moosh in indy.

January 13, 2012

Last night I was with you as you brought your fourth child and second son into this world.

Truly one of the best nights of my life.

I know you were pretty busy with getting him out so you may have not noticed everything that went on, but I did. And damn, you’re really good at making and birthing babies.

First off, shut up. You are amazing. I actually found myself jealous of how glowing and beautiful you were at 3 am after pushing a baby out with no drugs. I saw a glimpse of myself in a window as I walked out of the hospital and *I* looked like the one who had just been through the hardest physical task of my life.

While you were out walking with Charity, Michael and I sang the theme song to Fresh Prince of Bel Air, if only to prove that anyone born between 1975 and 1985 should know every single lyric by heart. Then Shireen and I got in a rap off about you on twitter. Sorry for my momentary lapse in professionalism. I joked with Michael that I was his doula, there to get him drinks and whatnot, I offered to press on his hips but things just got awkward.

At 8cm dilated you began talking about the Goodwill Outlet, and about needing gloves to make it out without any communicable diseases. It was a conversation we could have had over dinner, with strangers or sitting around at your house. But no, you were in labor and discussed the finer points of Goodwill Outlet shift changes until you were knocked speechless by another contraction.

You kept saying how exhausted you were, that you just wanted to curl up and go to sleep. If there were any moment that I wanted to take all of your pain away from you it was then. Just to give you 10 minutes of rest from what you so bravely doing.

That being said, labor and delivery nurses shouldn’t yawn so much. I don’t care what time it is. Just an observation.

I especially liked it when you where hunched over in the bed and as you heard me come near you muttered “I’ll bet I’m making you totally want to do this again.”

Being able to keep in touch with your mom and sisters through the whole thing was pretty spectacular. There’s a very good chance I won’t be there for the birth of my nephew at the end of March and being able to see how your sisters rallied together for you and made jokes about their own labors, including one that took place at animal control and one that happened in a room down the hallway…I’m pleased to be counted as the 5th Dutch sister.

As far as the moment your water broke? If there were awards given out to women for listening to their bodies and demanding everyone else listen as well? You’d win. You knew that kid was coming and that he was coming now. When Nurse Yawns said ‘hold on‘ and you responded with ‘GET THE DOCTOR IN HERE NOW.’ I gave you a silent little standing O from the back of the room.

It went so fast. One push his head was out. Half a push later you had a baby in your arms. I perfect little boy with long fingers, full lips and a wrinkly little back.

At one point you yelled ‘I CAN’T DO THIS!‘ the sarcastic part of me thought ‘It’s a little to late for that now Em.’ while the rest of me, completely in awe of what you were going through shouted “YES YOU CAN. YOU ARE SHOWING BIRTH WHO’S BOSS.” I kept quiet of course, aside from the clicks of my shutter, you had plenty of other people cheering you on, including your doula who said very matter-of-factly “Yes you can, because you’re doing it.”

And just like that he was here.

You probably didn’t get to see Michael’s face. He’s so in love with that tiny little seven pound body and even more in love with you. I hope that being able to see his face in these pictures made it worth having me there. The joy of a man becoming a new dad, even for the fourth time…it’s palpable, fleeting and one of the most powerful emotions out there.

As I left you were snuggled up tight with your son, surrounded by the dim, warm, quiet that happens after all the excitement and intensity has slowed down. That magical time when it’s just you and your baby.

People commented on how lucky you are to have a friend like me, while I’m certainly not going to argue with them (what? humility is overrated) I am going to say it is me who is blessed to have you as a friend.

Our friendship may have started because of the Internet, but it was designed by God.

You are forever a part of my family and heart.

Thank you.

Thank you for being you.

And thank you for letting me be with you two years ago and last night as you welcomed your sons into this world.

xoxo

-Casey

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Comments off.

EYES FULL OF TEARS.

Welcome, Paul. <3

What a beautiful gift. As if your photos won’t be gift enough, you’ve given her words, too. What a blessing your friendship is to each other.

exquisitely written and captured. so beautiful, all of it. Love your heart, Casey, and congratulations to Emily and her whole family!

