I could not be more excited to share the most beautiful home birth of baby boy Lelis with you all!

Kaley was due on Friday, September 2, so I had been on high alert for the “it’s go-time” call to come any day. On Sunday, September 4, I woke up to three missed calls, a voicemail, and several texts letting me know that Kaley was in labor (and had been since midnight!).

Y’ALL.
I. PANICKED.
PAN-ICKED.

I immediately called Lisa—the incredible doula whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with twice now—from Golden Lotus Doula Services and asked if the baby was here yet. You cannot imagine my relief when she answered no! I rolled out of bed in my best embodiment of Drake’s muse (“sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no make-up on,” ya feel me?) and ran out the door in less than 10 minutes like I was the conductor of the hot-mess-express itself.

BUT I MADE IT.

I arrived at Kaley’s home around 7:15 A.M., just as she was getting settled into the birthing tub. Everything felt peaceful and prepared. Lisa—the doula, and Tyler—Kaley’s husband, both provided tender and unwavering support as Kaley breathed through every contraction like an absolute boss.

Kaley’s labor intensified around 9 A.M. When she gave me the green light to open the curtains, the room flooded with warm sunshine. The natural light photographer in me was doing a happy dance. I was so thankful to capture these sacred moments of brand new life entering the world.

Kaley absolutely rocked labor and delivery! She was so strong and calm. She trusted her body through each contraction and did what felt best for her. At 10:25 A.M., she roared out her precious 8lb. 15oz. baby boy into his daddy’s arms. These loving parents welcomed their little guy into a beautiful, serene space as they were supported by the most amazing and knowledgeable midwives—Mary-Claire and Caitlin. They seriously blew me away! If I ever have a home birth, I know I would want this exact team by my side (Lisa, Mary-Claire, and Caitlin).

Baby boy was born covered in the most beautiful vernix, and started looking to nurse right away. I was in awe of how BA Kaley was. AND with this being her first baby, too?! C’mon!

As the first birth I’ve been gifted with capturing, this experience was incredibly special. And as if it could be any more meaningful, it just so happened to fall on my son Archie’s second birthday as well!

Lelis family, thank you SO much for the blessing of being a part of this monumental day in your lives. It was a true joy, and I look forward to watching your sweet boy grow up from behind my camera lens over this next year!