Kayla and I have been friends since elementary school. In high school I moved to the next city over and our friendship took a pause. But motherhood (in all it’s glory) reconnected us in our adult years. Though our visits only amount to a few sweet times each year (alas, parenthood) we always pick up right where we left off, with babies that are a little bit older and new stories of the trials and tribulations of surviving motherhood. (And our visits always involve copious amounts of coffee. Obviously.)
Fast forward to February 7th, 2018. In the wee hours of the morning I received a text from Kayla saying that she was having regular contractions and she was en route with her husband Scott to the hospital (about a 40 minute drive from their home). I was SO ready to document the birth of their second child (the day after their daughter Poppy’s second birthday!) and I jumped out of bed to get ready. When I arrived at Chilliwack General Hospital, Kayla was resting in bed with nitrous oxide to take the edge off her contractions, with Scott by her side.
Eventually her youngest sister Sophia arrived bearing popsicles (as per requested). But at that point Kayla’s surges grew in intensity and she ditched her sweet treats to shift her focus into riding the waves. Soon Kayla’s middle sister Nikkita arrived and her presence instantly calmed mama. Then right behind Nikkita, Kayla’s parents arrived with her daughter Poppy! And just like that her circle of support was complete.
Kayla and Poppy had some snuggles and kisses, but soon Kayla gave her a kiss goodbye and Poppy left with Aunty Nikkita to await the arrival of the new baby. Almost immediately Kayla’s labour intensified again and she switched positions onto her hands and knees. Her surges grew stronger as her baby came closer, and in no time she was on her side pushing, supported by Scott and her parents, and her amazing doctor and nurses.
With powerful strength and love, at 10:55am Corbin Albert Jeffery Penner was born.
His gender had remained a surprise, and Kayla and Scott burst with pure joy at the news that their baby was a boy! (Not a dry eye in the house folks.) Corbin was born weighing 7lbs 2oz, and 51cm long.
After Poppy came in to meet her brother, Kayla’s family cleared the room and allowed the two parents to soak up their newest love. Corbin successfully latched almost immediately, and snuggled skin to skin with both mom and dad for his first hours earth side.
It was such an honour to witness Kayla’s powerful and amazing strength as she birthed Corbin, surrounded by so much love and support. I will never forget this day, and I will forever admire my dear friend. Thank you Kayla and Scott for welcoming to document the birth of your son. You guys are such an amazing family.
Xo
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