Archive for the ‘{Labor and Delivery/Birth}’ Category

Holiday Sessions and Specials | Houston Photographer

September 2, 2011

I cannot believe we have already hit September! That means we only have a little over 3 months to fit your holiday sessions in. Like last year, I will be taking a much needed break in early December and will be on vacation until March 1st.

That being said, my LAST session date for the 2011 season will be DECEMBER 11th. I will re-open in March for the Spring season. This does not apply to those who have an upcoming birth or newborn session or to those who are on a Baby Plan. We will still hold your sessions. :)

Starting next week, I will be taking only 1-2 sessions a week through December 11th. Plus, the earlier you hold your session, the bigger discount off your holiday session you will get. If you hold your session in September, you can take $20 off either session fee. If you hold your session in October, you can take $10 off either session fee. Pricing in November will be what you see in the specials below.

I am offering two Holiday sessions this year. The Holly and The Jolly. Session fee is due at time of booking to guarantee your desired time/date. Once you contact me with your session time, I will send you an invoice for the session fee.

Availability:

September:

Week of the 4th: Booked

Week of the 11th: Booked

Week of the 18th OR the 25th: 1 Session Available

October:

Week of the 2nd: 2 Sessions Available

Week of the 9th: 2 Sessions Available

Week of the 16th: Booked

Week of the 23rd: 1 Session Available

Week of the 30th-November 5th: 2 Sessions Available

November:

Week of the 6th: 2 Sessions Available

Week of the 13th: 2 Sessions Available

Week of the 20th: 2 Sessions Available

Week of the 27th: 2 Sessions Available

December:

4th-11th: 3 Sessions Available

After the 11th, I will be closed for the holidays and will re-open in March. Please call me if your session is in regards to a birth or newborn session or a baby’s milestone.

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Posted in Promotions, {Children}, {Families}, {Labor and Delivery/Birth}, {Maternity}, {Newborns} | No Comments »

Holiday Sessions, Calendar and Other Updates | Houston and Cypress Photographer

August 10, 2011

Wow, what a summer it has been. I cannot believe how many beautiful bellies and babies I have gotten to photograph this summer. The summer of babies is not quite over, though, with a 4 newborns and a birth all left to do within the next 4 weeks. :) I cannot wait to meet all of these babies!

I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer. My boys and I stayed busy in the beginning of the summer with lots of camps (golf, tennis, VBS, etc) as well as mini vacations to the beach, San Antonio and back to the beach. Things have finally settled down for us in that aspect just to turn around and get crazy again. Football season for my older boys has picked up and the PTO is gearing up. It is reminding me that I have yet to send out my end of summer newsletter, come up with my holiday packages and update my calendar.

Don’t worry, though, I have started brainstorming what this year’s packages will be and what they will include. Last year I tried really hard to close shop for the holidays by the end of the first week in December, but ended up holding around 20-25 sessions over the course of the month. This year I am going to try to make a bigger incentive for you to get your Holiday sessions done earlier in the year. HINT: the earlier your session is held, the bigger discount you get. Holiday sessions will begin in September and will run through December 11th. Once December 11th hits, I will close for the holidays (aside from my newborn, birth and Baby’s First Year clients) and will not open back up until March 2nd. This gives me a much needed break and gives me the opportunity to spend the holidays with my family. Plus, if you didn’t know already, all 5 of our birthdays are in January and February. It makes for a very busy 3 months in December, January and February.

I can’t wait to finalize this year’s holiday specials and to get my calendar up and running. I hope everyone survives going back to work (if you are in the school district) and back to school in the coming weeks.

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Water Baby | Houston Birth and Labor and Delivery Photographer

August 10, 2011

Can I just say that I am addicted to labor and delivery? I was one of those crazy people who got an insane rush out of delivering my children and hearing their cry for the first time. So much so that I was ready to do it all over again. The anticipation that builds up during the labor at the thought of finally getting to meet your baby after waiting 9-10 months. Incredible. With a full household of boys, our family is complete, but I get to live vicariously through my clients as they go down their road of delivery and create their own birth story. My job is to capture and tell that story so that they can cherish it.

