The story of Brooks Michael | Seattle, WA Birth Photographer & Videographer

I am so excited to share this little man’s story with you, even though it is sadly the first (and hopefully only!) birth I have missed.

We have known Vance and Mandy for a couple years now, and Mandy and I were pregnant together in 2011-2012, her with her son Ryan and I with my daughter Tessah.

Mandy delivered Brooks 3 weeks early, while I was in Oregon just about to be the maid of honor in my best friend’s wedding AND Vance was out of town on business! But we had taken their maternity photos, recorded them reading letters to baby Brooks, and then took newborn photos when I got back into town.
I also had the sweet privilege of capturing Mandy’s parents with their first and only grandchild, other than their step-grandaughter Emma, (Brooks’ half-sister.)
And even though I was incredibly disappointed not to be able to capture the birth of Brooks’, they gave me the photos they snapped in the hospital when he was born and during their stay. (The birth happened so fast that there was no possibility of my backup making it there either.)
This video turned out quite different from what I had expected it to be, but I actually believe it turned out to be perfect for them.

PLEASE read Brooks’ birth story below written by his mother Mandy before watching their video.

**trigger warning**
This video contains photos of Vance & Mandy’s first son who passed away in utero.

The journey to my son being born was a sweet one. On Christmas morning 2012 I took a pregnancy test that came up positive. Your Dad and I shared in the joy of this most precious Christmas gift. We started to share our wonderful news with family and friends weeks later doing fun reveals. Filled with joy and anticipation of your arrival in August, we also felt the urgency to prayer for you. On March 4, 2012 we lost your perfect brother Ryan at 29 weeks in utero. His umbilical cord was twisted at his belly button. Your daddy and I were so sad that we were not able to raise Ryan with us, but knew God wanted him in heaven. With my past experience of losing your healthy brother Ryan and an angel baby early in its life in October of 2012 we just needed extra prayers for you. Our prayer requests showed its miraculous power when you arrived on August 8, 2013.

My pregnancy with you was very different than with your brother. Your daddy was happy about this as he wanted me to experience something different with you. First of all, I had 24 hour a day sickness for three months. I was quite happy to pass that rough stage. Secondly, I felt you move nearly nonstop once you reached 23 weeks. This was the most amazing part of my pregnancy and clearly an answer to prayer. My placenta was in the front again as it was with Ryan. When this happens, it absorbs the majority of the feeling when you move. We hardly felt your brother kick. With you, you were not so much the kicker as you were a “mover”. Each day you moved around a ton and gifted me with daily reassurances! I loved the sensation, trying to figure which body part was poking out and sharing these experiences with others.

I loved all 37 weeks and 1 day being pregnant with you. Your daddy joked that I would miss you being inside my belly. We shared many adventures together while I was pregnant. We snow shoed, went ATVing, walked in the mountains, and snorkeled in Mexico.

Your arrival was definitely a surprise, coming 3 weeks early. The morning of 8/8 was a typical one for me- 5:30am boot camp workout class, cereal, clocking in for work….but, I was feeling slight activity. I was excited that it could be Braxton Hicks and it meant my body was getting ready for delivery in a few weeks. The sensation started to be steady and after 8am I started to keep track. At 12:40pm, still thinking it was false labor or Braxton Hicks, (especially since the day before I had an ultrasound & stress test- which displayed no signs of labor) I decided to call my doctor. Your daddy and Emma were back in Houston for a couple of days and I wanted to make sure it was a false alarm- or get your dad on a plane. To be safe, I called my parents to drive me to the office, and brought my bags. We arrived at the doctor’s office after 1:15pm and I was hooked up to a stress test. After being monitored for 15 mins, the PA said the contractions were not very consistent and decided to exam me. All she told me after examination was that I was ‘open’ and that I should go to labor and delivery. Luckily the doctor’s office is attached to the hospital. I got dressed, called your Daddy to get him home, and walked over to the hospital with my parents. Upon arrival, I was put in the delivery room and asked to put on a gown. Immediately after, I had a contraction and was told to get in bed so the nurse could put the monitors on. I called your Dad again to be sure he was on his way to the airport. Then another contraction came in which I told him I would call him back. At this point I was alone in the room and at the end of the contraction my water broke and I felt the urge to push. I called out for the nurses and had no response. I couldn’t find the call button so I continued to call out for help and pushing every button I could find. Finally a correct button was pushed and a voice through the speaker asked if I needed anything- I replied “Yes I need to push and no one is here!!”

The nurse came in and called immediately for my doctor. My mom joined me in the delivery room. Dr. Gipson suggested immediately getting your daddy on FaceTime. Another nurse took my phone and was able to reach him on the way to the airport. Other nurses were scrambling to get an IV into me and officially checked into the hospital. Meanwhile, your dad pulled over, and while on FaceTime was able to cheer me on. Your daddy was supposed to be my coach, but even though he was not there physically his support was felt. I will always remember “Go Mandy Go”. A few contractions and nine minutes later- out came our Brooks! Your cry was a beautiful sound and you immediately stopped once you were placed on my stomach. Thanks to iPhone technology your daddy was able to witness your birth. According to his phone data, the entire call was only 11 minutes, so the actual birthing was probably 9 minutes!! Super fast!

These are the first portraits we have ever done as a family and we wanted to do them before my dad started his cancer treatment.

It has been 3 weeks since your arrival, Brooks, and both your Dad and I are enjoying every minute with you. We are savoring each squeak, movement and facial expression…. anticipating your first true smile. We love you more than any words could ever express! God has a powerful purpose for your life.