Jacki's Baby Story - Bringing Eilis Jane Into the World

Jacki and Kevin have been such a huge push in my photography journey from Day 1. They were the first ones to print my work for their annual Christmas card, and in fact, Jacki was the one that said I should start really taking this photography thing seriously! I just had to gift her with the first of my photography birth stories as a "thank you" for all her support when I found out they were expecting their second baby girl. I am obsessed with all things maternity and birth, and was so honored when Jacki was open to the idea of me following her baby story. So here it goes...

Jacki and Kevin already have a gorgeous baby girl, Campbell, who is exactly a week apart from my daughter. They told us they were expecting baby #2 on a fun beach day in San Onofre, and I couldn't believe it! I was so over the moon for them, and for Campbell to become a big sister! I know it was important to Jacki for Campbell to have a sibling one day, and with her approaching 2 years old, it was perfect timing for them. Speaking of the MOON, Jacki booked my Mother Moon Package which includes maternity, birth and newborn sessions. Scroll on to see what her story looks like.

We scheduled her maternity session after the holidays in February, one month from her due date, and made it a 2-in-1 family shoot as well. They wouldn't be a family of 3 for much longer so it was important to capture this dynamic while it was still reality for the next few weeks. We really wanted to capture the pure beauty of a woman's changing body, and all the nurturing and love that happens between a mother and her child. I am so inspired by the works of Hadas Images based out of New Zealand, who creates stunning artistic nude images of expecting mothers, and their birth stories. While this was our inspiration for the shoot, I also didn't want to take away from Jacki's relationship with her husband and daughter so we made sure to include them because they are part of this journey too. We decided on an in-home session to take advantage of their lush and tropical backyard foliage and colors, and a few indoor shots for the family shoot (Jacki's taste in home decor is sooooo drool worthy). I love the sweet, innocence of Campbell's pure love and wonder of her mother's changing belly and the love that Jacki is bursting with for her baby to come and the changes she knows is in store for Campbell, well, the three of them... actually four of them including Jay, their dog!

Jacki' Bump Session

We did some sweet, more posed, looking at the camera shots, but then had some fun doing a more documentary, candid style shoot, and I just love how these came out. Their bond and love for Campbell is so apparent and we made it all about her after the maternity shots were done.

The Harty Family of 3.... + 1 fur baby

Eilis Jane's Birthday 3.12.19

When the doctor tells you your due date or estimated due date, you kind of smile and nod and go yeah OK so like AROUND that date.... well Miss Eilis Jane decided she is going to be prompt and on time and there was no time to waste making her debut into the world. Jacki had her bloody show the day before and started having contractions all night. She texted me that things were starting to get real that morning and back was coming. Let me just say that not only was I soooo excited for her but my friend was in labor!! I have never felt such adrenaline and excitement and decided to head down to La Jolla that morning and be on standby for the call to come to the hospital. I received a text from Kevin hat she was 4 cm and it would be a while so I held back and waited, but I should have left right then and there because not too long after Kevin texted me to get there FAST! I was just parking my car in the hospital lot when Kevin texted back, "She had the baby!" I was devastated that I missed it and in total shock!! That was the fastest birth ever!! I ran upstairs to their room and captured the after birth and got some special moments from Eilis' grand entrance. Even the doula and midwife couldn't believe how fast she came and all natural! She even almost made it out encaul (when baby is still born in the amniotic sack)! Jacki was a total rock star and Eilis was just perfect!! Coming in at 8lbs, 12 oz. ...and with two bottom teeth!! So rare!

Eilis' Homecoming

What a blessing to have such a beautiful, natural birth and healthy baby girl! There is no greater high than bringing your baby home from the hospital and settling into your new life. The excitement was even more escalated for Jacki to have Campbell meeting her new baby sister. They came home the very next day and I arrived at the Harty house while Kevin went to pick up Campbell from school. We set it all up so that I could get her first reaction meeting Eilis as soon as she walked in.

We got some shots of just Jacki and the baby loving on eachother in her new world and waited for Campbell to come home. In order for Campbell to not feel left out and connect with the new baby, they gifted her her own baby doll, and told her it was from their new sister, Eilis; "the baby brought her a gift." I almost cried when she started mimicking what Jacki was doing with Eilis with her new baby doll. She wasn't interested in holding the "real baby" just yet, but I knew we really wanted to get that shot. We kept trying for it, but she wasn't ready for it, and I knew that forcing it would end badly in tears....

Just as I was packing up my bag to leave, Campbell said she wants to hold the baby! So I quickly got my camera back out and we snapped the shot we had been wanting all this time!

Congrats Harty Family! You are so blessed and amazing! Thank you for letting me on this journey with you. I'm so grateful I was able to capture these moments for you, and Campbell, you're going to be the best big sister! XO, Jackie

If you're expecting and would love to tell your birth story in photos, contact me at edentuesdayphotos@gmail.com for special package rates. I would be honored to tell your story. No two stories are alike!