Remembering Keira

This is one of the most difficult posts I’ve shared. I’ve thought about it a great deal over the past 6 weeks. 6 weeks that I know feels like a lifetime to these beautiful people. But I also feel compelled to share it. You see in my job I am fortunate to meet some pretty darn amazing folks. I love people, and I love spending time with them, capturing perfect little moments in their lives. And sometimes those perfect little moments become even more meaningful in time. That is the beauty of photography, it captures a moment and keeps it there, suspended, for eternity…

This is Heather and Erik…and Keira. I didn’t know Keira’s name when these images were taken. It was a surprise. I just knew that a much anticipated and loved little girl was on her way and Heather and Erik wanted to celebrate and commemorate this life changing moment with a Bumps Ahead portrait session. A little girl!

Heather reached out to me and we plotted and planned for her Bumps Ahead session. A swiftly moving cold front pushed us to do the session a day earlier than planned to avoid the snow. In an instant I saw the love that these two have for each other, and for their little girl. Honestly, Erik simply couldn’t stop looking at his lovely wife and making sure she was comfortable and taken care of. We had a wonderful afternoon together capturing this perfect little moment in their lives! I was ecstatic to share their final images with them…

Just a few days later I received a heartbreaking call from Heather and Erik’s family – Keira had passed away before birth. My heart stopped and I cried for Heather and Erik, unsure what to do next. A few days later I reached out to them offering them their images as a reminder always of their beautiful girl who was born simply too perfect for this world. And as the days and weeks passed they have not left my heart or my thoughts. I again reached out to Heather today, asking her if I could honor Keira’s memory by sharing some of their last moments with her. Heather immediately responded yes, she loved the idea. I’d like to share with you some of Heather’s words before we jump to their images.

From Heather: Keira would be 6 weeks old tomorrow…I can’t believe it’s been 6 weeks. It feels sometimes like I am stuck 6 weeks ago and the world has moved on. We think of Keira every single minute of every single day..she will always be our first born baby–nothing will ever change that.

We didn’t get to spend a minute on Earth with our baby, Keira, but the time that she was in my belly, was precious. She was always a “fuss budget” baby-she was ALWAYS moving, stretching, and tumbling around in there. She was especially fond of her Daddy’s voice–when he was in the room, she just rocked it out in my belly letting me know she knew he was there 🙂 I remember a specific time when I was laying in my bed and our cat was laying by my belly…all of a sudden, she kicked a great, big kick and kicked the cat. The cat was so surprised that he jumped 3 feet off the bed. Those memories are so precious! We love Keira so, so much…as we always say, “Love you to the moon and back, Keira Jean!”

Thank you Heather and Erik for letting me share your story, and your daughter, Keira Jean. I know she has touched many lives including my own, and I hope by sharing your story she will touch many others as well. My heart is with you.