2009 has been such an incredible year for me!
The 1st blessing is that I was even able to continue doing this even though my own little Eden was born in late 2008. We made it through her entire 1st year though and one of the biggest things that I was worried about ~ having enough breastmilk frozen and stored for when I am at births ~ turned out to be a non-issue. I pumped and pumped and pumped and we never ran out. I was even able to donate about 100 ounces of it, which is something I am really proud of.
Aside from that I photographed some *amazing* births during the past 12 months! There was the 1st UC I attended early this year that will forever have me thanking HER for asking me to be there; the very emotional, excited and teary daddy and extended family at a birth in late May; the “extreme waterbirth” in September and the truly ecstatic birth of a baby girl in October. I don’t think I have ever seen every single person at a birth, including the midwives, be so giddy afterward! These are just a few quick highlights of course, every birth is a miracle and I have special memories from each of them.
I also want to quickly mention that I have photographed several VBACs throughout the year and I am always thrilled when I get the opportunity to do so, since I have had 3 myself and also because they aren’t really as “common” as what I normally do. I went into the operating room with a few mommies when their births didn’t go like they had hoped as well. Something else that was different ~ I saw a big, honkin’ 11 lb 8 oz baby named Ruby be born at home, but for some reason her mom told me she didn’t want to win the award for “Biggest Baby Lynsey Has Seen Born.” I can’t for the life of me understand why though??? 
I have seen some very expressive older siblings with very interesting observations about birth and/or their new baby brothers/sisters. “She looks like a mad little toad!” comes to mind (from a 5 year old after the birth of her baby sister), along with “It’s not that bad, it just looks like a patty!” from an 11 year old about his baby sisters placenta!
The best comments really do come from the parents though… There was “I don’t know. Just do something. Look normal.” from one mommy and “So that’s what they look like!” from another when looking at her first baby boy after two daughters. :-) And from the dads “If you could just let me know when you’re about to take the picture…I’d like to flex” and “Is that an oxygen tank? That’s for the dad, isn’t it?” Incidentally that last comment was made by the father of the “extreme waterbirth” baby mentioned above, if that tells you anything. Ha ha!
I had my first repeat clients this year and am looking forward to many more in 2010.
I met a ton of new families and made some great friends (hello Wednesday playgroup!)
Before I stop going on and on and post the slideshow link I just want to thank all of my clients, my friends and the midwives for their support and referrals even during the summer when I was dealing with a challenge. I appreciate all of you and know that it is because of YOU that I am able to do this! 2009 has been very busy and successful and I am looking forward to an even busier and more successful 2010.
To those of you who invite me in to one of the most important days of your life and those of you who are generous enough to give out my name and website, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Finally, if you would like to view the 2009 “Best Of” Slideshow you can do so by clicking *here*. I hope you enjoy it.
Everyone also needs to remember to join my Facebook Fan Page ~ it’s just one more way to keep up with all the beautiful babies that I get to photograph and I am greatly enjoying having it!
Love,
Lynsey S.