Born on the 4th of July | Norfolk, Virginia | Jess Nicole Photography

I knew this little guy's entrance into this world was going to be special. I went to bed on Sunday night with a feeling stirring in my soul...I knew I wouldn't get much sleep. I made double sure my gear was packed, charged, and ready to go. I texted my best friend and told her I had a funny feeling and I may be dropping the kids by sometime soon! At 3:22am I woke up from an apparently light sleep and decided to get a drink of water. At 3:27am, my phone rang and there was a laboring mama on the other end.
There's something very surreal about arriving to a home at 4:29 in the morning. It's that time of night where it's darkest before dawn, you know? Dew is on the ground, the porch light glowing like a beacon signaling the birth team and I can just make out the sheets hanging on the clothesline. Everything is perfectly quiet and completely still. Inside, even the house is silent except for classical piano concertos playing softly beside her. It was so quiet, I was convinced my sandals were a distraction and I proceeded barefoot for a few hours. Arriving at such an emotionally intimate scene, I almost felt like I was intruding. And so, it began. I watched her labor. I watched her be supported by an ever present husband. It was like they were the only two beings that existed in that time and space- together working so hard to bring baby into this world. I watched her belly move and change with each contraction. As the sun began to rise on Independence Day, filling this sacred birthing space with creamy morning light, I watched as mama continued to work to get her sweet baby earthside.

4:45am Homebirth

Brother and sisters began to wake up, the scent of coffee and bacon wafted in and out of the rooms through the open doors. It was like smelling pure comfort.
Midwives watched over mama protectively, but from a distance, allowing her the space and freedom to work with her baby and her body. The pool was filled while a festive parade was organized outside with the neighborhood children.
Rain began to fall softly and the minutes ticked by as mama eased into the water. Every second we were getting closer to watching a miracle happen. And soon, he took my breath away as he made his way into this world.
Greeted by his mommy, daddy, a team of midwives, myself, and a little later- his sweet siblings.
What a lucky little boy! His birthday celebration will always end with magical displays of fireworks high in the sky.
Here are a few shots from his beautiful birth, shared with permission. Please visit www.sevencitiesmidwifery.com (Seven Cities Midwifery) for more information on their services- they were amazing. And if you'd like to discuss me attending your birth and documenting your birth story, use the contact feature above and we will start planning for the big day!