Thanks to an organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, we were treated to a family portrait session with Miss Toot! NILMDTS is an all volunteer group of professional photographers who take pictures for families and their babies when they are predicted to have a poor outcome at birth … It breaks my heart that this organization has to exist, because it means there are far too many people who lose their children, but at the same time, I am so thankful it does … without them, we wouldn’t have some amazing pictures to remember this pregnancy by.
A new friend who also lost her baby to Trisomy 18 first told me about NILMDTS and after browsing their website and list of photographers, I came across Sharon. I think I broke all the rules and contacted her directly, but after seeing her website, I knew she was the right person for us. Sharon suddenly lost her son Owen two weeks before he was due to be born … she’s since joined NILMDTS and keeps Owen’s legacy alive by helping people like us.
Sharon very graciously came to our house over a month ago to take some maternity pictures for us and was perfect. She just got it, which made it so much easier for Pat and I … she took some amazing photos and somehow captured all of our emotions perfectly. I was stunned when I saw the pictures … She also happens to be an animal lover, and snapped a few pictures of our “fur baby” which made us smile!
We’ll be calling Sharon when Toot arrives, and hope and pray she’s able to make it to the hospital! She has her hands full with her daughter, but is going to do everything she can to be there for us. It’s kindnesses like hers that make us realize how lucky we really are … I wish with all our hearts that we didn’t need NILMDTS, but because of them, we’ll always have these family pictures. Thank you Sharon!
UPDATE: (06/03/09)
Now that Brienna has joined our family, we thought it appropriate to post some of the maternity photos that Sharon took for us:
Three of the most beautiful pictures I have seen in a long, long time. Thank you for sharing. xoxo
You are role models for all of us who aspire to be as great a parent as both of you are. Thank you for sharing these exquisite photos – clearly Brienna was gonna be a looker – look how great she made your belly look, Laus!!!
Pat and Laurie,Thank you for sharing the moving and very special photographs of your incredible story….We love you and Brienna so very much,and treasure these pictures. They clearly show the power of true love, as well as your willingness to share your story with others. God bless you.
Love, Mom and Dad Marr
Dear Laurie and Pat,
The family portrait is absolutely beautiful!-and the maternity pictures are so adorable!-how wonderful to have them!—-thank you so much for sharing them. Thinking of you with lots and lots of love,
Nana
Thank you for sharing your touching pictures with us. They capture your family beautifully.
Love, Kristin
what a beautiful family. thank you for sharing these pictures. Love, Amanda
Dear Pat and Laurie, Seeing your pictures made me feel not so far away. When I look up at the stars tonight, I have a feeling I will see one special star twinkling in a ‘Brienna’ way. Know you are always in my thoughts and prayers…much love, Aunt Mo
Laurie and Pat,
These pictures are very sweet. What a great way to capture your beautiful family. Thanks for sharing! Love always, Kyla
these are the most precious pictures, you, you husband and your little lady are just beautiful!
Dear Laurie and Pat,
the love you share comes through beautifully in these photos. You are quite a family. I love you.
Oh Laurie, you know how much I love you. It is so wonderful to know that Patrick is such a great man and a treasured part of your life. Now Brienna Marie, such a wanted part of your lives-and for so many others. We won’t forget your little darling and how much you both loved and cared for her. It’s wonderful to know she was loved so much- in this life, and most assuredly in the next life.
Much Love,
Ann and Andrea