This is Elijah’s story.

For starters, mom and dad made the decision to bring this sweet boy into the world by experiencing a water birth. They chose a birthing center and midwife and took hypnobirthing classes to help prepare them for the big day. I got the call at 3 am last Thursday saying that Mom had been experiencing many surges and the midwife expected that we would have a birthday to celebrate that day. They got checked into the North Houston Birth Center at 6:30 and called me to tell me she was already at 5 cm. I arrived at about 7:45 and she was hopping into the water. An hour later she was experiencing many stronger surges. The midwife checked her and she was already complete. Little Elijah made his appearance at 9:20 am after hanging out with Mom for nearly 41 weeks.. The midwife and nurses stood back and watched as mom delivered him on her own with Dad’s help of lifting him out of the water and onto Mom’s chest. Incredible.

Side note, Mom and Dad are young. Like 21 years old young. I never would have been as prepared or as educated as them at their age. I had my oldest at 23 and even then I was very naive and just did whatever I was told without trying to figure out if it was best for him, or the both of us for that matter.

Welcome and Happy Birthday Elijah! You will never know just how much you are loved. Mom, you were amazing and strong. Dad, I have never seen such a more encouraging and loving birthing coach. You definitely made the experience easier for her.

Here is sneak of Elijah’s Birthday. Stay tuned for the slideshow!

mom in labor

water birth

labor and delivery

mom in labor in water

mom in labor in water

Enjoying an herbal tea bath with Mom after being cuddled and fed. Couldn’t be any more calm or happy here.

 

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Posted in {Labor and Delivery/Birth} | 2 Comments »

Presenting ZL and My Birth Site | Houston Birth Photographer

May 13, 2011

I have finally completed my new site dedicated to Bellies, Births and Babies. I have only added a few of my most recent births on there right now, but plan for it to also be a place to showcase the Bumps and Babies. Go check it out and also check out last week’s birth.

Stephanie Shirley Photography | Houston’s Birth Photographer

I had the blessing of being able to capture very sweet memories for a family who is now complete with their third son. I love how there are always curve balls thrown with each labor and delivery that I witness. Everyone has their own story. What’s yours?

newborn baby after delivery

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Presenting KJ | Houston Birth Photographer

March 8, 2011

I can go on for hours about the mom you are about to meet. I will refrain, though. ;) This baby boy was welcomed into the world with a lot of love. Mom, Dad, Big Sister, Big Brother, two grandmothers and a grandfather were all there anxiously awaiting his arrival. It is so neat to see what reactions you get out of the family members. Personally, I tear up every time (no joke, every time) I hear the baby cry for the first time. For others, the tears come when they get their first up close and personal moment with the newbie. For this mom, the tears began to come when her other two children got to meet their new brother for the first time.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your day! You are truly blessed!

Before I share the slideshow, I wanted to share my favorite picture from the day. I love capturing moms (whether during birth sessions or regular sessions) showing true contentment with their life. This picture bursts with it.

mom holding newborn boy

One last note before sharing this video… As a surprise to Mom and Dad, their doctor asked at the start of the laboring process if Dad was going to suit up and help deliver the baby. Had he been the only one in charge of photographing this birth, he would have had to make a tough decision… Take advantage of helping to deliver the baby OR photograph it. Which would you choose? ;)

Okay, without any further ado. Welcome Kyle Joseph!

Date: March 3, 2011

Time: 12:35 pm

Hospital: Memorial City Memorial Hermann Hospital

OB: Dr. Fogiel

Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz

Length: 20.5 inches

What does birth photography do for you? Why would anyone let a perfect stranger into one of the most personal and messiest moments of you life? Please email me at info@stephanieshirley.com to get answers as well as find out what specials I am offering for women with due dates no later than August 2011.

