Houston Birth Photographer | Raury's Birth Story

I saw fireworks on the 4th of July! No, not the kind you’re thinking of…it was even better!

When I met Kat, she said she had a feeling her baby would be born on the 4th of July, her EDD was July 9. On July 3rd at 7:06pm I received a text “Headed to birth center now.” An hour later I arrived at Bliss Birth Center. Kat had just gotten in the shower so I took some time to get my things ready, she was 3cm dilated and things were still moving a bit slow so there was no rush. After a little while, things started to pick up, contractions were getting stronger and at around 9:30pm, Kat wanted to know how everything was progressing, so after a check we learned she was 5cm. Making progress! She said “I’m going to have my baby at midnight.” Kat was so ready to have her baby, she was in such good spirits, staying positive and very open to trying everything Trish suggested to make each and every contraction as effective as possible.

The energy in the room was great, listening to worship music, we were laughing and chitchatting, and even came up with a “birthing dance” Ha! Malik, Kat’s husband was a great birth support partner. Kat birthed for a bit in the shower, then the tub. At about 10:40pm she transitioned and waves were getting very intense. After coming out of the tub she sat in the toilet for a few minutes, then her water broke! She walked over to the side of the bed and immediately felt the urge to push. Trish asked Kat to get on the bed and lay on her left side. She then asked Jill to get the oxygen tank to give Kat a little bit of oxygen before getting ready for the next push. Then, Trish checked for baby’s heart tones and for a few seconds there were none, finally we hear heart tones but they were about 98 and dropping. Trish says “Kat you need to push, we need to get this baby out!” After the next push Trish discovers the cord is wrapped around baby’s neck and asks Jill to get the resuscitation kit. This is when I just felt my chest get so tight. I took a couple of shots and just stood still. I wanted so bad to help, do something other than hold a camera, I was prepared to help any way I could. Jill ran and got the kit, she was so helpful! Baby’s head is out and I see his color starting to change, turning blue. Trish asks Kat to get on her knees. Kat turned right away and with the next push, Raury was born at 12:41am. Right away I see Trish start to unwrap the cord from Raury’s neck as she counts out loud…”One, Two, Three, Four!!!” Raury’s cord was wrapped around his neck 4 times!!! I just could not believe it. Thankfully we hear a cry right away and he is placed in mama’s chest. Such a beautiful moment! He came right to color and so alert!

This was an eventful birth to say the least. I personally loved every minute of it! (minus the cord around Raury’s neck.) Kat took us on a ride through every emotion during labor. We worshipped, danced, laughed, cried…she surrendered and trusted her body to do the work. She worked hard, so hard! This woman is just amazing, and so strong…not just that day, but specially that day! Also, I think it’s worth mentioning that her INTUITION was out of this world! Her baby was born on the 4th of July, at midnight, just like she said…I mean!!! God’s timing is always perfect. Without question, I feel it was God who made possible for us to meet and for me to document such a special and miraculous day for this strong mama. This was the second birth I had photographed at Bliss so I already knew what a great midwife Trish is but, this time I was just blown away by her. She just knew exactly what to say and what to do at the right moments. The night ended with a beautiful and peaceful herb bath for mom and baby. I know I say it all they time but I truly feel so incredibly honored to be able to witness the birth a baby. I just love what I do!

Fun facts about this day…

-Big brother Ryder slept through the whole thing in the other room.

-We all had delicious cinnamon rolls an hour after Raury was born.

-I will forever think of Raury every time I eat a cinnamon roll.

♡

Here are a few of my favorite photographs from Raury’s birth story.

Houston Maternity Photographer | Mykel

Hermann Park Maternity Session

Beautiful momma-to-be Mykel absolutely rocked her session!

Mykel has a personal blog where she shares very helpful tips on self-care, faith, travel, and finances. Click Here for her blog.

Lee is a talented fellow photog! Check him out!

I met Mykel and her husband Lee at a Kelsey Seybold event. I was one of the vendors there and was doing a giveaway for a complimentary mini maternity session. Mykel and Lee were one of the first couples I met that day. They were very kind, complimenting my work as they browsed through my portfolio. I really enjoyed talking to them. They entered the giveaway and a week later, it was time to pick a winner. Mykel won :)

Mykel and Lee chose Hermann Park as the location for their photoshoot. I send all my clients a quick questionnaire so I can learn a little bit about them before our session. One of the questions was “Is there anything specific you’d like me to capture?” Mykel had mentioned she really wanted to me to capture the sunset in the background so, I wanted to make sure I did just that. ;) We found the perfect little spot where the sun was peeking through right before it set. Mykel and Lee both did amazing. Even though our time together was short, I really enjoyed it. I also learned they are very excited about the arrival of their baby girl and I just know they are going to be GREAT parents! Here are a few of my favorites for that day.

