Julia and Marcus' journey to starting their family was one that I wish no family had to go through, but that unfortunately is a heartbreaking reality for far too many families. In 2013, Julia and Marcus lost their first precious baby, Isaac, at 27 weeks. The joy, the anticipation, the hope... all shattered in an instant.
They have since been on an on-going journey through the grief of losing a much loved child. Mid last year, Julia got in touch saying that her and Marcus had got engaged, and on top of that... they were now pregnant again... with a little girl this time! I was overjoyed for them! Julia wanted to do a photo shoot combining both of these things, as well as acknowledging and remembering Isaac. I spent an evening in October with them in Invercargill, capturing this special and emotional time for them.
There isn't a day that goes by where they don't think of their little boy, and wish that he was in their arms. But I'm so happy to let you know that in December, Julia and Marcus welcomed gorgeous, perfect little Lily into this world... and this precious little bundle will always bring them joy, as well as remind them of her big brother, Isaac, and the role he has played in their lives.
Here is Lily as a beautiful bump...
They have since been on an on-going journey through the grief of losing a much loved child. Mid last year, Julia got in touch saying that her and Marcus had got engaged, and on top of that... they were now pregnant again... with a little girl this time! I was overjoyed for them! Julia wanted to do a photo shoot combining both of these things, as well as acknowledging and remembering Isaac. I spent an evening in October with them in Invercargill, capturing this special and emotional time for them.
There isn't a day that goes by where they don't think of their little boy, and wish that he was in their arms. But I'm so happy to let you know that in December, Julia and Marcus welcomed gorgeous, perfect little Lily into this world... and this precious little bundle will always bring them joy, as well as remind them of her big brother, Isaac, and the role he has played in their lives.
Here is Lily as a beautiful bump...
Julia and Marcus have found and created their own ways of keeping Isaac so close to them. They have so many beautiful keepsakes around their house in his honour, and they constantly keep him in their thoughts... which brings huge sadness, but also happiness as they reflect on how he added to their lives... bringing them closer as a couple, and making them loving parents. Julia openly shares her thoughts and grief process on a facebook page called 'Remembering Isaac'.
"I intend to allow Isaac's sibling (and any others that come along) to know him as a valued, missed and loved member of our family, to know his as their older brother and to include him when they think of our family. I intend to include Isaac in all significant occasions in our lives, in our everyday happiness and to celebrate, remember and cherish his existence, rather than hide him away and have him become 'that topic we don't talk about'. These things I can do to honour the memory of my precious son."
"I intend to allow Isaac's sibling (and any others that come along) to know him as a valued, missed and loved member of our family, to know his as their older brother and to include him when they think of our family. I intend to include Isaac in all significant occasions in our lives, in our everyday happiness and to celebrate, remember and cherish his existence, rather than hide him away and have him become 'that topic we don't talk about'. These things I can do to honour the memory of my precious son."
Julia and Marcus, thank you so much for allowing me into this journey of your life. I know it's had it's major downs, and major highs, and I feel privileged to have been able to be part of it in some way. I have thought about you a lot over the past few months... I hope everything is going amazingly well, and you are really enjoying every milestone and moment with your gorgeous wee girl. I know her big brother is a very strong part of your family, and I wish you all all the very best for this next journey together xoxo