a frederick memorial hospital birth session

The most special part of a birth session is getting to capture all the firsts the very minute they happen. The first little lambie cry. The look on mom and dad’s face as they see their infant for the first time.  The first time they hold their baby. The first time siblings meet the newest member of the family. These moments go by in a blur when you’re surrounded by doctors, nurses and visitors. I love being able to preserve the feeling and memory of this life changing moment for my clients.  

I received the call from Kelly + Richie around 2:30 am as they were on their way to the hospital. After speaking with them and evaluating Kelly’s progress, I knew it was time to join them there. Kelly’s labor came in  fast and furious so I didn’t want to miss a single moment of Olivia’s birth.

From Kelly: I remember Richie asking me over and over again if this was real life. I was so calm. I spoke in a normal voice  “My water just broke but I’m going to hop in the shower, braid my hair, and do my make-up. Can you call the doctor though?”

Having given birth before, Kelly knew she wanted an epidural. Lucky for her, she arrived just in the knick of time before her labor had progressed too far. She began pushing not long after that with Richie holding her hand through the pain. With powerful lungs and a head full of dark hair (both of which she still has today!) Olivia was born just four short hours after Kelly’s labor began.

Kelly was immediately able to have the precious and long sought after skin to skin time with Olivia, an experience she was unable to have with their older son.  Olivia even started nursing right away!  The nurses were able to clean, weigh, measure and give all testing within the same room as Kelly off to the side.Proud dad, Richie, watched over her the whole time putting his finger out for her to hold through it all. As the nurses took care of Olivia, I was able to capture each of her sweet little features like her fingers and toes. I always pay special attention to a newborn’s facial features though, getting as many close-ups as I can, since they change so much in the first week.

Now, wrapped in a blanket with a warm hat on her head, Richie got to hold Olivia for the first time. He walked her over to Kelly where they all could snuggle up together. Since Olivia’s big brother Riley would be joining us at the hospital soon, I stayed as they moved the Harbaugh family to the recovery room. Her room had a big window letting in gorgeous sunlight, something we aren’t always lucky enough to get in a hospital setting. While we waited for Riley, I was able to capture some sweet newborn style shots of Olivia, Kelly + Richie.

From Kelly: Having Olivia was such a different experience from having Riley. I went into labor naturally and was able to do skin to skin. 

When Riley arrived to meet his new baby sister, he ran in the room and straight to Kelly’s bed. He missed his mom so much he gave her a hug and a kiss first thing. It was absolutely adorable! Even cuter though was watching him hold Olivia for the first time. He is going to be such a wonderful, protective and loving big brother. I can’t wait to see how their bond grows over time.

Since Olivia is my niece (Jamie and Kelly, sisters since ‘88 – whoop! whoop!), I had to snag one last picture before I left, Olivia and I together! Kelly and I each have pictures with the other’s children right after they were born at the very same angle. It’s something we both treasure and I was so excited to finally get my own picture with Olivia. She even looks like she’s kissing me back in this shot!

Kelly + Richie, I am so excited for your new little baby doll. She is absolutely gorgeous and I know she is going to bring so much joy to the entire family!

-xo-

Jamie