A Birth Story: Joe Andre
This is the birth story of Joe Andre Teasley:
About 5 months ago I ran into Lori Wells, the mother of an old high school friend, while at Red River Farms Bridal Fair. Ironically, Laurie went to school with my parents and so there was quite a bit to catch up on. Lori and Kayla, Lori’s future daughter-in-law, were there looking around and planning the future wedding of Kayla and Laurie’s son, Kelton. I had heard that Kaeli Jo, Lori’s daughter, was expecting her first child and I wanted to congratulate them. As we talked, Laurie shared that Kaeli was looking for a birth photographer as her photographer was going to be out of town close to her due date...I offered my services and well the rest is history! LOL Kaeli contacted me and we met at a local coffee shop to talk. Kaeli was so relaxed and supportive of whatever I wanted to do. She had complete faith in me! I was so stinking excited and nervous!!!!! Not only for them, but because they were willing to include me in bringing their child into this world. What an honor! I was deeply thankful for her trust and this unique opportunity! I have been dreaming of capturing such a miraculous moment for a while now...this meant more to me than she will ever know! I only hoped I could create timeless and beautiful memories of her first child entering his new world.
Well on Wednesday June 28th, I received a text from Kaeli saying she was having some contractions and that they were inconsistent but that she would keep me posted. My heart was racing with excitement and I went into full photog mode. I gave my hubby the update and prepared him for the possibility that I would be called out in the middle of the night.
Fast forward through restless sleep and constant checking of my phone to about 2:20am when my phone went off with a text saying they were headed to the hospital!! Y'all, Kaeli was so calm…I, on the other, almost jumped straight up out of that bed. LOL I didn't know what to do next... I laid back down, trying to stay calm....I got up, brushed my teeth, laid back down....waited.... got up and put clothes on.... laid back down... I texted to check on her and see if there had been any change...I waited....and at 3:45 AM we were still waiting to see if they were going to admit her...Finally at 4:50 she tells me she is 5-6cm and being admitted and that I would now need to begin communicating with her mom...I waited till 5:30, got up, grabbed my gear and hospital survival bag ( thankful for all my photog friends and their advice!) and headed straight to the hospital. I heard from Lori at 6 am when she told me Kaeli was a 7 and receiving her epidural. What a heart rush of excitement and anxiousness for Kaeli and the whole family!
I arrived at 6:30AM on the beautiful morning of June 29th, 2017!!NorthCrest Medical Center Labor and Delivery became my "office" for the next several hours....
When I arrived I was met by Laurie and Kayla in the coffee closet and received the full update. The rest of the day seemed to speed by as I look back. Kaeli had done a terrific job laboring through the contractions but needed some relief and rest...once her epidural was in she was able to sleep and prepare for the biggest blessing to arrive! So now we waited, laughed and rested. When we made it back into her room, she was so calm and relaxed. She was the easiest going mama to be I had ever experienced...well at least compared to what I was anticipating. LOL All the nurses were so complimentary of her and Will. Her nurse for the day was a long-time friend Caitlyn Mott Jernigan! We all knew of each other from high school and community events and it was a pleasure to work with her. Caitlyn was so reassuring and took excellent care of Kaeli and Joe Andre.
Kaeli was able to FaceTime with her BFF, who was out of town. I believe having this opportunity was a blessing to both of them. These are those moments that are so sweet to watch unfold and be able to gift them back to the family.
The next few hours were spent waiting on the next update....the family was all in place, just waiting on baby Joe to arrive....
This was such a sweet act of love and remembrance...This brooch was her grandmothers, Kaeli carried it with her the day she married and wanted it with her as she and Will brought their son into the world. What an act of love and I am sure her grandmother would have been so proud! I later learned that June 29th is her grandfather’s birthday as well! He turned 91 this year, what a great birthday gift!
Finally at 11:30 Am Dr. Dowell gave the nod! She said it was go time! "gather the family and let them know! Lets do this!" I loved getting to know Dr. Dowell and the nurses at Northcrest! They were fabulous!
I think watching the family and nurses was the most precious thing!!
Baby Joe entered this world after a few good pushes and the guiding hands of Dr. Dowell. Kaeli was an absolute rock star!!! Will was the quiet rock supporting Kaeli during the delivery. Joe landed right into his mamas waiting arms while the new daddy looked on with love and amazement. Tears were shed in joy and amazement by all! The biggest thing that has stood out to me as I edited these moments was all the smiles....The true genuine excitement these nurses had for Kaeli, Will and the family. Joe entered into this world into a room full of smiles, love and excitement at around 12:16. What a sweet blessing!
Sharing these moments and watching this family was beyond anything I ever could have imagined. The love they all share for this tiny little human is so moving. I pray that Joe Andre knows exactly how blessed he is to have each of these people in his life, plus the many who were anxiously waiting at home and praying for him and Kaeli.
Congratulations!!!!! Happy BIRTHday Joe Andre!!!!