Everyone’s journey to motherhood is unique, and the path is not always a smooth one. Today, I am featuring a beautiful in-home newborn session. This in-home newborn session was not only a celebration of new life but also a celebration of overcoming obstacles.
Katie has graciously allowed me to share her story on the blog today in the hope that it will provide inspiration and comfort for other families who are following a similar path.
In Katie’s words:
“We started trying to grow our family immediately following our wedding in August 2021 after having been postponed a year due to Covid.
I had a feeling early on that something was not right and started inquiring about our options within a few months. I’m grateful for trusting my gut & a proactive OBGYN – who referred us to Dr. Maguire with RMA, the fertility clinic we owe it all to.
A PCOS diagnosis coupled with male factor infertility confirmed IVF would allow us the best chance and likely only option for a successful pregnancy. I know IVF is not an option for everyone and we feel extremely fortunate that we had the privilege to take that path. It was not easy or the road we expected but we are forever grateful for the hope and chance it allowed for us to grow our family.
Lennon “Leni” Shabazian was born on August 18th 2023 joining her fur brother Carl – expanding our hearts and our home. Looking through these pictures reminds me of how much we fought for this baby girl and I cannot thank Kate enough for capturing these moments – I will cherish them forever”
Choosing an In-Home Newborn Session
Katie had expressed that she wanted an in-home newborn session and I am SO glad that that’s exactly what we did.
An in-home newborn session is a wonderful option for any new mom, but for a new mother who has experienced a more difficult time, it’s an even better option. Being able to relax and have your photographer come to you can reduce anxiety and make all the difference in your experience.
Katie and her family were able to relax at home, keep Leni on her normal schedule, and we were able to include their sweet Goldendoodle Carl. Having an in-home newborn session allowed me to photograph the nursery and every intentional and thoughtful detail that Katie had spent so much time lovingly selecting.
Nursery Details:
Katie had a beautiful theme in her nursery of greens, whites, and pinks. I mentioned that I loved the curtains. She told me that her mother had handmade the curtains and a matching crib skirt from fabric that Katie had selected.
The beautiful hand-painted name sign and personalized pillow were such sweet accents and showed how much time and thought Katie had put into the details.
And of course, an ode to sweet Carl made its way into Leni’s nursery!
While I truly love all of my clients, I have a very special place in my heart for mothers who have traveled a different road on their journey to motherhood.
Motherhood is hard, no matter how you get there. These days with social media being what it is, there is a constant need to feel perfect, especially as a new mom. Whether it is a fertility struggle, a pre- or post-natal diagnosis for their baby, or a difficult time postpartum, not every mother has an Instagram-perfect story.
I hope that my photos show all women their incredible strength and resilience, and show their sweet babies the profound, unconditional love of their mother.
Thank you so much, Katie, for your willingness to share your story! It has been an absolute joy and honor to work with you and to photograph Leni’s newborn photos!
Kate Voda is a New Jersey Newborn Photographer specializing in lifestyle in-home newborn photography sessions and lifestyle portrait photography sessions. Kate serves Central New Jersey and the surrounding areas.
