When I met this couple, they were expecting their fifth child. In talking with them it became clear that birth was a family event that was cherished and celebrated. Their other children would be there, each having a role at the birth of their brother. Mom wanted something she hadn’t been able to get at previous births – beautiful photographs of this special family event, tender moments laboring with the support of her husband, the joy & excitement on everyone’s face when meeting their new family member, each person’s participation . . . I left thinking how awesome it was that I might be able to not only witness such a lovely event, but that I could provide this family with something they could look back on for years and years.

Baby Ethan was welcomed by family, friends and the wonderful women of Trillium Midwifery Care. The birth day was FULL of amazing moments. I will try to touch of some of the most poignant. . .

Look how happy this mom is. . . this is what birth can be like! Love it!

Sibling getting a little special time with their new brother. . .

Each child had a “role” at the birth – videotaping, cutting the cord, giving brother his new little hat and weighing the baby!

In anticipation of the birth, mom baked two apple pies. Everyone got to sit in the bedroom and eat a piece!

One of the funnest moments was witnessing the youngest girls’ reaction to the midwife student describing the placenta. After watching her, they wanted to check it out for themselves – so they put on gloves and explored!

I leave off with this image. It shows exactly what I imagined this mom wanted to be able to look back and remember – her surrounded by her husband and all her children, marveling over the birth of the newest family member. Welcome baby Ethan!