Surprise, it's a girl! The homebirth of Ziva

Aspen had hired a birth photographer for her second birth...but as often happens with second babies...their son came into the world so quickly that their photographer didn't make it. They were both disappointed, but completely understood that sometimes birth changes our best laid plans. When they got pregnant with their third baby, they decided they wanted to give birth at home. Having a fast birth in your history can make the thought of the drive to a birth center VERY undesirable. And they decided to hire me, even though I live in Denver, which is a good hour away from their home in Loveland. We talked about when to call me. We decided that I'd much rather be early than late. And so when Aspen went into labor (during March Madness as her husband noted) I got in my car right away and made the drive up to Loveland. When I arrived, I found Aspen laboring quietly in her bedroom. Her midwife had also come over, and we both sat together in the living room, trying to give Aspen as much space and quiet as she needed. As a birth photographer, I love capturing ALL the moments of your birth day, but I also believe that respecting your birth space and process is paramount. So I would occasionally pop into the room to take a few shots, and then I'd leave to allow Aspen to go deeper and deeper into labor land. 

It didn't take long for her to begin transition and to feel the urge to push. Her last babies came out super quickly once she felt the urge, but this baby surprised us in more than one way. After an hour of pushing, we realized that baby Ziva was posterior. She came into the word looking up into the sky. And the other big surprise? Well, Aspen thought she was having another boy...and so when they looked down and realized they had a girl...words just can't convey the shock and excitement.