I first met Jozalyn and Juan during their maternity session. We shot at Clarion Woods Park, a beautiful spot with winding trails, a pond, and plenty of space to get creative. It was one of my golden hour sessions—lots of movement, multiple outfit changes, and time to explore. They even brought their puppy, who was full of energy but surprisingly cooperative when we needed him to be.
Toward the end, we leaned into a soft fairy-inspired theme, which felt perfect for them. They love fairies, and the setting gave us a whimsical, slightly magical vibe.
I got a lot of great images from that session, and you could already feel how excited and connected they were as they prepared to meet their baby. This is when I brought up the possibility of birth documentation with them. We chatted a little bit about what that would look like, and i'm so glad that we did.
A few weeks later, Jozalyn texted me from the hospital. She’d been having contractions since the morning before and was admitted in early labor. That message came in at 1:49 PM. I asked her if she had had her cervix checked and she was not yet 3 CM dilated. This is her first baby, so I waited at home for a few hours while they got acquainted in the hospital. She was 3cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital in Lawrence later that day.
I watched as she handled her contractions, breathing through them alongside her partner, Juan. I asked a little about their birth plan. It was 8PM when she received her epidural. During the process, Juan stayed close the entire time - no distractions. He even gently wiped her nose as she got the epidural placed. He was completely locked in and supportive in every way.
Her nurse stood by during the epidural process. At 9:00 PM, after some rest, they checked her again: 4 cm, 90% effaced, and her bag of waters was bulging.
By 10:00 PM, the nurse suggested a position change, and the mood in the room started to shift. Everyone was a little more relaxed. They joked around—conversations about poop, light teasing, and laughter. I remember Juan looking at the catheter and saying, “You’re peeing right now!” and the whole room cracked up.
At 11:15 PM, she was checked again and measured 5 cm. Still intact membranes.
Juan really impressed me. Not only did he stay by her side the entire time, but he showed up with so much tenderness and care. He works hard to provide for their family, and it’s clear they have a strong village around them. Jozalyn was never alone.
Around midnight, things took a turn when she started throwing up. She was embarrassed—completely normal in labor—but mama immediately stepped in to help her clean up. Juan was right there, and I grabbed an alcohol wipe to try and help with the nausea. No judgment in the room, just support.
Later, Jozalyn looked at her phone and said, “Every time I look at my phone, it’s 12:27. You know what else is 1227? My grandma’s address.” Those kinds of random, personal moments are the ones I always remember.
At 1:20 AM, she was 6 cm.
We all took some time to rest. When we woke up a couple of hours later, she was 9 cm. The mood shifted again—calm, but full of anticipation. They passed time by looking through baby clothes and gently preparing for the next phase. Juan quietly said, “My body feels hollow.” He was clearly feeling the weight and emotion of the experience.
Around 4:15 AM, her contractions picked up again, and she started to feel more intensity. She kept her breathing steady and controlled.
At 4:23 AM, her OB broke her water. She was fully dilated and ready to push when she felt the urge. She quietly said, “I’m very nervous.”
The catheter was removed, and just under 30 minutes later, at 5:11 AM, Noellani was born. She had so much hair. Juan helped catch her and placed her directly on Jozalyn’s chest. That moment was powerful—quiet and fast, but unforgettable.
She told me that she always knew Juan would be a great birth partner. Anytime she’s sick or struggling, he takes care of her without hesitation. That same energy carried through in labor. He played with her hair, spoke softly, and constantly encouraged her—“You got this, babe.” “You’re doing so good.” “I love you.” One of the most impactful things she described was seeing Juan’s hands on their baby, bringing her to her chest. She said she’ll never forget it—his voice, the baby’s first cry, his hand on her neck, her daughter’s tiny body against her skin. The connection between it all was instant.
Jozalyn admitted she didn’t think she’d make it through the whole process. She thought she’d cry, panic, or fall apart. But she didn’t. She pushed through with strength and calm. She was surprised by herself in the best way.
The hardest part of labor for her wasn’t just the pain—it was the frustration of the never-ending contractions before the epidural. The nausea and vomiting were tough, too. But the second Noellani was born, everything changed. She said she never thought she wanted kids. Even when the pregnancy test turned positive, it didn’t feel real. But when her daughter was laid on her chest, she said it was clear: “This is what I was meant to do.” Becoming a mom transformed her—her thinking, her emotions, everything.
She also mentioned how much she enjoyed the conversations we had during labor. Sitting around, talking and laughing with me and her family helped her feel more confident and grounded. It made something scary feel manageable. The environment was exactly what she wanted—dark, moody, steady. She could hear the hum of the AC through the machines, and the low voices of her people kept her focused. The only thing she would’ve changed? She wished the fetal monitor sounds were louder than the pump alarms.
The love that filled that hospital room upon Noellani's arrival was indescribable. I hope that it radiates from these images and fills you with that pure, indescribable joy. She weighed in at 6lb 14oz and nursed from her mama like a boss.
The next day, I returned for her Fresh 48 session. Some babies don’t want to do much besides snuggle and nurse—and Noellani was one of them. So I focused on capturing a few quiet moments and scheduled a lifestyle newborn session for later.
That session was beautiful. Her baby was peaceful, gave us all kinds of funny expressions and soft smiles. We got her wrapped and cozy, and she looked like pure sweetness.
Jozalyn looked radiant. You could see how beautifully their little family was settling into this new season together.
When I asked Jozalyn how having a photographer in the room impacted her birth, she shared that it made a real difference. She told me I helped talk her and her family through moments when they felt overwhelmed or unsure, and that my calm presence brought a sense of reassurance when things felt uncertain. She said I was never in the way, never intrusive—just there, quietly supporting and documenting. Hearing her describe me as a valuable part of her birth team was incredibly humbling. I don’t take that kind of trust lightly.
