Milwaukee Birth Story

January 27th was a snowy day and we had reports that there was going to be a major snow storm that evening. I got a text from Amanda to let me know that she was having some cramping and that it may be baby day! We all crossed our fingers that baby would beat the storm or wait it out. Two hours after her initial text Amanda sent a message at 3:02 letting me know things were getting more intense quickly and that her midwife was going to start heading that way and she would keep me updated if things kept moving along. 10 minutes later I got a text saying: “oh my goodness this is so fast!” and I immediately headed her way. I was the first to arrive to the home and when I walked in I could see that she was far along. Sasha, a student midwife at the time, showed up minutes after me followed by the midwives Deb and Erin. Ezekiel was being an awesome birth partner as well as taking care of their son, Oliver. Once we arrived, Ezekiel quickly took Oliver to a neighbor’s house to hang out until the baby came. Once back Ezekiel was at Amanda’s side comforting her, cheering her on, and giddy with excitement to meet his son or daughter.

Things continued to progress quickly. Amanda was facing some fierce back labor, but she was listening to her body and breathing through each wave. After a couple hours of us all being there Amanda and Ezekiel got to meet their sweet baby boy! Amanda did so beautifully trusting her body and her awesome birth team. Baby Milo decided to come fast and just in time to snuggle in with a snow storm outside. Oliver came right after the birth to meet his new baby brother. He was so gentle and affectionate towards him - it really was one of the sweetest first sibling meetings I have had the privilege to capture.

Sweet Milo will be turning 5 months old next month!! Milo, you are blessed with loving parents and an amazing brother! My prayer is that you are always confidant in the love they have for you, and that you then share that love with the world around you!

Milwaukee Birth Story

I had the honor of being Savannah and Jay’s doula for the birth of their little girl in September. She had the most beautiful and peaceful birth and it was such an honor to support and capture this awesome family in this season of life. Here is a little of their birth story :)

On the Afternoon of September 25th Savannah texted me and told me that she was having contractions all afternoon and they were starting to get closer together, but she was still managing easily. Around 10pm she texted me again to say that they were getting pretty intense and we decided it was time for me to join her at her home. When I got there, she was so calm and peaceful and working though each wave by going inward and breathing deep. With each contraction her sweet pups would huddle around her and give her snuggles. One of them would crouch under her legs and refused to leave her side (first picture taken on my Iphone, was just too sweet not to share :)). We only labored at home for about a half hour after I arrived when things shifted for savannah and she was ready to begin to head into the birth center. When we go to the center they checked Savannah and she was already complete! She was still breathing though each wave with such peace. We started in the shower to gain some comfort and then soon transferred to the tub as Savannah started to push. Savannah and Jay’s sweet baby GIRL (Surprise!!) was born a couple hours later. Throughout the entire labor Savannah did so well at focusing inward and bringing her baby down. Jay was an awesome partner and supported his wife through every contraction. They were an amazing team and it was such a beautiful and gentle birth to be apart of and capture.

The Schroder family is now a seasoned family of three as little Jade Willow turned 6 months old today!! Happy half birthday little one! I wish you many amazing adventures full of love and imagination!

MIlwaukee Newborn Session | Bertram/Lazebnik Family

I recently had the honor of capturing the Bertram/Lazebnik as they begun living as a family of four. One of my favorite parts about photographing second babies is recording older siblings as they learn to navigate their relationship with their newest brother or sister. David is such a good older brother. During this session, David taught me all about his favorite animals, he is really into sea creatures. At one point I asked him if he had taught his new baby brother, Theo, all about his favorite animals and his reaction was priceless. David realized that he was going to get to teach Theo all about the best tings in life, like sea creatures! It was so sweet capturing them laying on the floor staring at plastic toys as David explained all the differences between each water animal. This is the beginning of brotherhood- a bond that cannot be matched or broken. Thank you Bertram/Lazebnik family for inviting me in to capture the great love you have in your home, it was an honor!