was induced early in the morning. She seemed to be progressing fairly quickly and so I raced down to Folsom to be closer for Carter’s arrival. Like all babies, however, Carter was moving at his own pace and the timeline slowed down some. So I ran around Folsom taking care of errands (and even squeezing in a chair massage) to give everyone some intimate family time before my arrival.

Ashley was very calm and focused during her labor, while Aaron was vigilant, keeping a close eye on monitors and tending to Ashley’s needs. Meanwhile, I drew on my own experience laboring with my two daughters, as well as the connection we had developed during their wedding, to do whatever I could to support them both: a cold rag, a cup of water, words of encouragement and distraction… whatever I could contribute without interloping into their experience.

Shortly after Carter arrived, late in the evening, family descended upon the room to meet their new prince and I loved capturing everyone capturing them. Cameras and cell-phones abounded as did laughter and tears of joy.

It really is a great honor and privilege to photograph a birth and a newborn’s first moments in the world. Thank you to Ashley and Aaron for sharing your beautiful experience with me and my camera. You’ll now have the most amazing memories to look back on.