As a photographer, one of the things that I cherish most is the opportunity to meet incredible people, build meaningful relationships, and watch those connections grow into lasting friendships, and even feel like family. Documenting Maddy's journey to welcome her second child, Blakelynn, was one of those unforgettable experiences. I look forward to documenting her growing family over the years. It has become a great pleasure to know Maddy and her family. Her journey was marked by support, joy, and laughter.
It's funny to think that I first met Maddy and Blake while photographing another birth. There is something about a new baby that brings people together! We had fun at her maternity session, joined by her best friend, all of our husbands, and all of our babies. Maddy's journey radiated joy at every step. Her bump was beautiful in every dress, you could see the unending love for her in Blake's eyes, and of course the mystery of what was to come with a little sister for big brother, Baylen. The next time that I would see Maddy, would be moments before the arrival of her beautiful baby girl.
Maddy's story began with the knowledge that her birth would likely be another caesarean, following the delivery of her first child. Despite her hopes for a VBAC, her doctors recommended delivery at 37 weeks, and she gracefully embraced the shift in plans. When I met her on the morning of the delivery, Maddy was calm, determined, and surrounded by love.
Her sweet boy, Baylen sat in her lap soaking up his last moments as an only child. One of the most heartwarming sights was Maddy facetiming her best friend while waiting to be taken to the operating room. In the midst of pre-surgery nerves, she found laughter and reassurance in their conversation—a reminder of how important those connections are in life’s big moments.
Maddy prepared for delivery with calm determination, taking her medications, sipping an ensure, and using her pre-op wipes. Maddy noted that her nurse really stood out to her, going above and beyond. Maddy has trouble with pills, so her nurse gave her liquid Tylenol, crushed pills, and some pudding to help keep it down. After every birth, I ask the birthing person about special moments with their providers that stood out to them, and this small extra act was monumental for her experience. I asked her if she would like one last photo in her pregnancy, a moment that I think many women do not think of, until weeks after their baby is here. She washed her hands, fixed her hair, and gave a quick pose in the little bathroom - a fleeting but powerful moment of self-awareness.
Standing steadfast by her side was her fiancé, Blake, who was her rock throughout the entire process. Maddy later shared how much his presence meant to her, especially during the tense moments of checking in and waiting to head to the OR. His calm, steady reassurance helped her push through the nerves, and his love for her and their baby was evident in every glance and touch. Before heading back, Maddy gave her little boy a kiss, and walked through the halls, Blake's hand wrapped around hers.
When we arrived at the operating room, they were not quite ready. Maddy and Blake stood outside the doors for just a few minutes, minutes that felt like ages. I noticed a circular object in Blake's back pocket and asked him what it was. He told me it was a barf bag and my first thought was "Oh, poor Blake, he is so nervous." We laughed, then he shared that he was keeping it close for Maddy, just in case. It was incredibly sweet to see how much he cares for her. Some nervous smiles and laughter were shared until the doors opened, and it was time.
As we entered the operating room, the atmosphere shifted to one of intense focus and anticipation. Bright lights shone overhead, and the quiet hum of the medical team at work filled the room. Despite the clinical environment, there was a sense of warmth and love that radiated from Maddy, her nurse, and the other staff in the room.
Before Blake could enter the room, Maddy needed a spinal and catheter. This step is often the most scary. Maddy held her hands tight, took a breath, and hunched over in preparation. I noticed that what she needed most in that moment was a hand to hold. Her nurse immediately stepped in and provided that crucial comfort.
Finally, Blake joined the room. I could see his face go through so many emotions in a matter of 10 seconds, before landing on the solid rock for Maddy. He joined by her side, ready to watch their new baby girl, named after him, enter the world. When the team prepared to deliver Blakelynn, they lowered the screen so Maddy could watch. This decision was a significant and emotional one for her. During her son’s birth, she had chosen not to watch, but with the possibility of this being her last birth, Maddy wanted to fully experience the moment. As she watched her daughter enter the world, the emotions on her face said it all—joy, relief, and an overwhelming sense of love.
From the photographer's perspective, I was filled with joy and excitement. I had worked with this OB provider several times before. She delights me with her eagerness to get a great image of a new baby, surrounded by darkness, lit up by the surgical lights. It is one of my favorite images to get of the baby, and I got quite a few great ones. I always love working with providers who also love and support what I do!
Amidst the joy of welcoming Blakelynn, a moment of reflection should be dedicated to the placenta - the remarkable organ that had sustained and nurtured her throughout the pregnancy. A symbol of life and connection, it stood as a testament to the incredible bond between Maddy and Blakelynn, a miracle of creation.
Blakelynn’s first cry pierced the room, a sound that brought instant relief to Maddy and Blake. It was the sweetest sound, and Maddy later shared how much it reminded her of her son’s cry—a connection that brought a comforting sense of familiarity. Maddy told me after her birth that she had an "amazing birth experience!", from the lights and voices of her birth team, to the cry of her baby, to the comfort and support of her birth team. Her experience was full of joy and delight.
Holding her daughter for the first time, Maddy described Blakelynn as tiny and alert, with soft, fragile skin and the sweetest scent. Those first moments of skin-to-skin contact were filled with awe and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It was clear that, for Maddy, time seemed to stand still as she took in every detail of her baby girl.
There were challenges, of course. Blakelynn required oxygen immediately after birth, and later, she was taken to the NICU for further testing and treatment. For any mother, this is a heart-wrenching moment, but Maddy faced it with strength and faith in the incredible medical team caring for her daughter.
Blake continued to surprise Maddy with his unwavering support. She smiled as she later told me how he watched the entire procedure, even the stitching, something she hadn’t expected him to do. His willingness to fully be there for her and share in the entire experience deepened the bond they already shared.
Maddy reflected on how birth has changed her, not just physically but mentally. She described herself as a “C-section mama” with pride, embracing the journey that brought both of her children into the world. She spoke about the transformation she felt as a mother, how she would do absolutely anything for her children without hesitation.
For me, capturing Maddy’s story was a privilege. Moments like the tender glances between her and Blake, the joy in her eyes when she held Blakelynn for the first time, and the quiet strength she showed through the challenges of the day—it’s these moments that remind me why I do what I do.
Maddy and Blake, thank you for trusting me to document this special day. Your love, strength, and resilience shine brightly, and I hope these photos will forever remind you of the day your family grew and the immense love that surrounded you. I look forward to capturing your family in the years to come.
