Arizona Desert Maternity Session
Arizona Portrait Photographer

Last month I was so blessed to have an opportunity to photograph my cousin’s daughter’s family! Hailing from Nebraska, they were excited to experience an Arizona desert maternity session! Go figure! Well, I suppose that’s the way I feel when I get to photograph people in rolling fields and next to red barns when I’m in the midwest!

Jeffrey, Jessica and their sweet daughter, Graycie, are over the moon as they anticipate the arrival of Oliver James Newton in June! It has been a difficult and challenging  journey for this precious family as they have sadly experienced the devastating loss of numerous miscarriages. Completely content and so grateful for the life they are so blessed with, they weren’t expecting to be expecting again! Naturally, they were elated and knew God was in control but cautiously navigated through the first several weeks of pregnancy. Before they knew it, it was time for their 13 week appointment. Even though it was with a high risk doctor, they were so grateful to have a 13 week appointment!

Baby Oliver looked happy and healthy but there was one small red flag. As the doctors continued to order more tests, they were presented with the news that Oliver tested positive for Tri 21 which is Down Syndrome.

At this point, they knew that Down Syndrome could be a possibility, yet the news still took their breath away. Naturally their minds were flooded with so many questions and wondering what this journey will look like, but they never let go of the truth that this precious baby boy was truly a gift from God!

I asked Jessica if I could share an excerpt from a letter she wrote to her family. I was moved to tears as she so beautifully expressed how she and Jeffrey were feeling in response to their news.

         “We are not telling you this to feel sorry for us or say your sorry. Don’t feel sorry for us we are HAPPY!  We know God gave us this child for a reason. I have said God has a funny sense of humor. We have a beautiful daughter with an amazing heart then 7 miscarriages and now a child with Tri 21. God has a plan for each of us and He has an amazing plan for this child also. We are not ashamed, mad, angry, upset just scared of what’s next. This will definately be a new adventure for us and just need support.”

It is such a joy and an honor to walk along side this spectacular young family as they step into the unknown. Have there been moments of uncertainty? Moments of fear? Fear of the unknown? Absolutely. It’s called being human. Yet the beauty in their story is in Whom is writing it. They trust our God, the author and perfecter of our faith, to walk beside them (and if need be, carry them) every step of the way!

Hebrews 12:2 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”