“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139: 13-14 NKJV)
Welcome to the world sweet little Nova Mahala. A beautiful name which from my own research could translate in to Star Woman. It is so unique, one I could see my husband liking!
Little Nova’s birth is one I’m blessed to have witnessed. Sweet Maria and I met through church. She has two boys my Nolan and Calvin’s ages and if you have met Maria, she is an instant friend. Patient, outgoing, and very caring.
When Maria saw the post of my niece Emily’s birth back in July she was pretty excited to have me photograph her own baby’s birth. And, once learning she was having a home water birth with a midwife I was pretty thrilled myself! I know I say this every time, but it is such a huge blessing and honor to be invited in to people’s lives.
I fought back tears as my own emotions took over during this session. I knew what a gift these photos were going to be for Maria (and Nova too one day) and I too would love to go back and have these memories.
I loved capturing her boys; what they were doing while their mom was getting ready for the new baby. And Dad, Jake, was a ball of nerves. He told us he couldn’t relax. He was so honorable being right by Maria’s side. He knew exactly how to support her.
Maria had a wonderful pair of midwives who were very calm, helpful, and supportive. There were many smiles as the evening progressed.
Baby Nova was born very quickly at 9:24pm. We didn’t know she was a girl though for about 5 minutes as Maria just wanted to snuggle ‘it’. Then Jake announced the anticipation was killing him! Well, ‘it’ is a girl and she weighed 10 pounds 14 ounces, was 3 days over due (a trick after her next oldest brother came 2 weeks early!) and is very healthy and content. She just wanted to snuggle with her mom.
After Maria and Nova settled in our friend Laurie came for a visit. Laurie was pretty sure Nova was one of the most beautiful baby girls she has seen.
Nova’s paternal grandmother was able to be close by and give Nova a few snuggles as well. Daddy Jake was sure to let his mom know she couldn’t go on a shopping spree! Grandma’s love to do that, don’t they?!!
Mom and Dad were very proud and called a few people and shared photos, teasing other people until they put the pink flower hat on to help others figure out it was a girl 🙂
I left around 11 and I could have stayed longer but wanted them all to have some quiet time and rest.
I checked in with Maria the next morning and big brothers Xander and Jaxx were very excited about their baby, as they refer to her. Me too!
Congratulations Jake, Maria and boys on your new baby GIRL!!
