Roni & Rick: their baby boy

I can picture Rick as a "dad," but I am still having issues with my little sweet Miss O as a mother.  Why do I feel as if she is my child?

The three of us were trying to get together again for another pregnancy shoot to take advantage of the fall colors and to get some city-scape images as well as park/foliage settings.  However, 1.5 hours before they were supposed to be here, Rick contacted me to say, "Um, we can't make it.  Roni is starting her labor."

Roni's birth was an "EVENT."  The two labored at home in the shower for a while before moving that process to a shower stall at Prentice. Eventually, she moved her labor to the hospital bed.

She labored everywhere.

Ilan Geva Orlina

Born: Friday, October 9th, 2009 at 1:47am
7 pounds 12 ounces
20 inches

100% awesome

Finally, the epidural and the beginning of the final birthing process.  

She pushed.  And pushed.  And pushed.  And pushed more.  Finally, the head of her baby boy was visible, but stuck behind the pelvic bone.  The doctor tried to pull Ilan out with forceps, but he just wouldn't budge. This tucker was comfy and warm inside.  

30 hours of labor with the support of her nurses, doula and OB kept Roni & Ilan strong. And to everyone's surprise, Ilan's heart never slowed down during this difficult time.  I am certain that helped keep everyone else calm.  

To her GREAT disappointment, Roni had a c-section and the little tucker came out perfectly.  

How are they raising their baby?  Instincts.  I think that's what most people do.  The good news, both Roni & Rick come from very strong, supportive families with incredible morals and values.  So I have no reason to fear and Ilan will "instinctually" learn from the best.

Roni says, "We both look at each other all the time thinking 'what the hell are we doing!?' But in the end, we just sing and laugh and all is well."

She continues with saying, "In the short time he's been with us we've learned:
• Sleep deprivation makes us stupid
• No matter how frustrated we can get, one short smile from Ilan melts us back to the state of glee.
• Becoming parents is like joining up a secret society that's been around you all along, but you didn't know it exists. There are the knowing smiles and easy conversations with strangers -- a sort of constant 'pat on the back' for joining the club."

Really, in the end.  They both want Ilan to become a man of integrity and a gentleman with an easy laugh and truth in his eyes.

May your dreams come true, Roni & Rick.

Thank you for the opportunity and sharing your story with us.