Haye's Birth Story | Rainbow IVF Baby | Stroud Preserve Maternity Session | Christiana Hospital DE Birth & NICU Fresh 48 | In-home Newborn Photos

"I always imagined what you would look like the day you came into this world. Would you have your Daddy’s dimples? Would you have your Mama’s Blue eyes? What color hair would you have?

Those thoughts ran through my mind for months. We only saw a small glimpse of you before you made your arrival. I knew your appearance was the best kept secret. Little did I know how perfect you were going to be!

When you made your arrival , Mama was pretty out of it from all the medication from the C- section. In true Hayes fashion, you weren’t cooperating very well with the plan of induction. I always admired your stubbornness in the womb-- you got that from your Mama!

 I remember so vividly the doctors saying to me, "Look over the curtain Mom! See your baby boy!" The tears were streaming down my face as I set my eyes on you, the most beautiful baby boy, our baby boy.  

I waited with bated breath for them to tell me you were okay, you had a little trouble breathing on your own. They said that was normal for a 37 week delivery. They pressed your cheek to cheek with mine, allowing me to say hello to my sweet boy before they whisked you away to the NICU.

I had already forgotten what you looked like, the medication had me loopy and so forgetful. Once I was in recovery and came to a little more, I asked to see the camera. I needed to feel that feeling again, setting my eyes on you. I was so grateful in that moment to have had a birth photographer.

Though it wasn’t the way we planned it, it was everything we hoped for and more. I distinctly remember the moment I was flipping through the photos on that tiny 2 inch screen, with tears rolling down my face in such astonishment of what had just happened. Your hair was so dark and you had the cutest chubby cheeks! Your features were so much like your Daddy’s! You were here, you were ours.

The next 24 hours were a blur. I had to be separated from you, on the high risk floor due to preeclampsia. I told your dad to go with you, to send me all the photos and videos.

You were such a determined, strong boy! Within one night , you were off the CPAP and breathing on your own. We couldn’t be happier, our boy was thriving! Finally my time came where I got to meet you, the feeling was completely indescribable. Emotions rolled over me as I was wheeled into your room, which felt like an eternity! Oh Hayes John, you were everything I have ever dreamed of!

The years of trying for you. The countless needles and blood draws. Cycle after cycle I only ever hoped for you. Prayed for you. Was this real? Were you really mine? Those next three days, I barely left your side. I would sit there and stare at you, for hours. Caress your features with the tiniest touch to those chubby little cheeks. From that moment on, nothing mattered as much as you did to me. When I reflect back on this birth story, I choose to think about how blessed we are to be your parents. I wouldn’t change a thing because that brought us to you!"