link to this post: http://www.holritzphotography.com/index.php?link=25&cat;=4
Yesterday morning, I got a text from my dear friend Heather. She said that she had been having pretty steady contractions, and that she was certain she�d be headed to the hospital sometime that day. While eating lunch with the McNabbs at the Blue Plate downtown, I got a phone call. Heather said that she was at the hospital and she�d be admitted soon. We decided that I still had plenty of time, so we finished our lunch, went and hung out at the park for just a few minutes, and then headed home to see the McNabbs off, and get my equipment.
I get so nervous when shooting births for people that I love. It�s such an emotional time, so full of energy and adrenaline and pain and happiness. I never know how we will all interact under that type of pressure. I now know that Rich and Heather and I will be friends forever. It felt completely natural to be a part of this part of their lives, and I feel so honored that they wanted me to be there with them.
You met Alana early this morning... just after I did. Now, I�m really excited to tell you her story!
Rich and Heather, I love you. Alana... welcome to the crazy crazy world. Get used to that black hole in front of my face, because it�s now a part of your life :)
Enjoy your slideshow!
When I arrived, Heather hadn't yet had an epidural. She was a total trooper, breathing steady through her contractions.
I was amazed by how beautiful Heather was, even while in incredible pain!
Rich was amazing with her.
After they broke Heather's water, they decided to go ahead and get an epidural. No more deep breathing for Heather, she was in even *better* spirits, and I didn't even know that was possible!
Somewhere around 7 cm... things got painful. The epidural stopped working on just one side of Heather's body, and she was feeling every contraction.
But 7cm to 10 cm happened crazy fast. Suddenly the nurse is telling us that it is time to have a baby! I don't think Heather was the only one with a few tears over this incredible news!
It felt so quick from ths point on... a few pushes...
And suddenly, I was looking at new parents, who were looking at their beautiful newborn baby!
Alana!
I swear, she's smiling at me!
Grandpa couldn't resist getting in the first touch.
And then Heather finally got to hold her new baby.
19.5 inches long...
Rich's first opportunity to snuggle. I loved seeing him with her. He's a natural!
Dr. Barker is wonderful. He had a quick prayer of dedication with the new family. Incredibly poignant.
The new family!
I was obviously excited to be holding her :)
I love these girls! Thank you so much for these images Rich!
heather: It is completely absurd that alana is two weeks old and I am just now leaving you a comment, amber.
Rich and i could never in a million years express how much we love these photos or how much we will cherish them forever. you have left an indelible mark on the labor and delivery of our first baby. And we thank you from the bottom of our grateful hearts. We love you so much. (31.12.2023 ,16:00)
Deborah Mignott: Amazing, beautifully done. Very professional. God Bless Baby Alana (28.11.2024 ,06:37)
Tony Yu: Sorry, I was slacking on blog stalking lately and completely missed this. But since I am all caught up, I wanted to say that you are one of the best photogs that I know of that can tell a story without saying a word. If you guys ever make your way to Boston, please shoot me an email so I can take you guys for a dinner. I would be honored and delighted to one day meet you. Thank you for inspiration! (27.11.2024 ,13:36)
Cami: amber...this is truly beautiful, thanks so much for sharing. what a gift to be given the ability to capture these finite moments from the Lord, and transpose them in a way that usurps words & place them in the hands of another. i marvel! absolutely lovely, all of you...hope alana continues to be well. (31.12.2023 ,16:00)
Lisa Hickman: Wow Amber, you did an amazing job! I feel like I was there even if I´m 12 hours away. Heather and Rich, how beautiful! I´m in tears! So moving. Alana will one day love to see this. God bless your family, thanks for sharing :) (23.11.2024 ,03:42)
Carole Foret: Hey y´all!! Oh my gosh, I didn´t even realize Rich and Heather were expecting baby Alana! She is beautiful! Oh, what a treat to have found this out tonight on Thanksgiving Eve. You ALL are totally beautiful.
I just showed my girls the slideshow that includes some of Rich and Heathers images I shot only a year ago and then surprised them with this series of photos. They were so like "Awwwww!" Great job, Amber! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
Carole (21.11.2024 ,18:44)
Jill Schwarzkopf: Stunning, bringing me to tears remembering Mary Rose and Reid´s birth. Would love the honor to capture something as profound as this.
I´m getting closer.
Much love talented Amber,
Jill (31.12.2023 ,16:00)
J Gideon: I am a highschool friend of Holly Scott and when she sent me the slide show of her pictures, I was almost in tears. I just watched this slideshow and I have to tell you, your pictures bring me to tears. I love your style and the way you capture those precious moments in a way that is so personal and beautiful. (21.11.2024 ,12:36)
Corey McNabb: Man... That´s some of your best works ever! Lovely! (21.11.2024 ,10:28)
Amy Nave: Rich and Heather are two of the sweetest people that I have ever met and I´m soooo happy for them.
Rich and Heather, your baby is BEAUTIFUL.
Love,
Amy
(21.11.2024 ,09:12)
Cristie Sims: Oh my gosh Amber.....I just finished watching the slide show and I´m crying my eyes out. :-) Happy tears....I have only met Heather and Rich once, and have yet to meet you...but I feel so close to all of you after that. To achieve that through your photo´s says so much...you are awesome at what you do. I can´t wait to get to know you all more. (31.12.2023 ,16:00)
Mike Warren: Yea! Congratulations Rich and Heather! Awesome set of pictures Amber - thanks for taking us along with you to their birth! (20.11.2024 ,12:40)
Jen Stewart: WOW, BEAUTIFUL photos Amber! Rich and Heather will treasure these forever! And what a beautiful baby girl they had, congratulations you guys! I´ve only had a baby girl for 5 weeks now, but it´s so much fun! Enjoy her, as I know you will. :) (20.11.2024 ,10:29)
Meggie Velasco: These pictures are so sweet. I´m sitting here crying! Amber, you did such a great job. (20.11.2024 ,09:40)
Kathy Groves: Wonderful way to capture a blessed day!!! Alana is beautiful and blessed to have such great parents!!! (20.11.2024 ,09:40)
Shy: wow. wow. wow.
Amber you captured the story so beautifully!!
I felt like I was there (without the screaming of course)
well done my lovely friend (20.11.2024 ,09:16)
