November 6th, 2013.. the second most amazing day of my life (the first being the day I walked down the isle to my wonderful husband!)

During the entire pregnancy I was certain I didn’t want maternity photos. It wasn’t for me. Who wants pics after gaining 20+lbs?? No sir! Do I regret it? Yes. I also juggled numerous times having the birth photographed. It’s a very personal time.. not to mention it’s at your peak weight gain, possibly swollen, no make up, potentially hours of sweaty labor… it didn’t seem like something I was interested in. After persuasion from my husband and Sarah, I decided (with still some hesitation) that I wanted Sarah to photograph the birth of my baby boy. She’s my best friend, business partner and someone I feel 100% comfortable with. Like Sarah mentioned, “You don’t have to share the photos.. they can be kept for your own memory.” She was right. I had no intention of sharing these photos.

NOT TO WORRY!:  I left out certain pics and I’ll spare you the gruesome details ;)

Due to my doctor being out of town on my due date, I was induced at 7:30am on the 6th. Less than a week before my actual due date of the 11th. Phew. What a morning! My nerves were all over the place as I had no idea what to expect. Would contractions start immediately after the pitocin entered my body? What do labor contractions REALLY feel like? I knew I wanted an epidural… but would it hurt? Would I care if it hurt once the contractions hit? And little did I know… I would be starving during the ENTIRE process. Seems silly, but all I wanted was a big, juicy chicken sandwich after that epidural went in. No chicken sandwich for me! Just juice and popsicles. I’m pretty sure I cleared out the juice fridge!

The morning was a bit intense and painful (again, I’ll spare you those details). But once the epidural went in, the day seemed to fly by. It was a lot of hanging out, chatting with my wonderful nurses and getting more and more excited about the arrival of our babe.

Around 3:30p we received the news that I was fully dilated and ready to have a baby. Wow. The nerves came back and it all became real. This was it! I was having a baby. The nurses were about to prep the room and grab the doc. Colin and I looked at each other, smiled and I may have shed a few tears. In that very moment, it all became more real than ever. As the nurses left the room to call the Doctor, Colin pulled me close and we began to pray.

It was the most emotional part of the day. The tears were a mix of pure excitement and nerves. I prayed over and over that the Lord would keep our baby safe, healthy and that the delivery go smooth. My epidural wasn’t working as expected and I knew it was going to be pretty painful. But man am I thankful for Colin. I’d look over to him and he’d give me a little smile. No matter the pain, this was all going to be worth it. The next step? Have a baby.

Seeing Grady’s face for the first time was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Tears streamed down my emotional cheeks as I held him for the first time. Praise God for this miracle!

Even Dad let out a few happy tears..

I’ll never forget this moment.

That cry! He made his arrival known :)

Grady had enough! He rolled to his side, grasped the edge of the scale and wanted his mama! :)

Colin’s turn to snuggle our little blessing

A huge, HUGE thank you to Sarah. My amazing photographer, second birth coach and of course, best friend. Love ya girl! So thankful you convinced me to have Grady’s birth documented. I will never regret these photos.

Our awesome Dr!

Colin updating our friends, family and probably facebook as well ;)

Best day of our lives. Welcome Grady Timothy Lank!
November 6th at 5:02p /8lb 2oz / 20in.

Let your roots grow down in Christ and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done. Col 2:7

With Love,
Rachel Linnea