It blows my mind when I think about it. The world we exist in is decidedly predictable, with a certain amount of sameness in it at any moment. People talking as they walk down the street, sirens wailing outside the window, phone vibrating with the demands of the world, dogs being walked, groceries being bought, dinner being made. Just the every day hustle and bustle that we all have. The world just plugs along as usual…and then almost in a blink, it doesn’t. After nine months of anticipating…knowing and not knowing what to expect, the extraordinary happens. Each time I witness it, I can’t believe that the earth isn’t knocked off its axis, even just a little bit. I’m often in a state of “can you believe that just HAPPENED?” after a baby is born. It’s just the most remarkable thing in the world, really, the birth of a new being. The birth of the Harriet and Clementine was no different. Actually, who am I kidding? It was very different, because there were two. *Two* sweet, fresh, new, wrinkly toed, wise-eyed little beings joining the world. They weren’t here in the world with us one minute and then they were the next. And the world shook. Or it sure felt like it. The only thing as remarkable as witnessing a baby being born is seeing the strength, power and will of a mama releasing them from the womb. With the tireless support of her sweet husband Dwight, and a rock solid team of midwives, doulas and sister-in-law, Jessica rode the waves of a long and intense labor to deliver two of the most precious beings that you ever laid your eyes on. I mean seriously. It is such an incredible honor to be invited to document such a world altering event. I will be forever grateful that this family called on me to capture this day…into night…into day for them. Blessings, truly.
One remarkable, wondrous, amazing day on earth…
05.21.14
Amazing <3
ummm, Jote? THAT’S AMAZING!! Your photos gave me chills and made me weepy and I love them ever so much. I am in awe of your talent. When they switched from b&w to color, I actually gasped. WHO ARE YOU?
Wow!! Jote, you are amazing & talented. The photos are so so so beautiful & graceful.
Xoxk
These photos are breathtaking. I love the timelessness of the black and white, and the raw quality of your style. We had a home birth of twins here in Austin about ten months ago, and it was a beautiful experience we will treasure forever. Proud of this family, too. Gorgeous babies! To the mother–let me know if you need anything from another twin mama. It’s a wild ride!
oh Lindsey mama, you’ve given this mama so so so very much already. The nudge that this was even possible!
These beautiful images sent chills through my body. I love every single one of them. Just beautiful Jote.
Also, Jote? You have captured in your beautiful words EXACTLY how I felt after witnessing my very first birth 19 years ago! I remember driving home from the hospital and wondering, “how can this world just keep going as if nothing grand has happened!? A woman has given birth to a tiny human!” The wonder, for me, is still there to this very day. I haven’t quite figured out (and I may never!) how it is possible for a woman to grow a baby and then open to let it emerge! It defies my very small brain. And yet! I’ve witnessed so very many time this miracle unfold. It really never ever get old.
Beautiful and wonderful.
Beautiful. It almost makes me forget how painful labor can be. 😉 But really, beautiful pictures.
Jote these photos are precious. I know the family will forever cherish the moments you captured so beautifully. Bibi shared them on her Facebook page from Naturally Parenting Twins. I can totally relate. Just last December I felt the same way as I drove back to my house after Bibi gave birth at her home to surprise twin boys. I wanted to yell out to the world what I had just witnessed but I settled for keeping the car on the road (not an easy task when your heart is soaring). Anyway, it brings me a lot of joy to see you and your mom doing the things you love.