Christmas may be over, but the sweetest gift is still under the tree. Precious William was born on December 27th to his parents and big sister Charlotte. After celebrating Christmas Day, his parents went to the hospital on the 26th, and welcomed their sweet boy a day later. William’s birth follows the loss of another baby boy, so his parents wanted to honor his big brother by including this special wooden sign in his session; handpicked for Earth by my brother in heaven. William is his family’s “rainbow baby,” a term used to describe a baby born after the parents have suffered a loss. The term is derived from the notion that after the storm, the skies will clear, the sun will come out, and there will be a rainbow. I have no doubts that William’s big brother will always be with him throughout life.
Cameron John - Newborn Photography
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and it is my privilege to be able to feature this amazing family on my blog. I first met Erin and Dan when I worked at March of Dimes. They were some of our best volunteers, and Dan, who works for the Pittsburgh Pirates, championed our cause with the team and organization. Sadly, their volunteerism was prompted by their own story of loss. In 2007, their twin boys Ethan and Casey passed away. In Erin’s words, life without these little boys, for whom they had such big plans, was empty and soul-crushing.
Through volunteering and helping others, they began to heal, and happily have now welcomed three rainbow babies into their family. Their older daughters, Kaelin and Kelsey, and now their sweet little guy Cameron, who just joined them last month.
For those who aren’t familiar, the term “rainbow baby” refers to a baby born to a family after they have experienced a loss. Even after the darkest storms, a rainbow can appear.
I am so happy for the Hart family, and feel honored that they asked me to photograph the little man who was destined to be theirs; Cameron John.
Wesley Scott - Newborn Photography
After every storm, there is a rainbow. Wesley Scott is that rainbow for his family. After having their first child, Wesley’s mommy and daddy dealt with devastating infant loss, but came out bravely on the other side. The clouds began to lift, and they discovered they were expecting again - this time with sweet baby Wesley.
Wesley’s mommy and daddy were so strong to share this story with me, and request a rainbow portrait for their “Rainbow Baby;” which is a common term for a baby born after a loss. I thank them for sharing this story with me, and also for allowing me to capture such an amazing moment in their family. I met them two years ago when I photographed their first newborn, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know them.
Wesley’s mommy is a leader in our local community. She is such an example of maternal strength, in more ways than one. I wish her, and their entire family all the best, and hope to see them again soon!