The Rainbow Baby | Dallas Birth Photographer

I've attended quite a few hospital births over the years. Many times the births go well and hospital staff is respectful of the mother's wishes for her birth. Sometimes, they don't go so well. Yesterday it looked as if this birth might not go as planned. Upon arrival my client found out that her OB, who was supposed to attend the birth personally and who is 100% on board with no interventions unless required, was out of town and was not going to be able to make it. What I saw next amazed even me. My client calmly, politely, and firmly made it clear to reluctant staffers that she would be having the birth that she'd planned.

And she did.

3.5 hours after arriving and stating boldly that she just wanted to be left alone to give birth, Mandy's beautiful daughter slid gently into the world. Mandy stayed upright. She pushed under her own control. And Mandy's attending doctor had to dive and catch the baby with no gloves on. ;) I feel so honored to have attended such a calm, peaceful, serene experience. Dimmed lights, hymns playing, and just as the birth was imminent, the soft pitter patter of rain drops on the window pane.



There was much laughter. The mood was buoyant and cheerful...



Mandy said "I'm going to go take a bath and then I'm going to come out and we're going to have a baby". And so it was.







I'd never seen someone determine her birth so consciously. It was amazing. :)



Isn't Kara beautiful? I think so. And so did everyone else!











And as I drove away, the sun breaking through the storm clouds, this is what I saw across the street from the hospital:



Welcome Kara. May the sun shine on your heart all the days of your life.

Much love,
Chantel

Specials Specials Everywhere!

So, I love my clients in both Dallas AND Wichita so I want to treat ALL of you to a good deal!

For Dallas:

I am currently booking births starting in mid-to-late July. If your due date is in 2010, you can book a birth photography slot for a steal of $350! Want a little more? Birth and newborn packages are running at a stunning $500! Payment is due at the time of booking and spots will be quite limited as I already have three due dates taken. Contact me NOW!

For Wichita:

It's a going away party! Book any half session (1 hour, 10 digital images) for only $100 or any full session (2 hours, 20 digital images) for only $200! This doesn't apply to newborn sessions. This would be a great way to get beautiful family portraits in the gorgeous spring landscape for a steal of a price. I am booking dates up until the end of May and slots are limited. Payment will be due in full at time of booking your session.

And remember, I will be coming back to Wichita regularly for sessions but my price structure will be changing dramatically so get in now while you can still own your images for a STEAL!

Much love,
Chantel

Mr. E and His Family | Wichita Photographer

I heard from Mr. E's Mom Heather last week. She was hoping we could swap out E's Giving Is Awesome six month session for a family session in this beautiful Spring weather. I was more than happy to oblige her! Last night, we met up and this is what I found:



Um, hello E. You've certainly gotten big! Isn't he beautiful? The choirs of angels are singing.

And here he is with ALL his siblings. Heather and I were laughing last night about how similar our lives are. Our children are fairly similarly spaced (except she doesn't have twins) and our chaos mirrors each other...



And here's the WHOLE family, in two different settings. Cannot believe I actually got all of them to look at me and (mostly) smile. I was on a roll!





And I'd like to ask for your prayers on Heather's behalf this morning. Eli had to go to the ER for a high fever. With his present medical conditions this could be serious. We're hoping it's nothing and he returns home this afternoon well.

Lots of Love,
Chantel

The Official Announcement!

After much consideration for where we are in both our professional and personal lives, my husband and I are in agreement that the best move for ourselves and our family is to relocate back to Dallas, Texas.

If you're currently on my Breathtaking Baby plan, you will be happy to know that I plan to come back often to visit my friends here in Wichita so you'll be able to schedule your baby sessions with me when I'm here! I'll get with those of you on the plan to find out what times work best as those months roll around.

I will be booking a limited number of sessions for April and May to allow me time to pack and gear up for the big move. If you're interested in booking a session for your maternity, newborn, baby, child, or family-now is the time!

However, due to the nature of the work, I will no longer be available for birth photography in the Wichita area, starting immediately.

I'll begin taking sessions in Dallas in July, so stay tuned for more information on what I'm planning to celebrate our return home! If you fan my Facebook page (link to the right) you can stay up-to-date on specials!

I'm already booked for births in September, November, and December in Dallas so if you're due in 2010 and would like to hire Breathtaking for your birth contact me ASAP.

While I'm very sad to be leaving some of the best friends a girl could ask for I am very excited to be returning to the place I consider my home. We'll miss you Wichita!

XOXO
Chantel