05/05/2017
I like to arrive early for photo shoots, so it's natural for me to want to get to the hospital before my appointment time. Unexpectedly, it impacted the lives of both Reese and Elaine more than we had planned.
When I arrived at Mease Countryside Hospital, I checked in to the maternity center and asked where I could find Mr. & Mrs. Bell's room, as I was there to photograph their newborn. The desk informed me that she had not delivered yet and went to the back to find Reese to tell him I was there. Since he was expecting me, they brought me back to him.
Reese was with the nurse washing his hands before entering the operating room. Noticing I was there, the nurse turned to me and asked who I was. I explained to her "I was their photographer and I was there to take their newborn pictures," and she said she would be right back.
She came back a few moments later and surprised us both by saying the doctor gave the OK for me to come into the operating room. I excitedly washed up, suited up, and surprised Elaine as I walked into the operating room. We got to tell her that I would now be photographing the birth of their daughter.
Not only was this the first time a photographer was allowed to document her delivery, it was also the first time that Elaine was going to be able to watch one of her children being born.
As I pressed the shutter of my camera, my eyes teared as well. I was so happy for this surprise gift that I was able to give to them and I still cherish the memory of their child being born.
Little Miss Harper was born weighing 6lbs 4 oz's and 18 inches long with a healthy set of lungs as she let if be known to the world that she had arrived.