Houston Newborn Photographer | Shiloh Grace

In home newborn session in Pearland, TX.

I was so honored & privileged to witness and document this baby girl’s birth. Her mommy was absolutely incredible and her arrival was peaceful and nothing short of amazing. 11 days later I got to see her again in the comfort of her own home for her newborn session. She is such a good baby! Also, I LOVE her name!

I love being able to travel to client’s homes for newborn photos. Being a mom myself I know how HARD it can be leaving the house in those first few days with a brand new baby, that’s why I come to them. :) No stress about leaving home, running late, etc. There’s also no need to “tidy up” your home for when I show up. All I need is a little bit of space next to a window and this is the result. :)

Here are a few of my favorites. ( peep that smile on the last photo :)

Sweet baby girl did so good through the entire session.

She is so loved by her parents and big brother!

Houston Birth Photographer | Shiloh Grace

I briefly met Chelsea at a hospital in Pearland, Tx, on the day a friend of mine had her baby, Chelsea was her doula. Fast forward to a few months later, Chelsea contacts me and says she’s pregnant, she was doing a home birth and wanted photos. She was super excited about having birth photos and I was super excited to document her birth! This was Chelsea’s second baby. Her first delivery experience was quite something. She delivered her first baby at home by herself with the help of her husband.

Six days after her due date, I received a call from Chelsea at 5:35am. She sounded so calm, she let me know that she was dilated to 4cm so there was no rush at the moment. I live about 45 min (no traffic) away from Chelsea so “no rush” was a bit of a relief. After getting ready and getting my son taken care of I arrived at Chelsea’s house. By this time she was dilated to 7cm and sitting in the birthing pool, still so calm. I was so impressed with her! Her mom and husband by her side the entire time. She had beautiful birth affirmations on the wall. We were laughing and chitchatting in between contractions. Chelsea was snacking on chocolate covered strawberries. Such great energy in the home, everyone relaxed, everyone excited and I just kept thinking “This is what birth is suppose to be like! How I wish all women could experience birth, how I wish I had experienced mine.” I believe it is so important for mom to know she is doing exactly was she’s suppose to be doing, what her body tells her to do and at her own pace. Even through the waves, Chelsea was so focused, calm and in control. A contraction would come, the room would get quiet, she would close her eyes and just breathe. Midwife Shannon of A Sacred Journey and her team were amazing!!! Very attentive and at the same time giving mama her space.

At around 10am, Chelsea knew she was in the transition phase. “I want to be done” she said. It was almost time to meet her baby girl, she was so close. Minutes after, she began to push. She was incredibly powerful and strong and at 10:28am, baby Shiloh had arrived. Beautiful baby girl weighing 8lbs 8oz. Shortly after, big brother arrived to meet his baby sister. This was one of my favorite moments. He came in the room with flowers in his hands to give to mama. He was so curious about the brand new baby in the house. Baby Shiloh was being checked on the bed and he got on his tiptoes to look at his baby sister. I quickly snapped a photo and it is probably one of my favorites from that special day.

Chelsea, you’re absolutely incredible!

Houston Family Photographer | Diego

Diego is TWO!

Houston Newborn Photographer | Caroline | Bliss Birth Center

I was lucky enough to witness the magical birth of this sweet baby girl at Bliss Birth Center and I got to spend an extra hour with her and her momma two weeks later for a lifestyle session :) She is just so sweet!

Mom Elizabeth with midwife Trish and sweet Caroline at Bliss Birth Center. These three beautiful ladies hold a very special place in my heart.

Houston Family Photographer

Houston weather is so unpredictable! On this day, we were suppose to get a beautiful day with 70 degree weather and beautiful sunshine. Instead, it was 50 degrees and the sun was nowhere to be found. Still this beautiful family made the best of it and we got some beautiful images that day!

Take a look!

So much fun pulling dad’s hair!

Houston Baby Photographer | Sebastian

Houston in-home cake smash session!

That’s right! I know it does not look like it but this was done in the comfort of their home in Katy, TX. I bring everything I need. I never know how cake smashes are going to go. Usually, babies either love it or hate it. Sebastian was a mix of both, ha. When presented with the cake he was so intrigued and then for a couple of minutes he had a ball playing with the icing. After that, he wanted nothing to do with it. Nonetheless, it was lots of fun for all!

Houston Puppy Photographer | Louie

When I got approached to do a puppy photoshoot, I couldn't resist. I had so much fun during this session. Louie is the cutest fluffy teddy bear puppy! Here are a few of the images from his session.

