A few weeks ago I was contacted by Ella’s aunt Rachael, who told me about her soon-to-be niece. Ella was diagnosed with two rare congenital heart defects at 21 weeks gestation, and her family was traveling to Dallas for her delivery and surgery in hopes of giving her the very best medical care available. I was asked to photograph Ella as part of volunteering with the American Child Photographer’s Charity Guild.
Two days ago Ella entered the world, and was immediately whisked into surgery. The first of her two congenital heart defects was repaired during this surgery, and the second round of surgeries will begin in the next two to five days.
Today was the day that her Mommy was finally allowed to hold her daughter, and I am honored and blessed to have been able to witness and document it. I think the photos from today say more than I could ever attempt to express, so I just ask that you visit Ella’s blog and send up a prayer for her entire family.
14 Comments
You are amazing! Seriously. These are soooo beautiful and full of emotion. I feel like I am there with them. You captured it all. She is a gorgeous little baby and I pray for a healing heart.
heartbreaking. i’m sure they will cherish the images.
LOVE these. Such beautiful captures of a beautiful family. Ella and her family will be in my prayers.
Wow. These images bring tears to my eyes. Mom’s emotions are so palpable.
Thank you for sharing these pictures. As the mom of a “special heart” kiddo myself, I know first hand what these pictures mean to this family. I truely treasure my first pictures with my sweet Maggie Jane who was born with 3 major heart defects and has now had 3 open heart surgeries. She is doing great now and we enjoy every minute!
will be praying for ella,and family.may you feel Gods presence during this difficult time.
I’ve never commented before, but these are just the most gorgeous images ever. What a gift to this family and this little babe who will grow and look at them as an adult and know how much she was treasured from the very beginning!
Nancy
I am that sweet mama’s best friend and I just have to let you know that you are amazing! Thank you SO much for doing this for them. They will cherish these. You are awesome!
My God, seeing these pictures takes me back. Although Zachary wasn’t in as much health peril, we still couldn’t hold him for the first time until 3 days later. I feel for this family and hope/pray for their little one to quickly recover!
just beautiful. You captured pictures that tell a story where no words are necessary to describe the love of Ella’s parents and Ella’s determination to get better. A true gift.
All I can say is I follow your blog religiously and to date this is my favorite entry! My heart literally sang when I saw the images. You have an amazing talent! Prayers for the family and precious little one and a quick and healthy recovery!
Oh my gosh those pictures are so precious! I’m sure they will treasure them forever. Good work
Those photos are freakin’ amazing. I don’t know these people or their story, but I cried looking at them. Such pure joy on this woman’s face. I wish I lived near you so I could schedule a session.
A picture really does say a thousand words. Wow! Love that third one down. Almost makes me cry. Being a mom is a wonderful experience and that little baby is gorgeous!