My first birth session. It was for Lorraine Jones, who is a “supermom” for Bump Club Austin. When Jenn from Bump Club introduced me to her, we met at Lululemon for the first time and clicked right away. Her due date was fast approaching and I felt like a doula the whole time waiting for her husband, Martin to call. Her due date came and went, and we waited almost another week… and voila! On March 12th at 10:56AM, I was lucky to witness the birth of Shiloh.

Lorraine had hoped for a home birth for Shiloh’s arrival. Her first son, Judah was born 2 years ago and unfortunately, Lorraine had a horrific experience. Well, Shiloh had other plans for her arrival. Debra Day was Lorraine’s midwife. During her home birth, Debra didn’t like how her heart beat sounded. So she quickly made the decision to move from home to Seton hospital in Round Rock. Lorraine mentioned that she was glad I wasn’t there for that part… as it was hectic and terrifying not knowing what lied ahead. Once they arrived at the hospital, everything turned out to be fine and by the time I arrived, Lorraine had been pushing for an hour. I drove as fast as I could (thank GOD it wasn’t too far away from my house), I quickly grabbed my camera bag and ran as fast as I could. Nervous, but excited, I entered the room with much anticipation, ready to shoot.

 When I entered Lorraine, Martin, Debra and the staff were all working hard to help Shiloh arrive. I heard her doctor say, “Lorraine, one more push and you’re almost there. Here we go!” Lorraine took one deep breathe and I saw Shiloh’s head… and out she came!!!! Just like that. I got there just in time for her arrival! Had I been late 3 mins, I would have missed it. Whew! Close call. I said my prayer to God and started clicking away. I stayed for almost 5.5 hours with the Jones family. If I didn’t have Jalen to return to, I probably could have stayed there all day.

From beginning to the end, I couldn’t help, but to think about my own birthing experience last year with Jalen, and was so thankful that I chose to go in to photography as my profession. I knew I loved my job as a photographer, but this day confirmed this very sentiment with so much warmth, joy and passion in my heart. I was barely able to keep myself composed to photograph these precious images (OK. I admit. I couldn’t help it and lost it more than few times). Birth photography is something else. In the past, I have had so many different jobs that I loved and hated. Now, I truly realize… I have found my calling.

Thank you Lorraine, Martin and Judah for letting me be part of Shiloh’s birthday.

I am SO very honored and proud to present… Shiloh Raine Jones.

“There is only one most beautiful child in the world and every mother has it.” – Putnam Patil