This couple knows a thing or two about endurance. Both are members of the Air Force, Kaly herself is a pilot. Both are long distance runners. We discussed marathons and Justin’s Tough Mudder race. And together they survived 48 hours of labor and an incredible amount of pushing before they finally got to meet their baby earthside. Their sweet baby boy decided he was coming out HIS way, which meant a long labor for mama. This was an amazing test of strength and endurance and I’ve never been more in awe of a laboring woman. Many of us would’ve given up. I’m not kidding. Many of us would’ve given up. But not Kaly. It was hard, hard work, but I didn’t see her waver once.

7:57am
front door

calendar
Kaly & Justin have six exotic birds as pets. Some people have furbabies, these two have featherbabies. This was part of the center piece on their dining table.
love birds

willow tree people
I love how involved Justin was throughout the whole day.
back rub birth ball

resting

looking up
10:44am Justin is updating family & friends on their progress.
texting

strong husband

sitting on bed

rubbing her back

whisper
12:46pm Kaly’s strong arms. She’s been in hard labor for a few hours now.
strong arms

the thinker

resting in between contractions

laboring in the tub

holding for strength
4:27pm still waiting…..
husband waiting

hug in the tub

support
6:32pm I don’t normally include shots like this, but I feel like Kaly’s story isn’t complete without it and, plus, she totally earned it! It was such hard work for her. Such hard work. This photo only shows a smidgen of it.

holding hands
8:49pm Baby Keith finally joins Kaly & Justin
freshly born

newborn exam

midwife weighing the baby
I love the toes!!
toes

checking the heartbeat

new family
Congratulations Kaly & Justin!! And many thanks to midwife Marvelys Lopez who so lovingly and patiently cared for this family.