Hear what other moms have to say about their birth sessions:

“Stephanie,

This is too long in coming, but I wanted to thank you so very much for taking time out of your schedule to participate in one of the most special events our family has shared together, the birth of our second son Luke Garrett Schubring.  To have a record of events and photographs recording the progress of that day is truly a gift!  Your sincerity, support, professionalism, and attention to detail is unmatched and I couldn’t have chosen a better person to share and capture that amazing day with (except my husband of course – who was too busy holding my hand to focus on anything else J).  Thank you again, and we look forward to having you photograph our family again as we grow.

With Love,

The Schubring Family (Scott, Lynda, Jake, and Luke)”

“I can’t tell you enough how wonderful it was to have someone there in the delivery room to capture all the special moments you are not able to concentrate on.  It was so nice not to have to tell my husband over and over to grab the camera and take a pic as I am stuck in bed.  He was able to just relax and enjoy the process along with getting to hold our precious little girl and enjoy her without having to take pictures. I know some people are a little apprehensive about labor and delivery photos, but Stephanie is a very tasteful and talented photographer.  She definitely knows what she is doing.  Thank-you so much, we will treasure these forever!”

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Just a Peek | Houston and Cypress Birth Photographer

March 3, 2011

The day is slowly coming to an end. I got very little sleep last night for fear that I wouldn’t wake up to hear my alarm. Finally I gave up and got out of bed 20 minutes before it finally went off. You would think I was going in to deliver my own child. I am always very anxious. :P

I will save a lot of the details until I finish up the slideshow, but wanted to give out a quick peek and welcome Baby {K} to the world. He is very loved already and an absolute doll.

Here is a peek of this creamy babe I witnessed come into the world. Life is so amazing!

newborn baby bor just born

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Spring is Closer | Houston Photographer

January 28, 2011

What great weather we have had yesterday and today. Just makes me sing inside to think we are closer and closer to spring. Bright sun, fun rainy days and warmth!!! With Spring brings back lots of fun, bright and cheery sessions filled with play and laughter. I CANNOT wait. February is going to prove to be a very busy month for the Shirley family as it does every year. I am not really ready for it to come especially since I will be turning the BIG 3-0 ((Gasp)), but I am so, so ready for flip flops and sun-kissed skin.

I am gearing up for a great season and some great offers. This year I will be offering quarterly newsletters to my subscribers. This is your chance to hear about specials and new products before anyone else. You will also get a first hand peak at my schedule in the upcoming months. It is quick and easy, just enter you email address below and fill out your basic contact information and then you are done! Your email address and other information will not be shared with anyone else and you can opt out at anytime. I plan on sending out the first newsletter at the end of next week, so sign-up and don’t miss it.

My re-branding process is almost at an end! What do you think so far? :)

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December in a Wrap | Houston and Cypress Photographer

January 11, 2011

Wow! What a busy holiday season it turned out to be! I am so pleased to have such a great clients (repeat and new). I loved getting to meet all of the new babies (and spend a few hours with them).

Here is last month in a glimpse!

First up! Here is a beautiful little boy. Mom and Dad are first time parents and I was so amazed with how natural they were and at ease, even with little {K} being their first. Congrats, Mom and Dad!

newborn baby boy

sleeping baby boy

newborn aviator

Dad and newborn son

Now on to {T}. You have definitely seen this cutie before. Here he is at 9 months, and again, WOW on his eyes! I did not do any special editing to this kids eyes.

Yes, no hands! What’s up?!

Rarrrrrr!

Then I witnessed a birth! You will see this doll-face’s newborn pics later in this post. Welcome Baby {A} and congrats Mom and Dad!

Next up was a family I had already met before. Actually I hadn’t met Dad yet. I was so pleased to take things outdoors. Older brother is so energetic and it was the perfect atmosphere for his little personality to shine though. What a fun family. Plus I have a special place in my heart for Mom as I know exactly what she is going through. Her boys are just as close in age as my older two. :)

Cheese sandwich anyone? Lol!

