“In this way, every birth is a natural birth: each of us is part of nature, not separate from it, and nature is always stunning in its variety. Your birth, then, is part of the natural world, however it unfolds.”

One thing I love about birth stories is that not one woman's story is the same as another woman's. The birth of a baby brings with it many unexpected twists and turns, and the unknown of how it will unfold can be both scary and exciting at the same time. Whether you deliver your baby at home naturally, without medication, with medication, or via cesarean, it is beautiful and life-changing. However your baby makes its way to the world, it shows the mother's true strength, courage, and her body's capabilities of doing the incredible work of bringing a new life into the world.

This is the birth story of Rook Chayton Harris. He was scheduled to come into the world on February 25, 2016. While waiting for her cesarean, Adrea was surrounded by her husband, little boy, and family that loved her and were anxiously awaiting for Rook to arrive. The room was filled with conversation and laughter. Adrea was nervous and patiently waiting to be prepped for surgery. When the time came, the family left to wait in the waiting room and Adrea and John had a moment to themselves... Their last moments together as parents of one child. John reassured an anxious Adrea and then she was wheeled to the OR. In the meantime, John suited up and waited for the nurse to get him so he could join Adrea.

Once in the OR, the doctors and nurses worked quickly and carefully. Surgery can be scary, especially when you are anticipating it for nine months. With an encouraging husband by her side, Adrea showed true strength and bravery through those long minutes before meeting her baby boy. At 2:28 p.m., Rook was born. A big, beautiful baby boy weighing 8 pounds 15 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. The worry faded away at the sound of Rook's cry and as Adrea got to hold her baby for the first time. It was a beautiful moment.

Meanwhile, big brother Ryker was waiting in the waiting room to meet his little brother. Once Adrea and Rook were settled back in their room, John went to get Ryker and led him to meet his little brother. The excitement and awe in his eyes as he looked at Rook for the first time is a special moment that will be remembered forever by these parents.

I am honored to have been given the opportunity to document this family of three turn into a family of four. I believe these are the moments in a family's life that are looked back on and thought of as one of the most special times in their life. These are moments that help them grow stronger and closer together in bond and love. One day, Ryker and Rook will look back on these photos and get to see the first time they met, how excited their proud parents were, and how much they were loved. Thank you, Adrea and John, for allowing me to be there to capture such a special time in your lives. Your family is beautiful!

The Birth Story of Rook Chayton Harris