As a professional photographer and a full-time husband and baba, one of the most fascinating hours of my life was the one I spent enthralled in the delivery room with Savvy during the birth of our twins.
When Reina was born at a local Chinese hospital, Savvy had to have an emergency C-section and my wish to be present at the delivery of our daughter was dashed, since the hospital did not allow even the husband in the surgical room. Because one of the twins was in a breach position, we had a scheduled C-section at 37 weeks at Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) and the boys (we already knew the sex of each) were patient enough to wait for the appointed date. Best of all, for me, was to be permitted to witness the procedure.
Sitting beside my beloved, holding her hand while three senior OB/GYNs performed the procedure, I was torn between my duties as a loving and thoughtful husband (I try) and my innate desire to photo document the entire event.
How often do I get the opportunity to witness a major surgical procedure or watch two precious lives being ushered into the world? So far, once on both counts. Tethered to Savvy, I snatched shots with my camera whenever I could from my seat, documenting in my own way the momentous event and somehow capturing my own feelings about the instant transformation of our lives.
The three surgeons, led by the esteemed Dr. Masoud Afnan (physician of the year!), held a calm command over the room while the anesthesiologist and nine nurses (two receiving teams + some several in training) tended to their various duties. There was never a moment of confusion or drama; focused precision was the order of the day, followed by a room full of smiles as each of the boys saluted the room with their gentle cry.
Life, newborn life, is a cause for celebration, and these photos are my gift to my family and to you for following along. Enjoy.
All photos by Christopher Lay
