Why You Should Document It All

Trigger warning: miscarriage.

I believe in documenting life. The good with the bad, the joy with the heart ache. I believe in celebrating moments, and cherishing what we have, when we have it.

One of my best friends in the whole world, and her sweet little family planned a trip to visit. With in moments of Christina walking through the door, I just knew. I saw the glimmer in her eye. She was pregnant! Christina and Gabe had struggled to conceive Kylie, and this pregnancy was nothing short of a miracle. I could not have been happier for her if I tried!

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mom and daughter

We instantly started brain storming about announcement photos. Of course, I had to do them while they were in town! Kylie was going to be a big sister, and we needed to take some mommy and me photos.

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mother daughter

We headed out to the perfect location and I had the honor of photographing this beautiful momma and her sweet baby girl. Once we were finished, we headed back to my house to edit and then make the big, public announcement. Christina’s phone was flooded with congratulations and love from friends and family. Her sweet baby was celebrated. Her baby was loved. Her baby was so wanted.

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A few weeks after this sweet family headed home, I got the call that I never wanted to get. I knew that Christina was heading into the doctor for her first appointment, and I couldn’t wait to hear how everything went. She could barely get the words out, “there is no heart beat”. I instantly started crying. My best friend was across the country, and I so wanted to be there for her. The next week was filled with “wait and see”. She was sent home to mourn and wait for the inevitable.

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We never got to meet this sweet little baby. The sorrow that followed it’s passing is just as strong as the joy that came with it’s existence . I urge you to document the moments. ALL of them. You never know how long you will have, and photos may be the only tangible memory you carry.