I first met Christina (and her sister, Lisa) in nursing school nearly 10 years ago. Together we endured the craziness of college and practicums, and endless mountains of assignments and papers that the teachers had thrown at us. We went our separate ways shortly after graduating from school, but still managed to keep in touch online. Last year, I heard from Christina about how moved she was after watching the birth story of my second daughter last January, and when she contacted me to document her own birth story this past fall, I was absolutely thrilled to be able to be there for her.

This was Christina's second child, and when she emailed me to tell me that she was very eager to meet her baby girl just a week before her due date, I knew her baby would be here very soon. On the night she was born, I had just finished getting my own children to bed when she sent me a text message to let me know that her labour had begun just moments ago, and she was already en route to the hospital. I was beginning to think maybe I should begin to make my way to the hospital when I received a call from her husband that she was already fully dilated. I ran out of my house and into the car before I could barely even say goodbye to him on the phone.

I was able to get to the hospital quickly, and lucky for me, she was not quite as far along as I expected. I was so happy I was able to get some beautiful labouring photos for Christina. She rocked and hugged her husband throughout her contractions, and even labored on her hands and knees in bed for a portion of her labour. She breathed, deeply and slowly, right through those contractions. As they became stronger, she breathed even stronger. Her husband was so attentive to her needs and held her hand and encouraged her through the contractions. It was so beautiful to watch them work together as a team. It was not even an hour that I was there, before Christina's labour intensified and she began pushing. Baby Hayley was born face-up which is quite rare. It was incredible for mama to be able to see her baby's face before she was even fully born. Her mama did an incredible job of bringing her into the world. As soon as she held her baby for the first time, I could see pure joy, happiness and relief wash over her as she gazed at her sweet little bundle.  

The next day, I came back to the hospital to capture big sister, Hayden meeting her baby sister for the first time. She was absolutely adorable checking out all of her little sisters hands, toes, and face. Such a special and sweet moment! Congratulations to Christina, Patrick & Hayden on the arrival of little Hayley. She is so beautiful!