Brian Michael is here!!!

Yesterday was a long day for me, but it was totally worth it! At 8am I got a call from Annette letting me know that she was having contractions and would be heading to the hospital. I didn't want to miss anything, so I got my camera stuff together right away and went to the hospital to join her. This was Annette's first baby and her husband, Brian, is a Marine serving in Iraq, so this was a really special birth to photograph. Because Brian wasn't able to be here for his son's birth, I wanted to capture every little moment and detail for him to be able to share in the experience with Annette. I spent the whole day with Annette and her great family, and finally, at 1am this morning, Brian Michael was born! Here are just a few highlights:



This is Annette in the morning when I first got to the hospital. She looked so calm and beautiful. In the time that I have spent with Annette, I have been so impressed by the paradox of peaceful strength that she exudes.



Here is Annette with her mom just minutes after the baby was born. If you can't tell, Mary is one proud grandmother!


This is Annette with both of her parents. Mark and Mary look WAY too young to be grandparents! I love this photo because I think it shows how Annette's family has surrounded her and Brian Michael with a circle of love and support.


Brian Michael was so beautiful, no one wanted to stop taking pictures of him!


Brian Michael has thick, dark hair and he was so alert and bright-eyed!


And finally, here is Brian Michael all washed and combed and pink. What a precious boy!


Thank you so much to Annette and her family for letting me be a part of such a special event! I'm so honored!