We have known Jeff and Alise for a few years now, and they have become some of our dearest friends. Jeff is a photographer, and so it only seemed natural that they would want the birth of their first child documented. The great thing about having someone else take the photos, is the partner can be completely present and provide support to the mother without fiddling nervously with the camera, trying to do a thousand things at once. I was honored when Alise asked me to be apart of one of the most special days of this sweet family’s life. A day I knew I would never forget.
I got the call late on Saturday night, the eve of Mother’s Day. Which happened to land on mine and Travis’ 6th wedding anniversary! Jeff told me that Alise was progressing and that baby Marsh was set on being born on our anniversary. How special! I arrived just after 4am, and sat with Alise as Jeff checked them in. She was just glowing. I kept pinching myself. I couldn’t believe they were including me in this wonderful miracle that was about to happen.
Time moved so quickly, looking back. There were moments when the room was quiet and still, then a contraction would come on and everyone would move into position, supporting Alise. There were moments where there just weren’t enough hands, and I was able to put my camera down and help support Alise as she quietly worked through each contraction.
Alise was determined to deliver with no epidural. She never once asked for anything to relieve the pain she was enduring. And right as she was losing steam, feeling like she didn’t have it in her, she gathered the last bit of her strength and courage she could find in her, and out came that sweet baby girl. It was truly one of the most incredible, spiritual and beautiful events I have ever witnessed, and I will never forget it. The room was immediately filled with so much love and jubilance, you could almost touch it. I gasped and immediately started crying tears of joy as I clicked away with my camera.
I have the most wonderful job in the whole world. Truly. Thank you, Alise and Jeff, for having me. I have so much love and respect for the two of you. Sweet Monroe is so blessed to have parents like you, and we are lucky to call you our friends.
Monroe Anderson Marsh. Born: May 12th, 2013. Absolutely perfect.
