The day Alaric was born.

July 4th was extra special this year.  Kelly, my twin sister, after 41 hours, gave birth to the sweetest little boy.  Alaric Scott Vredenburg.  The story goes that since Kelly is my twin, Alaric is sort of, actually, genetically, basically 50% my baby.  :)  There is Dad, Mamma, and "Mamma D."
Kel was so excited to bring Alaric into our world and had a natural birth. That's right...no pain meds!!!! Kel is one tough mamma. She also had the best doulas ever, her husband, Ryan and me there to help and support her! She handled that pain like a superwoman, but watching her go through labor was one of the hardest things I've witnessed.  She is amazing.
There is so much to say about her, Alaric, Ryan, the doulas, natural birth and labor but I honestly have been sitting here writing and rewriting. I can't put it all into words, so the photos will have to tell a little bit of the story.  

I feel so lucky and fortunate that I was able to be there for my sister and be a witness to Alaric's birth. I needed to be there to watch this transformation and big moment of life for my sister. I needed to be there during Alaric's first breaths, first diaper, first bath, first snuggle with mom and dad. He's changed our world and I am so proud to be his "Mamma D."
Thanks to Stephanie & Angela who helped so much, took care of kelly, and also took precious photos of me so I could be in the moment too!  :)