I hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Weekend. After all the time spent in the sunshine, it’s time to get back to business…

It had only been two weeks since I photographed Britney and Tom’s Maternity Session but when I got an email from Britney saying, “the doctor says our little man could be here any day now,” I started preparing for his birth story. My camera bag was always packed with new batteries and cleared CF cards. I had a back-up outfit laid out just in case I got the call in the middle of the night. I was ready to go.

Early Sunday morning, I was woken to a call and a text from Tom saying, “Brit is in the hospital, water broke… He’s ready to get out!!!” Laying in bed, it took me a second to really understand what was happening. Britney and Tom were becoming parents today!! I got dressed, grabbed my camera bag, and was out the door.

I arrived at the hospital to see Britney and Tom surrounded by their loved ones, waiting in eager anticipation to meet the new addition to the family. Britney looked radiant and calm as ever, a new mom ready to meet her son. It was wonderful to be able to sit with them and their family. They told me stories about Britney and Tom’s childhood to pass the time and I loved every minute of it. Around 10 am, the nurse gave us the go that it was time to start and everyone left, leaving only me and the nurse in the room with the nervous, soon-to-be parents.

Alone in the room, I watched as a husband and wife hugged, kissed, and smiled at one another, getting ready to meet their son. The doctor and nurses came in and it became more and more real that soon a baby will be born. A new life. Everyone was in great spirits, so joyous that they could be a part of this journey with Britney and Tom. And right before it was time for the last big pushes, Tom puts on Salt ‘N’ Peppa’s smash hit, “Push It.” If for some reason you don’t know the song the lyrics go like this, “Ah just push it. Push it real good. Ooo baby baby. Ba-baby baby.” Perfect, I know. The whole room was laughing and smiling.

This next part is absolutely amazing. I watched as the doctor placed the new baby on Britney’s chest. I saw the look on both Britney and Tom’s faces and I started crying. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The gift of life. A new family coming together. Their faces showed so much wonder, excitement and love. I can still hear Britney saying, “I love you so much. I can’t wait to love you for the rest of my life.”

Parker Thomas Laurent was born May 18, 2014 at 11:30am weighing in at 6lbs 10oz and 19 1/2 inches long.

It was such an intimate experience, one I’ll never forget, and the little Laurent family will hold a place in my heart forever.

Congratulations Britney, Tom, and baby Parker!

Since Britney and Tom both work at the hospital, one of the gifts they received was little baby scrubs!

Then, the most magical moment ever…

Britney gave Tom a little gift after Parker was born

There are no words to express how beautiful this is

The new grandparents react to seeing baby Parker for the first time!

First bath!

I even got to hold the little guy!! Best day ever!