A few years ago, sweet Jenn contacted me to do a birth story. She was carrying a baby as a surrogate, and wanted me to capture the first moments of the intended parents meeting their baby. As I met her for lunch and we chatted, I was in complete awe of her selflessness is providing something for these parents that they had hoped and waited for. I didn't know much about surrogacy, but suddenly, it made so much more sense.
That first labor and delivery didn't go as hoped. She was induced early and after a long day of contractions, the decision was made to deliver this baby by c-section. The doctor and anesthesiologist allowed me in the operating room, and it was an honor to capture those first moments. Jenn had told me over and over that her "payment" for pregnancy was seeing the faces of the parents the first time they saw their baby. Given the circumstances, I was so thankful to be there to capture the moments Jenn wasn't able to witness herself.
Fast forward a couple years, and Jenn was carrying another baby for a different set of intended parents. She was due the same month I was diagnosed with cancer. It is no coincidence that I was able to capture that birth two days before my first surgery to place my port. Again, it was an amazing experience to capture the joy and emotion of these parents as they watched the birth of their baby, and the love and kindness they all showed me during such a hard time in my life was greatly appreciated.
About six months ago, Jenn let me know that she was carrying twins(!) and wanted me to be there to capture the birth. I was so honored, as I am every time I am invited to the birth. Imagine my surprise when she sent me a text to let me know that she had already been admitted to the hospital because her water broke, about 4 weeks before the expected delivery. We spent the afternoon and evening at the hospital before it was decided that it was best for all involved to deliver the babies without waiting any longer. Jenn is a complete rockstar and while it didn't go exactly how we would have hoped, she is an amazing example of love, selflessness, and strength and I feel so blessed to have been there that day.
As usual, I took way to many pictures and had a hard time picking my favorites, so prepare for picture overload!
Thanks for trusting me to capture these moments for you Jenn! So blessed to be a small part of this amazing miracle and meet such incredible people along the way!
