I’ve been wondering how in the world I was going to put this into words, and I’ve spent my morning trying to do so. The labor and birthing process is incredibly sacred, and that time between a couple is one of the most intimate life experiences one can have. As such, it was an immense honor that my sister and her husband asked me to be a support and document the birth of their first child. I did, and am forever changed. Childbirth is nothing new to me–I was a childbirth educator and doula before a photographer–but none moved me so deeply as beholding my sister and her husband, their individual strengths and love for one another.
I saw my sister pushed to limits beyond what I’ve ever witnessed in a laboring woman. I saw a husband so empathetic, tears in his eyes, proudly proclaiming how blessed he is to have my precious sister for his wife.
The three of us were in a hospital together for four days, one of which was their 3rd wedding anniversary. We laughed, watched American Idol, HGTV, prayed, waited, were forced to make decisions, coached, cried, and grew more closely. I saw a beautiful piece of my brother-in-law through my sister’s eyes, and I think he saw me more through her’s. What an unexpected trial it was, with the most precious outcome possible–Lilah Jane McIntosh.
Weighing in at 8lbs. 12 ozs. the sweet girl entered this world (25 days past her due date) at 3:57am, on March 8th, 2013. She was instantly loved by overjoyed (but ridiculously tired) parents, and an aunt crying so hard she could hardly focus her camera.
Here’s a piece of the story through my eyes…and listen closely to the second song. During her pregnancy, Ashley and our brother Billy did a cover of “Forever Young.”
jess
Artist, wife, mama of four.
Lover of life
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ah this takes me back (and soon to be forward!)
So beautiful! What an awesome laborer and coach! And how awesome to so patiently wait for that girl to come when she was ready for life out here! I know it’s such hard work, but as you know and your sister knows the work is 100000% worth that joy at the end! What a beautiful girl and what an awesome story of love.
Oh Jess, I’ve been waiting on this post of yours for some time now! So beautiful to see these images and how GORGEOUS is Lilah? (I absolutely love love LOVE her name!) Congrats to your sister and her hubby — theirs was a long haul to bring her into this world, but now she’s here and so ready to be loved upon!
NICE! I’m tired for all of you just watching. so glad she’s here and all is well! congrats to everyone!
Beautiful, touching images. Congrats to the new little family & new auntie!! & Your sister has a beautiful voice!
Watching this with tears streaming down my face!! I am so glad you were able to capture this amazingly beautiful time for them– I’m also glad you all shared it with us! What a blessing!
Tears!!!! She’s so beautiful! (Momma and baby!) Oh what a journey! Took me back as well!!!! Much love to your family!
what a beautiful, beautiful story. they are certainly blessed… not only with a healthy babe, but also a supportive and talented woman to welcome them to parenthood. : )
weeping for joy over this little baby girl’s birth story. love how you show the strength and bond of ashley and adam’s marriage in these photos, as they patiently wait on lilah jane. so touched by this slideshow. oh…and jess, you couldn’t have picked better music…. so love.
What a beautiful, bright-eyed little girl! Congratulations Ashley & Adam, & thanks for sharing!
Congratulations all around!! Such a beautiful story made even more beautiful when you know Ashley in person :)
I feel so connected to your sis even though I’ve never met her. What a beautiful story.
Wow Jessie, thanks for sharing that with us! What a precious capture! I didn’t realize she had a c-section. So proud of you Ashley! Love you guys!!!
These are SUCH beautiful photos Jess! What a wonderful documentation of your sister’s birth experience:) So so gorgeous!
oh so very lovely! thanks for sharing and congratulations to your sister and BIL. she was very blessed to have you there as a sister, doula and photographer. i’m so proud she was able to patiently wait past her EDD against the crowd. that’s a tough thing to do and look at that healthy 8 lb baby :)
And I’m crying…and I’m crying…and I’m crying…this is the most beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. Ash, you are such an inspiration. I know years down the road when my journey toward motherhood begins, I will have you and your strength in my thoughts. My heart is full from seeing this. Thank you. Love.
The comments in the introduction are a beautiful narrative, and so many of the photos go by too fast, each deserves applause and comment! Thank you for sharing that very personal and powerful experience, and congratulations on welcoming such a precious person!
what a gift you gave your sister, your brother-in-law, your neice, the whole family. perfectly beautiful. i did the same for my little sister, although i never shared it anywhere. this brought me back to those hours and those prescious moments filled with utter joy..as here. truly a miracle and days filled with over flowing gratitude and love. congratulations to all and lilah jane, you are beutiful and so very much loved. xoxo
Oh my. What a beautiful, priceless gift. Simply beautiful.
<3…..thats all I can say about that