Baby Shepherd (birth--pictures)

On November 13, 2013 I had the absolute privilege of photographing a birth. This was the first one I have done for someone who is not a family member. I have known Annie for a long time! She contacted me about wanting me to be present for the birth a bit before and I was just thrilled. This was Annie's third baby, she and Chop's were not finding about the sex of the baby, and Annie was planning on going natural. Oh my word. Can we talk about what a rockstar she was? She had everything against her. She was induced, they broke her water, and she was three weeks early! Gracious me....but she did it! She was so amazing! After several LONG hours of labor that precious boy made his grand entrance! Chops was also incredible as well....so encouraging...so helpful! They were such a great team! He helped her as she went through the pain and the exhausting task of delivering baby Shep. I shared the video I put together a bit ago but wanted to share some pictures as well. Sweet husband...

Really...aren't the precious? Can't you just see all of the emotion from the work to the relief when he is finally here! I cried and cried as the baby entered the world! :)

Thank you Annie and Chops for letting me be apart of this emotional and special day! Y'all are precious friends and I am so grateful for you!

John Shepherd (Birth)

This past November I received one of the greatest gifts. I have gotten to take lots of pictures of some precious friends but this might have taken the cake. My dear friend Annie was having her third baby. She contacted me months before because she had seen the video that I had done for my sister when she had her baby. Annie was planning on a natural delivery for this third baby and also wasn't planning on finding out what she was having. She knew she wanted those moments captured! I was SO EXCITED! I LOVED being there when my sister had Lucy but felt so incredibly honored to be able to be in the room for a friend I have known my whole life. It is such a treasure.

Annie's due date was December the 5th. Because I teach school I wasn't certain if I would be able to be there or not. Well, God had some different plans. Due to some blood pressure issues, on November 13th Annie went to the doctor and they decided they needed to induce her.  Now, I have never had a baby. I saw Amy go through natural labor so I knew a little of what to expect. However, being induced, having your water broken, and all of it happening almost 3 weeks earlier than planned is not an ideal situation for a natural birth. Y'all, Annie was a champ. She did an incredible job!! I am so grateful for the privilege I had to watch as they welcomed little Shepherd into the world. I cried as I watched her deliver this sweet baby boy. Thank you Chops and Annie for letting me be a small part of one of the most intimate moments!!