Wednesday, March 27, 2013

A Very Special First Birthday Portrait for Eva!

All babies are special and a first birthday portrait is a very popular way to celebrate this major milestone in their new lives. This baby girl, Eva, and her Mum and Dad have a very special story - one of hope, determination and absolute joy.

Little Eva was given only a 1% chance of survival when her Mum's water broke very early on at only 16 weeks. Her chances were slim and her Mum was at risk too, infection for both of them was a very real possibility. Her Mum and Dad (Cristy and Jasper) had to have conversations that no parent should ever have to live through. There were questions asked and decisions, really tough, unimaginable decisions that had to be made. I can't begin to imagine the pain, heartache and fear that these first time parents must have gone through.

Throughout everything, in utero, little Eva's heart was beating so strong - every visit to the specialist showed that this baby girl was growing, even with all the odds stacked against her. Her Mum and Dad knew that it would be long, tough road but that tiny heartbeat, so strong and determined, made their decision for them. If she was prepared to fight, then so were they.

Eva's mum Cristy told me that when this all happened at just 16 weeks gestation, she did what we all do and looked on the internet to read about other people's experience in a similar situation. Out of all the stories she found, only one of them had a positive outcome...all Cristy could do was worry and wait. She stopped reading and focused on that little heartbeat within. For another 12 weeks, Cristy and Jasper willed their little girl to stay where she was, to stay safe and to continue fighting. Her strong little heartbeat never faltered.

At just 28 weeks on the 1st March 2012, little baby Eva arrived into the world and for all the challenges she had faced she weighed in at 1.4kg  (3lb 1 oz) which although still tiny was an amazing result. Eva had a two month stay in the NICU and was allowed to go home with her family on the 6th May 2012.

If ever there was a tiny miracle and a story that just had to be told, Cristy, Jasper and Eva is it. A gorgeous family given very little chance of seeing their baby girl, that managed to overcome so many challenges...

When this gorgeous little girl came in for a portrait session to celebrate her first birthday, I knew we were in for something very special - she is adorable! She had the best fun, she was happy and smiley and was a complete natural in front of the camera. Her mum bought the top layer of her Birthday Cake in and teamed the most adorable little matching dress with it - all pink with white polka dots and Minnie Mouse ears to top it off. Eva did a fantastic job of demolishing her cake and celebrating in true style!


How super cute and cheeky is she?


Just look at those eyelashes - I'm in love!







Thank you Cristy and Jasper for sharing your darling little girl with me. Your story touched my heart. I hope that in future if someone is going through a similar situation, when they get on the internet to read about other people's experiences, they will find your story and know that there is hope. You are both amazing and your little girl is an absolute delight.

Cheers
Alicia xxx




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