I am so excited to finally post these portraits. This was by far one of my favorite and most rewarding things to photograph. Kelly has been a client of mine for about a year now and I was so excited when when inquired about birth photography. It would be my first and I was so honored that she trusted me with this important and sacred time.  After the birth of my first child in April this took on a whole new meaning to me. I know how much I treasure my photographs from his birth and hoped that I could do the same for her.

So we waited.. Miss Addy was in no hurry to get here, she took her sweet time. The day before she was born I saw pictures of her mom tailgating at LSU so I figured that another night would pass.. I was wrong. Apparently she wanted in on the fun… so at around 3am that morning I got the call I had been waiting for. I hopped in the car ready for an all day marathon but hoping that it would go quickly because I knew that she had plans of a natural birth.

I got to the hospital around 5, she was only dilated a few centimeters and they generally estimate a 1/2 a centimeter per hour (if I remember correctly) so I figured it would be a while. She was a trooper hanging out in the birthing tub, cutting jokes in between some major contractions. But quickly it all changed.. they started happening closer together and was increasing in intensity for her. Witnessing her labor in this way was incredible.. it was nothing like you would imagine for a woman giving birth with no epidural. She said she felt the urge to push and thought it was time. She asked to be checked again and she was 9 centimeters.. this was only about an hour since the last time they checked.

So the rush was on.. the doctor had to be called in but Kelly was pushing with or without her. She got out of the birthing tub and into the bed so that the nurse could help her deliver. It seemed like 2 pushes and there she was.. this beautifully perfect little baby. I was stunned by how quickly it all happened, I joked that I almost missed it because I pushed for 2 hours so I thought it would take a while.

I can’t begin to describe to you how it made me feel to see a life born into this world. Nor can I describe how honored I was to be chosen to be there. I am so grateful to her family and hope that they enjoy the photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Dad was sent to the corner =)

I love this little family and I look forward to many more years of photographing their memories! They are stuck with me whether they like it or not =)

MelissaCannon@cox.net

Very excited to also announce my 3rd Annual “Scare off Hunger” Halloween Food Drive. It will be held at the studio on Oct. 30th from 1pm – 4pm. Stop by with at least 5 canned goods or non-perishable food item to have a portrait taken in your Spooktacular Halloween costume and you will receive a FREE 4×6!

Special packages are also available. Appointments will not be taken so just drop in.

I will also be at the First United Methodist Church on Halloween night collection canned goods for a free 4×6 as well during their carnival. I’ll have more details on this in the coming weeks.

So stop by either one to help support a great cause!

How quickly they grow.. it feels like this was just yesterday..

Did you get to eat your cake like this for your last birthday?!?

Happy Birthday little buddy!!

We are getting so close!!!

I just tried to upload some images and I was told I was out of space!!! Well that is just crazy.. guess I’ll be calling tomorrow to figure that out…. can’t finish out my blogging challenge with no pictures =)

Have you started getting ready for Halloween yet? You need to check out Addy’s mom from yesterday’s post and get a custom Halloween bucket! You can find her business Whatchawant Designs on Facebook. She hand paints some awesome stuff and will do custom designs. I took a picture of what I wanted for Cannon and she made it in no time.. Precious!