Baby Jaylen and snowflakes.

February 4th, 2013 | SarahLove

The drive to the hospital carved a new path. A beautiful light and fluffy snow took it’s time as it fell to the ground that morning. Swaying back and forth until it finally nestled down, resting from it’s morning dance. Each step from the car left an imprint on the ground, it was hard not to look back.

Months ago I was granted special clearance to be in the delivery room for the birth of Cristal and Marcus baby girl, Jaylen. I stood from head to toe in the C-section prep room, in a sterile suit. A wall full of gadgets and odd looking supplies that reminded me of a haberdashery, lined the walls. Laying on a small bed was something I did recognize. It was a pink folded blanket, under the warmer ready to embrace baby Jaylen. Marcus laughed as he told me that he woke up to Cristal video taping him. He looked up at the clock. Fidgeted with their brand new camera. Then paced. Checked the clock again. Only sixty seconds had passed.

The anticipation of Jaylen’s birth was full of nervousness and happy excitement. Cristal kept looking at Marcus in a way that I can tell she only looks at him. A plead for comfort. He reached for her hand and held it as if to say, everything will be okay. They smile at one another, place their foreheads gently together and breathe.

A few minutes later Marcus watched his baby girl being born as tears rolled down his face. Jaylen was gently placed onto Cristal’s chest, where she swayed her back and forth until she quietly nestled perfectly into her neck.

As I walked out of their hospital room, like the snowflakes I witnessed that morning, it was hard not to look back.

Before I packed up my gear, Cristal demanded that I hold her baby. I didn’t argue.

Cristal believes with all her heart that handsome baby Liam will forever watch over his beautiful baby sister, Jaylen.

Cristal and Marcus, Thank you for trusting me to document the birth of both of your babies with me. Sometimes I question why Wisconsin was in my plan. In fact, I couldn’t even pronounce ‘Wisconsin’ correctly until my late teens! I may not know all of the reasons why I end up where I do. But I at least know that you are one of the reasons I was meant to be in this little town of La Crosse, WI. Your family has made a difference in my life and will forever hold a special place in my heart. What you said about Liam watching over Jaylen, I believe it too.