Sweet Baby Brenda has a very special Birth Story. Brenda's Mom and Dad are a precious couple and I was blessed to photograph their Maternity session a month or so ago. When shooting their session, they gave me a little back story to the importance of sweet Brenda's name. But before we get there, let's talk a little about Brenda's early arrival :)

On the morning of October 9th, my phone rang at around 4:30a.m. Of course as a Birth Photographer, I am used to my phone ringing at all hours of the night, and I excitedly popped out of bed, grabbed the phone and before I even said hello, said "Is she in labor??!!"

What makes this story so interesting is that I was already planning on being at the hospital on this date for the induction of another baby, Baby Bear. Bear's Mom and Brenda's Mom( who coincidentally happen to be friends)  joked about what I would do if they both went into labor on the same day. Who knew that this would actually happen??!

I jumped in my car and raced to the hospital. Brenda's mom is superwoman and made the decision to have her birth all natural, no medication. The contractions were getting stronger and stronger, and I knew that it wouldn't be too much longer until we met sweet baby Brenda.

Now for Brenda's story. Brenda is named after Whitley's grandmother, Brenda. I think she tells it the best in her own words. 

"I was raised by my grandmother, Brenda. She was diagnosed with lung cancer 4 days before our wedding. I took care of her for 18 months in our home until she passed away in January of this year. For the 6 months leading up to her passing Albert and I were trying to get pregnant but had no luck. The night of my grandmas funeral I had a feeling I needed to take a pregnancy test. I did and it was positive! When we found out she was a girl we knew we had to name her Brenda. To me she is a gift from God. I'm not sure how I would have taken my grandmother's death if it weren't for having a baby to look forward to. Thinking about my grandmother and how Baby Brenda is a "gift" is what got me through the contractions." 

 It wasn't too much longer until it was time for Whitley to begin pushing. It was amazing witnessing the strength that she encompassed, and even more amazing to witness was  Albert's love and compassion for his wife as she delivered their child. I will never in my life forget the emotion on his face as he watched his daughter enter the world.

Brenda was born at 6:36am weighing 7 lbs, 5oz and was 20.5 inches long

 The moment they handed this precious blessing to her mom was unforgettable. I am so thankful to have been there to watch her embrace her precious gift for the first time. There are no moments more precious than the first ones with your child.

 

 

Some of my favorite moments with these little ones are in the nursery. It seemed Brenda knew that I was there, and was ready to pose for the camera!

I got to see little Brenda again for her in home Newborn shoot.  Here's a small peek at her sweet session.

 

Whitley & Albert- thank you so much for allowing me to document Brenda's Birth. It was my honor to watch you guys welcome your lovely daughter into the world.