Just two days after this birth, I was asked how did I like photographing births. Normally my answer is something to the effect of “it’s very fun and very exciting” etc, but with the birth of Victoria so fresh on my mind and on my heart, I couldn’t quite answer with the same usual enthusiasm. This is the story of Victoria Rose. 
While in labor, Chelsea received the devastating news that there were no heart tones. Her baby was no longer living, but would still need to be born. She was now faced with the rest of her labor, delivery, and recovery while trying to cope with the unbearable.
Chelsea’s best friends.
Victoria was born at 1:58pm. She weighed 7 lbs 15 oz and was 20.5 inches long. She & her parents were surround by people who love and support them – grandparents, older siblings, friends, aunts & uncles, such love filled this room.
Grandparents.
This sweet little boy, who had just become a big brother, was a ray of sunshine. He was full of smiles and he lit up the room. He repeatedly commented on how pretty his baby sister was.
Victoria’s hand being cradled, loved, protected by her siblings and parents’ hands.
Sweet Victoria Rose, you are loved and missed by so many!
We share happy stories all the time. We may even share mad or angry or scared stories fairly often. But sad, painful stories…. How often do we share those? I’ve thought about how we are all living on this earth together but we are all experiencing completely different things. It could be one person’s wedding day, and for someone else it could be the worst day ever. I’ve been driving down the freeway and passed a friend whom I knew was heading out of town to go on vacation and I was driving to Costco. She was doing something exciting and I was running boring errands. While other mamas who gave birth this day got to take their babies home, Chelsea didn’t.
Victoria would’ve been five weeks old tomorrow. The time that has passed doesn’t make it any easier for her family.
We each have our struggles. Some are bigger and deeper than others, some are just different. We have plenty of silly first-world problems like long lines at Starbucks or wanting the new iPhone, but please be aware of those around you. Reach out to someone who might need your help today. Give a hug or a smile. Mourn with those that mourn, comfort those that need comfort. And if it’s you that needs the comfort, remember to take one day at a time, one breath at a time.
Beautiful baby and family. Blessings to all of them.
My heart brakes for this family, seeing the mom and dad have tattoos if they would like to get a memoral my husband would be happy to and he would give his time free of charge.
Thank you Nicollette, I will let them know!
These photos brought tears to my eyes. I’m so glad they have them to help remember this sweet little spirit.
Thank you to the parents for allowing you to share this. It’s heartbreaking to see, but as you’ve said, the love pouring out of these pictures are just astonishing. I wish them all every ounce of comfort and the resignation they need to survive this.