OMG – that picture of Michael almost (almost) makes me want to have another one, just to see that look on my husband’s fast one more time. Thank you for sharing this story with us. You have beautifully captured such an amazing day.

You both are spectacular. Congrats, Em.

Crying. Crying. Crying. Wow. I loved this so much.

I am bursting over here…BURSTING!!!

And Jan 13? Exactly 2 months before Charlie will be here. Paul and Charlie shall meet amongst the Tulips.

Thank you for being you and for being there.

crying, so beautiful.

and i’m totally having another one FOR SURE now.

*tears* What an honor for you to be part of the raw beauty and power of your best friend’s birth!!

Truly an amazing moment… she is one lucky lady to have it captured so perfectly.
Welcome to the world little man.
And Emily? Hot damn you look good for just pushing a little human out of you!!

Bawling. BAWLING. I love you turkeys. Congratulations Emily!!

Sobbing. So beautiful.

Steph

oh wow. After what I went through last night, I wondered if you got any good shots, as I just felt completely crazy and out of control.

I’m sitting here now, not even 24 hours later, bawling.

I will never be able to repay you for the gifts you have given me with your talents and time.

And you were far more that just a photographer last night, you were a best friend supporting me (and Michael).

Thank you SO much.

Wow, this is SO very beautiful. You are definitely BOTH blessed to have each other.

Much love and props to Emily, she’s a rock star.

I AM BAWLING. Beautifully written. Great job Emily!! I’m in awe! xo

In tears. Welcome Paul and congratulations Emily and family!

I just want to point everyone who gets all rant-y and exasperated with mom bloggers to this. This is so beautiful, and so authentic, and exactly why I love this community so. I feel blessed to know the both of you. Thanks for sharing, and congratulations Emily and Michael.

“Our friendship may have started because of the Internet, but it was designed by God.”

*sobs*

Oh gosh, Casey. You have such a gift. This is so well written and documented so beautifully with your photos…even in scary fluorescent hospital lights. You are amazing. Congratulations to Emily and family on a job well done!

Oh yeah, and that Fresh Prince rap, freaken hilarious. And yes, born in 1981, I know ALL the words!

Oh, Casey. These pictures are absolutely breathtaking.

That shot of her husband has me in tears.

Bravo to the very best of friends. I feel lucky to know you both.

And I just rapped Fresh Prince to myself, just to make sure I could. I can.

Although you and Shireen’s version is the bomb. The end.

Good gracious, the tears. Congratulations, Emily. Welcome to the world, Paul. And Casey? Gah. Love and hugs to you for being so amazing and awesome.

Beautiful story! Also, LOVE the rap

Congrats Emily!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’m so glad you guys have one another. It’s so lovely.

SIGH.

The pictures, the words, the love….eyes are overflowing with tears.

Wow. Amazing. All of you…Casey, Emily, Michael, Paul…Thanks for sharing this!

This was beautiful. I cried and was so happy. I love the photos and especially the last one. So beautiful!

Oh my, Casey! The story you tell with these images and the words you weave to complete it?? Truly beautiful!

So many heartfelt congrats to Emily and the family.

*And that was an amazing rap!*

Tears and more tears. Beautiful! And a bonus Fresh Prince rap? Priceless.

Aww! So sweet. Congratulations Emily!

I am so glad that everything went well and that there is a new little baby in the world with such an awesome mother and an awesome photographer.

What joyful memories you have given your friend.She is amazing as is your talent behind the glass.

Welcome baby Paul!

This makes me want a photographer in the room when I deliver my Alexandra in 10 weeks.

This is absolutely beautiful and kudos for remixing the Fresh Prince. I can only wish for a doula as cool as that. If you know of one in Atlanta pls let me know!

Okay, I’m a weepy mess! What a beautiful post! I’m crying for Emily (whom I also stalk by way of the internet) and her beautiful effort and even more beautiful miracle, I’m crying because of your words about friendship, and I’m crying because, after a really tough 8 months and a miscarriage, guess who gets to experience that moment again?! THIS GIRL!!!!! (Isn’t it nice how I can make even this all about me?) I’m so glad you were there to celebrate and capture that special moment with her!

