11 pounds, 4 ounces...
As many of you know...for the past four weeks or so I have been "on call" to photograph a birth for one of my clients-turned dear friends, the Wooleys. In fact, several of my appointments were set with the knowing that you might be bumped at anytime depending on this delivery. Well...the due date came...and passed...and still, no baby Wooley...9 days past the due date-still no baby...10 days-no baby...but...
At 2:55 AM...this morning...I got the call I had been waiting for. The voice on the other line said "ok...it's go time"...and by 3:03 AM I was pulling out of my drive way...two things running thru my mind....ONE, will they have enough coffee and TWO, how in the world am I going to photograph a birth! Well, a little late for panicking I guess!
But seriously, there are pro photographers who specialize in birth photography. I gotta tell you...I was NERVOUS! Not only had I never photographed a birth before...but also, I have never really seen a birth before! YIKES! Even after having three children of my own...I never looked, I didn't use mirrors or even allow anyone to even think about picking up a camera untill my baby was clean and fresh and most importantly, I was OUT of stirrups! Yep...nervous!
I pulled up to the Wooleys house at 3:25am and was greeted at the door by daddy and Miss K...the Wooleys one year old daughter...She was wide awake and ready to party let me tell you! As soon as I walked in, and yes...got a cup of coffee I felt better...my nerves settled and I was ready to photograph this birth!
The Wooleys had the most amazing team of midwives and nurses! My complete respect goes to these gifted and knowledgable women...!
But the real gold medal goes to my friend Susan Wooley. Susan was so strong and so controlled through her labor and all natural delivery. She was in active labor for many hours and her tiny little body went through so much struggling.
I cannot express the range of emotions that I experienced today. It was SO hard to see my friend in pain. Many times I had to step out of the room to compose myself...I was a crying mess! I was also BLOWN away by the strength that she showed during her contractions...this girl is one tough cookie! I was so very proud of her today...it was a long and hard time for her...but with prayer, support and the pure fact that it just too darn late to turn back...she delivered her- 10 day over due- baby girl!
The newest Wooley weighed in at 11 lbs. 4 oz. and 23 inches long...Can you even believe that! Susan is a tiny little 100 pounder her self...WOW...She is healthy and beautiful! She has a head FULL of long, thick black hair and even already has chubby little cheeks! Perfect in every way!
As far as my photography...I ROCKED! The pictures turned out wonderful...a timeless keepsake of this little baby's birthday...! I am so happy to share them with the Wooleys. Most all of the pictures are very personal and private...just for this family. But I am going back to their home in the morning for the baby's REAL new born session...I am determined to get this baby pictures done before she turns one day old! I will share those later!
Ok...here is a picture of the newest baby to join the Wooley family getting her first bath - the warm water was mixed with all sorts of herbal blends... she loved it...
Thank you guys for asking me to be apart of this awesome day! I love all four of you!
SO very amazing! What a blessing, and how wonderful to be part of this little miracles first breath of life :) Thanks for posting the pics, and for updating us. We have been thinking of this family and praying for them and the safe delivery of their new baby since you told us weeks ago! Congrats to the Wooley's and what a Job well done Marquette! We just love you and your work!
The Palmer Fam!
Posted by: Stephanie | March 19, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Beautiful! What an honor to be a part of such an incredible event...
and Susan, your new little girl is a doll! I feel like I already know you through Marq though we have never met...but I sure would love to squeeze that new baby of yours! Blessings to your family!
Posted by: Angela | March 19, 2008 at 07:22 PM
She is beautiful!! I can't wait to meet her. Susan you are so strong and I am truly impressed! I love you guys!!
Posted by: Danielle | March 21, 2008 at 02:37 PM
OK, I was just as Surprized as everyone that she was 11 POUNDS 4OZ! WOW! or actually OOUUCH! I'm finaly able to get out of bed and walk around. Let me just say I'm in tears as I read what you wrote it makes me "relive" the day I gave birth to our precious little girl. My strength came from faith in God, trust that my body knew what to do, the Unbelievable Love and Support from Scott and from my wonderful team of people in the room!
Thank you Marquette for your support, prayers, and the many moments you captured so that we'll have them to treasure forever. I'm so thankful that you were there! We also appreciate all the sacrifices you went through to make sure you were able to make it!
I also want to say Thank You to everyone who kept us in your prayers, especially to all your other clients who I'm sure was as ready to have this baby come as I was. :-)
I've been falling in love with her more and more each day...especially with those cheeks! I can't wait to see all the pics!!
Posted by: Susan Wooley | March 22, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Ooh my goodness she is simply beautiful and she looks sooo peaceful. When I got the news she was 11 lbs the news carrier (Candee thought the weight was a type 0) however I see God is still in the miracle working business and your new baby is just that a miracle! may God Bless and keep you all is my Prayer,
Love Lynne
Posted by: Lynne | March 24, 2008 at 05:45 PM