Houston Birth Photographer | Caroline Ruth | A Birth Story | Bliss Birth Center

It’s 11:45pm on Jan. 11, 2019, I am asleep when my phone goes off, half asleep I read a text “Looks like it’s go time!” I jump up, splash some water on my face, kiss my husband and son, grab my gear and head out the door! Filled with excitement, I no longer felt sleepy or tired, I was about to witness the miracle of life and boy was I excited! It was a 45min rainy drive to Bliss Birth Center where I would soon meet a brand new baby girl. I was just hoping I could make it in time. I did. :)

I arrive at Bliss and you could immediately feel the energy that filled this place, a sense of peace so great you could breathe it.

Where to begin with Elizabeth, so many words come to mind to describe her on that day, but 2 words stand out, she was so… peaceful & powerful! Through every breath, every single contraction she let go so gracefully and trusted her body to do what it was meant to do. I was amazed just watching her being so serene, yet so incredibly powerful. Her husband was so gentle with her, attentive and supportive.

What can I say about Trish?! On top of being the sweetest person, she is an amazing midwife! So calm, caring and encouraging. 

And then…it came time to push, I grabbed my camera and stood in a little corner of the room, chills all over me as Caroline entered the world in the most peaceful way. IT. WAS. A-MAZING! A perfect baby girl was born at 2:34am, love & tears filled the room. I can’t put into words how incredibly honored I felt to have witnessed such an intimate and special moment in their life.

To the beautiful mommy: Liz, thank you for trusting me and allowing me to capture your birth story. Woman, you are amazing!

Trish: Thank you for connecting us and making it all happen.

Here are a few of my favorite captures.

Houston Newborn Photographer | Abigail Elise

Abigail Elise, born on June 1st, 2018 at 8.31pm. 9lbs 12oz of perfection. 

See? Told ya...Simply perfect.

Houston Birth Photographer | Abigail's Birth Day

Fresh 48

Where to start... This day was super special. Everything about June 1st was crazy, magical, unpredictable and a little scary all at once. Completely did not go as planned, but nothing amazing ever does, right?! I got to the hospital at 11pm. Little miss Abigail was just 3 hrs old. I was super excited to meet her (side note: Did not know it was a she, since the parents wanted the gender to be a surprise) I was so convinced it was a boy, but boy was I wrong! Abigail was in the NICU fighting a fever and infection, I wasn't sure I would be able to meet her that day since no one was allowed back there but, her very determined dad was able to convince the nurses to let us see her for a bit. I was able to capture these moments that I hold dear to my heart and feel super honored to have been able to share with one very strong mommy and a super proud daddy. Even though she was only 3 hours old, I had already learned 3 things about sweet Abigail:

1. She's mighty  2. She's a fighter  3. She already owns a piece of my heart

Here are a few of my favorites from this day.

Houston Maternity Photographer | Karenia & Ernesto

Galveston Beach Session

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My dear friends are about to become parents. I met Karenia about 5 years ago and instantly became friends. I could go on and on about how I love this girl to pieces, a true sister from another mister :) I am beyond happy and excited for them. Honored to have been able to capture these memories of such an incredible journey. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful sunset and a more perfect day at Galveston Beach. On Memorial Day weekend, due to a current change from east to west, the water was clearer than ever. The session was on Memorial Day right around sunset, and even though the beach was so crowded, it felt like it was just the two of them. I can't wait to meet the little guy that will change their lives forever. Here are a few of my favorites from the session.

Houston Maternity Photographer | Hermann Park | Kristin & Brian

Hermann Park Maternity Session

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Well I really need to step up my blogging. I am sooo far behind, so much so, that this very special couple featured in today's blog have already become parents, nonetheless they very much deserve their own space on the blog. I will be blogging about their precious tiny human soon, if I can get it together and actually start blogging on time now (insert that woman emoji with the hand on her face) 

I was over the moon excited when Kristin & Brian announced they were expecting! I've known these two for about 6 or 7 years now and couldn't be happier to find out they were about to become parents! The sex of the baby was a total surprise as they did not want to find out until baby was born. I was almost certain I had guessed the gender. Boy was I wrong!!! I'll share that on another blog post ;)

Here a few of my favorites from this session. 

Baby Sebastian

Houston Newborn photography session

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I met Sebastian’s parents through mutual friends. At the time, Susel (Sebastian’s mom) was 20 weeks pregnant. This was also during the time Hurricane Harvey caused so much devastation in the city of Houston and unfortunately, Sebastian’s parents were one of the many families whose home and vehicles were flooded. Even during such difficult times, mommy-to-be Susel remained so positive and happy the whole time, it was one of the qualities I most liked about her when we first met. Sebastian was born on January 25th, 2018. Due to circumstances out of our control, (complications with mom) what was suppose to be newborn photos for baby Sebastian turned in to 2 month milestones photos, but this handsome boy is so sweet and was very much worth the wait. Thankfully, mommy and baby are both healthy and happy. Here are a few of my favorites images from the session.