Back in October, I was able to travel to San Diego to go visit my BFF and attend her baby shower. This was not just any ordinary baby shower. This was a celebration of an amazing woman and her child. Let me tell you the story about my best friend, her husband and their perfect little boy and why I am beyond honored to have been able to capture this special time for her.
Dana and I grew up together. Literally. We have lived next door to each other since we were 6. Our parents still live next door to each other. Inseparable, she’s pretty much a sister to me. She helped me write this blog and I want to thank her so much for letting me share it.
For as long as I can remember Dana dreamed of motherhood. Dana and her husband’s Casey story is one of fate on how they met, how they are together and how they are meant to be.
Their story, that began as a fairytale all girls dream of, shortly turned into a nightmare when they couldn’t conceive. A right that seemed to be given to so many, so easily and freely, was robbed from them. But I knew Dana and knew that she wouldn’t take no for an answer. And as you can see, she certainly didn’t.
After years with no success, they sought help and found out that the only chance of conceiving a child of their own was through IVF. It was devastating news and just felt so unfair. I’ll never understand why life happens this way.
Casey and Dana went into their first IVF cycle with lots of fear, yet they maintained high hopes. The dream that they would become parents was revived as they went through the long and exhausting process of IVF—pumping your body with hormone injections, tons of doctor appointments, surgeries, not to mention the emotional and financial strain. It wasn’t an easy path, but would be worth it in the end—until it wasn’t.
The cycle failed and hearts were broken.
But Dana couldn’t live without fulfilling her dharma. The ups and downs of emotions experienced changed her in ways one can only be changed by being so broken. Her perseverance was impeccable and she built a strength I’ve never seen before.
Through heartache and tears and pure will, they continued this battle. There were many years of failures and letdowns as they struggled to chase this dream. Hope was gone, but a small piece must have still been there to move forward. Just as they were ready to give-up and move on to other options, it happened—Dana was pregnant. Tears of joy and relief flooded the world that day.
Years of trying, six full IVF cycles, countless surgeries and heartaches is not something just anyone can go through. Most would have surrendered much sooner. It takes more courage than you can imagine, but I guess that’s how Dana literally willed this baby into their lives—a baby more loved and wanted than anyone could ever imagine.
I’ll never know why bad things happen to good people, but I trust there is a reason. God had to wait for the right time for this little Soul that chose them to come into their lives.
I am honored beyond words to capture the pure happiness and joy of Dana and Casey. This little miracle of love was born on November 10th (can we just talk about how even more amazing Dana is for laboring for 24 hours….naturally) and the gratitude of these two is over the moon. I am SO excited to head out there in a couple weeks to meet this little miracle, my Godchild.
To read further details about Dana’s story, enter here: http://www.myemptynest.me/
Sharing with you their October maternity session in San Diego, CA.
