Welcoming Baby Benji Burch

About two weeks ago, on November 6 2014,  we welcomed little Benjamin Burch into our family. I have been present for the births of babes in my family as well as friends circle, but this incredible baby journey is one that I will never forget.

Benjamin is truly a miracle baby. Nikki, 38 and Gray, 40 weren't sure they would ever be able to conceive. Nikki's age was one factor, but also the fact that she suffers from severe endometriosis - little cysts that cover her lower abdomen on the inside of her body including her uterus and ovaries. The cysts had dissipated after surgery, but in a rare turn of events they had come back stronger than ever inside Nikki's body after she became pregnant. Because of this, she was in an unusual amount of pain and her doctor decided to induce the baby a little early.

On the evening of November 5, I arrived at the hospital with birth photographer Lola Scott of Lola's Lullaby Lens. (She recently launched the birth photography branch of her photography business, which you should really check out!) We were both extremely excited, and decided to stay overnight with Nikki along with my brother-in-law Gray and our cousin Holly. None of us ended up sleeping very much. The couches and floor were uncomfortable. But we didn't care. We were too excited to sleep.

Nikki was in a fair amount of pain the next day, but Gray did a great job helping her get through it. By around 6 p.m. she still hadn't dilated past 2 centimeters. The doctors decided they would have to do an emergency C section. Nikki and Gray were both so brave. It was very encouraging to me - as someone who has always counted C-sections among my greatest fears, to see the bravery in both of them as they entered the operation room. Nikki was shaking like a leaf because of the epidural, but the nerves were overshadowed by the joy she felt at the fact that she was about to meet the little guy she had carried inside her for nearly 9 months.

I cried when I heard Benji's first cry from inside the operation room! It may have been the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. I was just beside myself... 

About an hour later, baby Benjamin had arrived.

New life is incredible. If you've never seen or held a minutes-old baby - add it to your bucket list right now. It is definitely among the most amazing experiences one can have in life.

The emotion in the room after he was born was palpable. There have been very few times in my life that I've been in a room where sheer elation filled every tiny space. Witnessing these moments was worth every minute of sleep that was missed. 

Child birth has always been one of my biggest fears. All the things that could go wrong... all the pain we expect... all the careful planning involved which could mean the difference between a smooth delivery and a nightmarish one.

But that day, none of that mattered. There was only the sweet little face of the new person that had just made his debut in the world. 

Seeing a mother's love in it's purest form that day changed me. I can't ever forget that moment. I hope that everyone can experience a love that strong and unconditional from another human being in their lifetime. It reminded me that love is the only thing that truly matters, in the end.

Thank you to my amazingly sweet friend Lola for capturing these moments and making it possible for us to look back on them forever and ever. Please consider contacting her if you live in Georgia and are in need of a birth photographer that can capture all the nuances of your birthing experience!

Disclaimer: All photos are copyright protected as property of Lola Scott Art. Please do not use without permission.