Preface
I've always heard it said that time flies when you have kids, but I never truly understood until I had my own. With my daughter, time certainly passed quickly, but with my son, it feels as though the days are flying by. It feels like only yesterday we were on our way to the hospital to have our sweet boy. Now he is 5 months old.
Eli's Birth Story
With both of my children I had longer early labors. With Eli, I started contracting the day before he was born, around mid-morning. I had been contracting on/off for days so I was very hopeful that this was finally the real deal. I texted my midwife and she came to our home to assess us. I had a stretch and sweep to move things along and my midwife gave me some activities to hopefully progress my labor. I spent the afternoon on/off a birthing ball, squat stool, pumping, walking, doing a puzzle, then ended my day in the tub. Unfortunately my contractions spaced enough in the evening that I was able to get some solid sleep. When I woke in the morning the contractions became consistent and regular again. Matthew and I went for a walk and my midwife came back to assess me again. I progressed to about 4cm so she did another stretch and said that if my contractions remained regular for an hour today we could meet at the hospital to break my water. She also said that he was turned the wrong way, which could be causing my prodromal labor. We went for another walk and the intensity picked up and became regular. I texted my midwife and we agreed to meet at the hospital. We stopped at McDonald's on our way because I wanted to have some fries, and make sure Matt was fed. When we arrived, my midwife already had my favorite labor room prepared for me. We had discussed my birth plan many times, so she was very prepared and knew my preferences. I wanted to labor unmedicated in the tub as long as possible, with minimal interventions, and only necessary staff in my birthing space. I also wanted to go home as soon as possible after he was born. She broke my water around 3:30pm and labor intensified and became regular almost immediately. I labored standing and kneeling with Matthew's help for about 45 minutes, then I got in the tub. I brought a fan, comb, snacks, water, and a projector to get in a positive mindset. Matthew and I love visiting Nordik Spa to connect together and have a day of relaxation. My favorite experience there is the Källa treatment, which is a large saltwater floatation pool dug underground. It feels like you're in a warm cave beneath the earth. Its dimly lit with dark blue tones, candles, and soft spa music. My goal was to recreate this ambiance in my birthing space. We listened to our favorite Indie-Folk playlist on YouTube while I was in the tub. I felt so relaxed and in control the whole time. My birth team was so supportive and made me feel like I could do it. I was able to talk and laugh right until I hit transition, around 6:30pm. My friend also arrived around this time. I felt like I needed to push in the tub, but it wasn't working. My midwife checked me and I was 9.5cm. We both agreed that I should get out of the tub and try hands and knees on the bed. Getting out of the tub was the hardest thing I've ever done. My contractions were on top of each other and it felt like he was going to fall out of me. Everyone helped me dry off and walk to the bed. I labored leaning over the head of the bed on my knees for about 3 contractions, then I felt him turn, followed by intense pressure and the overwhelming urge to bear down. I decided I wanted to deliver on my side, so I moved down in the bed and pushed for about 3 minutes. I couldn't believe how quick it went! On September 9th, 2023 at 7:01pm our beautiful boy was delivered by our midwife, then given to me to place on my chest. I immediately felt a euphoric high and we were both overjoyed. My first thought was how much he looked like Matt, and had so much hair! We were able to go home about 4 hours later, and stopped for more McDonald's on the way home. We spent the night cuddled up in bed, riding the birthing high. I didn't sleep a wink, but how could I? I was on cloud nine.
Motherhood
Eli's birth was everything I had hoped and dreamed of. Post partum was easier with him, and my recovery was a breeze. I felt the bond so much quicker this time and loved watching Shaeleigh get to know him. She has been so sweet and loving with him since the day we brought him home. It's shameful that as a photographer I haven't taken more professional pictures with him, but to say life has been busy would be an understatement. The days are flying by and I find myself regretting not taking any professional pictures during his newborn stage. We hired a local photographer to do some family photos when he was a week old, but I wish I had done more. I set up my tripod one morning and captured some special moments with my sweet Eli. I hope to do this more often. As a mother, we are rarely in the pictures with our children. That's why I love offering motherhood sessions. Mothers will treasure pictures of their children for eternity.
Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer
Hi, my name is
Christie Tinker
The face behind the lens
I am a 30 year-old wife, mother, daughter, and sister. I grew up locally to Cornwall, Ontario and I’m a labor and delivery nurse. I have two beautiful children, my 3 year-old daughter, and my 5 month-old son. I'm married to the love of my life, Matthew, and we've been together for 10.5 years. I have two dogs, a golden retriever and a husky/malamute/German Shepard mix. We currently live in Cornwall, Ontario and are planning on building our dream home in the country within the next couple of years. I dream of stepping onto my porch with a coffee in hand, hearing the sounds of birds singing, my children playing and their laughter. I want to smell the fresh country air and revel in the silence and privacy of country living. I love hiking, wine tasting, charcuterie, iced coffee, warm weather, long drives, movie soundtracks, and having a good laugh with friends.
I first discovered my interest in photography when we travelled to Iceland in 2018. I bought my first camera and snapped pictures of our whole trip. My passion reignited when we had our daughter. I love preserving moments in time because I’ve learned time goes by so quickly and all we have as a reminder are these photos. My husband always says I’m the only person he knows who likes to go through old photo albums. I like to tell your story as the moment happens. You will find I use prompts to guide you through your session instead of set poses. The most breathtaking photos happen when you're naturally interacting with each other. Sneaking kisses, tender touching, twirling, dipping, tickling, and giggling. Seeing your love makes my heart burst - It’s like watching a story unfold to me. You will always catch me smiling behind the camera and shouting how much I love what I’m seeing, because its true! I love what I do. I am down to try just about any idea. Those often lead to some of the best photos!
