and then there were four boys. Colorado Springs family welcomes the arrival of their 4th baby…

June 16th, 2020, a message popped into my Facebook inbox about a birth special I was offering. Kayla was due in November, expecting her fourth child, and wanted to capture the journey.  After already having 3 boys, Kayla and her husband Derek wanted this next child’s gender to be a surprise.  The more Kayla and I talked to each other the more excited we each became, and the decision was made that the whole birth story was going to be captured.  This meant that Kayla trusted me to take maternity, birth, and newborn photos.  As time passed, I was dipping my toes into videography, Kayla reached again about adding it to her birth story, and WOW am I happy she trusted me and added a birth story video.

We planned the maternity session in late September, hoping for those perfect fall colors, but a last minute change of plans happened and the location changed to Mesa Overlook that has a stunning view of Garden of the Gods.  Their boys and I jumped, danced and snacked our way through the session. To help put this shoot in perspective, let’s just say their youngest is not a picture guy.   Every time he looked at me he cried, which was a first for me. He had me sweating doing all the things to bring out those natural giggles. However, what really cheered him up was snuggling up with his mommy.  It took me a little bit of time to figure out this sibling's secret to happiness, the baby shark song! For the rest of the evening I was singing baby shark, which was completely worth it because we had so much fun laughing, exploring, and capturing this soon to be family of SIX.

On a brisk November morning, at 7:26am I received the text that it was that time!  My heart rate jumped, and before I knew it I was racing Kayla and Derek to Beginnings Birthing Center.  I arrived soon after her doula, Colleen Newton (Into Loving Arms HypnoBirthing) one of my favorite doulas, my camera in hand ready for whatever could happen.  But like most laboring moms the birth process slowed down.  Kayla spent some time walking the halls, then with the support and guidance of Colleen (the Doula, not me, yes we know it is confusing) they started the mile circuit, from sitting on the toilet, to laying on the bed, knees back and hips forward.  It was a success, Kayla’s body started progressing and it was time to get into the tub. Kayla was in complete control, deep breathing with each contraction, resting in-between.  Derek never left her side, he stayed in the bed with her, he sat tub side, and all while motivating and calming his beautiful wife.  

The time came to push, Kayla listened to her body, and delivered her healthy little BOY! Within milliseconds (or so it seemed) baby Remy was on mom’s chest and I could feel the love and excitement radiating off of mom and son. Derek stood by their side with tears in his eyes, in awe of his wife and their new precious son.  Mom and dad were focused on their Remy, as are most parents, but Colleen (the doula of course) knew that there was still some work to be done.  Colleen was by Kayla’s side reminding her to slow down her breathing, stay in control, and empower her for what she just did. The team Kayla had surrounding her was absolutely amazing. Soon after delivery Kayla, Derek, and baby boy Remy cuddled up in bed together, Kayla looked up at Derek and with a calm and sincere voice said, “we have four boys.” (You can watch their birth story by clicking here)

Luckily, this was not the end of our journey.  A few weeks later I was able to see the WHOLE family again. Unsurprisingly history repeated itself, and their now second youngest little man was still extremely camera shy.  Prepared with my mental notes of the maternity shoot, my workout began again and within just a few minutes the boys and I were at it again building up the courage to have photos taken.  With the help of mom and dad, the giggles were breaking out, you know the kind that only kids can do.  This was the perfect time to start the lifestyle family and newborn photoshoot.  We went with the flow of the boys, Remy pretty much slept through all of the crazy, jumping, screaming and wrestling. It was smiles, tears, laughter and just all around joy which sums up the Falter Family.

This has been a beautiful journey I have had the blessing to be part of., and I am truly thankful that the Falter Family chose me to accompany them!  Kayla, Derek, and the boys, may love and happiness always prevail!

If you are interested in having your own birth story photographed, or just want more information, please reach out today!