I don’t even know where to start.  If you’re a mother, you know what I mean.  And Brooke knows exactly what I mean, too.  I’ll begin by saying that these pictures are very minimally edited.  This is not about flawless skin or perfect lighting.  Rather, this is an open and honest look at the work and the prize of giving birth.  Although I will mention that these few images have been carefully chosen with both you, my average viewer, and the privacy of the mother in mind.
There’s just something about giving birth, that instills in us a deep respect for each other and makes us want to stand up straighter.  I for one, after giving birth to my son, gained new perspective as well as a greater appreciation for my own mother and all mothers.
Gary & Brooke planned to do a home birth, but Baby Girl didn’t want to come out.  I’ve never known anyone to be pregnant for over 43 weeks, but now I can say that I have.  Brooke did not get an epidural, she chose a natural birth.
 She labored for over 14 hours. This is one very exhausted couple.  But they kept on.  And then she came and lit up the room and everything melts away.  It’s amazing, really.  If you’ve never been with a mother when she gives birth, put it on your bucket list to earn your spot in that room someday.  I don’t even know how to explain it, but I could attempt it with the analogy of walking from the kitchen to the living room and forgetting why you went there in the first place.  As soon as the baby comes, there is this unmistakable joy that not even winning the lottery could replace. Meet Genevieve.  I don’t care how many times in my life I’ve done this or ever will do this, I will always consider it an honor to be present for such a life-changing moment.  Thank you, Brooke & Gary!

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