My next session is of a growing family. Well, I should say the kids are growing. :) Not sure there will be any new additions. Lol! I was lucky to be invited over to the {G} house to take pictures of her kids and grandkids.

Love the shocked look!

My next family session as actually of a good friend of mine. She has joined the crew of being a boy mom and I love her to pieces! Here is her family, Mom and her sister’s family. This first one is one of my favorites! Look how happy Grandma is!

The next day I headed into to town to meet Mom and Dad to take pictures of {I}. He is turning 1, so we decided to bring along a cake and do a Smash the Cake Session. One of my favorite things when doing these sessions is how the babe is going to react to the cake. They either dig right in or want nothing to do with it. He wanted nothing to do with it. Actually, the only reason he got as messy as he did was because he kept trying to get away from the cake and would stick his foot/leg in it in the process. So cute!

Life of a 1 year old is so rough!

Maybe?

Negative!

So, fast forward a week or so. I ended up doing a couple family session right before and right after Christmas since they had family in town. You have seen one of the kids from this group many times before. She has become quite tubby and I just adore her!

I love the chaos in this picture! Reminds me of my life at home with my boys. Hahaha!

Now onto the influx of more babies! These two yummy girls were actually born 2 months early, and it took a while before getting settled in before I could head over there. My first set of newborn twins.

Love, love, love tiny toes!

I promised Dad that I would capture the only way you could tell the girls apart. The nurses pointed this out to them AFTER the girls were already names. Crazy! Meet Baby {A}. Check out the shape of her ear (kind of forms and A).

Now meet Baby {S} and check out her ear!

Okay, the next day I tackled two sessions. Whew! First I got my hands on yet another newborn. He looks like such an old man!

Let me just start out by saying that before I came, older brother was still a little tripped out by having a baby around and was really reluctant to go near him once he came home. Very typical at his age. So, we started out by playing around and by the end of the session he was very goo around him. One thing he was absolutely unsure about was Baby {G}’s umbilical cord. So, here he is showing his button off.

I started playing “This Little Piggy” with Big Bro and wouldn’t you know… he starting doing it to his Baby Brother.

A brotherly poke in the butt!

Yet more tiny toes!

From that session I rushed back over to Cypress to meet up with this fab family!

Then, to put an end to a really great year in 2010… another yummy newborn. I promised I would show you her pics!

Now a glimpse of this poor mom’s chaotic life. Has to be one of my favorite’s from 2010. Dad is sneaking glimpses at the football game on the tv and Little {K} is not really wanting to be in the picture, broken arm and all.

Thank you again for an awesome year! I cannot wait to see what this year brings!

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Posted in {Children}, {Families}, {Labor and Delivery/Birth}, {Maternity}, {Newborns} | 1 Comment »

Tiny Blessing | Houston and Cypress Labor and Delivery Photographer

December 14, 2010

So, I am kind of addicted to labor and delivery. I was one of those that was ready to do it all over again the minute that my boys were born. It is an amazing experience to think that you carried this beautiful child for 9+ months and then all of a sudden you get to meet them. Hearing your child cry for the first time is a feeling that I cannot describe.

I was so lucky to be able to capture labor and delivery of a family that is very close to mine. Not everyone is comfortable with this, so I was very pleased to find out that “Dad” was going to give in and let me be there.

Not only did I get to help welcome this sweet little girl into the world, but I was also able to journal all of the little things that went on during the delivery, both on paper and through photography. As parents you quickly get caught up in the excitement and the poking a prodding that it is nice to know you have someone there to capture everything to help you remember.

I put together a slideshow of Sweet Baby Addisyn’s arrival! Welcome to the world and congrats to Mom and Dad and her two older sisters.

Presenting Addisyn Jo from Stephanie Shirley on Vimeo.

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