My dear lovely friend Courtney moved from her farmette to a beautiful new home that backs up to a lake and her town cemetery. What an awesome photo shoot backdrop it all made.
The lake was fun…
But the cemetery was even more cool.
I love the yearly shoots with these guys – it’s been such a joy to capture you as your family grows (and grows!).
XOXOX
Lea
Thought it perfect to post a birth center birth the day after the results of a large study on birth centers was released showing much lower cesarean rates, lower health care costs, with similar outcomes to hospitals.
This babe was born wide eyed and so interested in the world a scant 8hrs or so hours after his parents called to say they were heading to the birth center after mama’s water broke in the night (they were an hour away and wanted to beat the morning traffic). It was my kiddo’s birthday and she was devastated to hear I was likely heading to a first time mama’s birth – a first time mama who wasn’t in active labor yet. (Oh the details of how birth “works” that kiddos of birth-folk know – she assumed it meant I’d be gone til after her birthday dinner at least (as did I).)
What a delight to arrive a couple of hours later (after a quick shopping trip for my kiddo’s birthday meal that loved ones fortunately all pitched in with plans to cook) to find mama in active labor. Another hour or so later and transition kicked in. Yes – that smiling pic of mom is during transition (!).
So very strongly, mama moaned and breathed and vocalized and powered this baby on out. Mama is one fit lady, and I think pushing might have taken longer than active labor (when moms have really strong pelvic floors, pushing can sometimes take a wee bit longer), but with every bit of confidence mama and dad worked together to calmly birth a very curious baby boy.
And I made it home in time for dinner. YAY birthday buddies take two! These babes have been so very kind to us!
XOXO
Lea
Thank you Lea for capturing these moments for them – they will be eternally grateful! When I look at these, it makes me so happy! It also makes me sad that I don’t have one picture of either of my labor or births. Glad you do the work that you do.
I love that my daughter, Anastasia, is back doing what she loves in life – helping women make good decisions about their bodies. Love her.
Thank you so much Anastasia Doherty! They make me happy too. Easy to capture beautiful images in such a calm beautiful setting. And so lovely to see you in action. <3
Not only did I tear up when looking a these pics, they almost made me want to have another baby!
what beautiful photos!!
I love that Anastasia is back doing this amazing work she does too. 
Agree!
Thank you again Lea Wolf for the amazing pictures. I will always be thankful you captures these moments for us!
These are beautiful! Good job momma.
You’re so very welcome. <3
This sweet bundle – I kinda wanted to snuggle him right home with me. And his pups – oh yea – what awesome friends he already has. My kiddo and I are getting our first puppy next week (!) and meeting these guys over the course of this buddy’s gestation solidified the decision.
I have so enjoyed working with you guys L&J – truly!! It’s been a wonderful experience.
XOXO
Lea
Oh birth. Sometimes words fail me. This birth, with the lovely Mary Moore, was so beautiful.
Mama labored strongly through the evening and night….
And in the wee hours of the morning, so early the light hadn’t begun to show yet, baby girl was born, surrounded by family and such quiet strong energy…
She was SO alert and wide-eyed and taking everything in. This next set of pictures – sigh. As I clicked the series all I could think is “babies are the most lovely and miraculous creatures on earth”. And yes, newborns do smile…
Their apartment has a view of Lake Monona, and I snapped a shot of the water and the light as I drove home.
The wonder of this work leaves me feeling overwhelmed sometimes. And so so grateful.
XOXO
Lea
everlovely!
Amazing!
Love! They really do smile. I love babies.
Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you for sharing and congrats to the new family.
Nothing is more beautiful and amazing.
so awesome. welcome sweet baby. embodiment of joy.