That was really beautiful. Really beautiful.

As for The Fresh Prince, I was born in 1971 but I still know every word.

Love those daddy pictures…melts my heart.

Absolutely amazing!

What a treasure. The gift of your pictures, your beautiful words….and oh, your friendship. Pure heaven.

Beautiful. I love Emily even more now. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Annnnnd then I fell more in love with you. The end.

Your amazing friendship is spoken through the photos alone, the words you write just make it even clearer. What an amazing relationship to have, and another amazing experience to share.

I love these looks into your life so much, how blessed you are Casey!

DAAAAAAAMN…

Michael is hot.

And the baby’s cute and Em is beautiful and Casey is amazing.

DAAAAAAAMN… hot dad alert!

It started with lots of goose bumps and then the words and photos about the Papa turned it into tears. So special.

Beautiful photos, beautiful words. What an awesome experience for to be a part of!

Amazing! If I ever birth a child you are totally invited to be my photographer!!

Congrats Emily!! He’s beautiful!

I bet Emily is so fortunate to have you in her life.

Oh my, this is just…wow. Perfection. Gorgeous. LOVE. Welcome to sweet Paul and oh how I adore him already! <3

So many tears.

And it’s kind of making *me* want to do this again.

oh my my… how you tell a story. in pictures and in words. priceless.

So beautiful. I just loved seeing this through your eyes Casey.

I’m pretty sure that at no point during the birth of either of my two kids did I ever look even half as beautiful as Emily. Damn.

Absolutely amazing. Beautiful family, beautiful friendship, beautiful photos.

How beautiful and touching. I’m a little jealous of all the pictures of her labor & delivery. Almost enough to make me want a photographer for this baby’s birth. Almost.

[...] I wrote about my experience and posted some of the photos from the night over at my own blog, I’d be honored if you’d ch…. [...]

This is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. What a blessing for all of you.

And now I *really* want another baby.

oh my! this made me cry!!
good grief lol.

just amazing.

Goodness this was lovely to read. Congratulations, Emily.

(Also: A+++ on the Fresh Prince baby rap.)

Love, love, love!

Dude, your pics and words almost make me want to have a *natural* birth next time. Almost.

The pictures are beautiful, as are Emily and Paul. And the look on Michael’s face is the perfect moment for you to have captured – I’m sure Emily will cherish those pictures SO much.

How much do I have to pay you to be in the delivery room with me next time???

So amazingly beautiful! Wish my pictures were this beautiful!

Absolutely gorgeous post… you and your friend are very lucky to have one another.

Quick…post a picture of a dirty diaper and a clock set at like 3:15 am…cause this post is making me want another…
So beautiful.

[...] whole thought of birthing children is always an iffy subject for me but this post by Moosh In Indy made sound all worth it. Also, congrats [...]

T.H.A.N.K Y.O.U.

This is so beautiful, Casey!

Congratulations to Emily, Michael and their family!

Damn you for making me cry a little.

(i want one)

[...] the meantime, Check out Casey’s version from behind her lenses, it’s quite fantastic. No related posts. No [...]

Once again, your artistry is amazing in so many ways.

Crying … and remembering when I was in that birth moment … and wishing I had someone like you there with me to capture something like this. In words. In pictures. In everything. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

Oh my word. This had me crying from the start {might be the pregnancy hormones!!} What a wonderful friend you are. I can’t wait to have this experience again… except this time there are 2 babies coming out, so its gunna be drugs galore!! I have a lot of respect for women who do it au natural though…

Gorgeous–the photos, your words, the gift that you have just given your friend.

Everyone should be so lucky as to have this sort of generosity (and even humor!) as part of their babies’ birth.

I am IN AWE. absolutely amazing.

This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. The picture of Michael holding his pinky out to baby Paul’s hand…I die.

I love you all. I am so sorry to be so late to such an important event.

I miss you terribly.

Awww, beautiful! Great words & photos.

I AM ALL WEEPY. Great images, great story. Great friendship.

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