Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Family Fun Time

I HEART FACES wants to see some family love and laughter this week, and I have just the picture!  The Horvath Family is dear to my heart ... Misti and Jason invited me into their home when little Miss Addison was just a baby ... I fell in love with this family and hoped that they would call me again :)  They are such a sweet and loving couple, the kind of people that you instantly take to ... and Addison is a little doll - a 'challenging' one that makes me work for my money, lol ... but a sweetie pie none the less :)  I've been blessed to keep their albums and walls updated ever since with family pics!
Misti shared news of expecting their second child this past year and I think I was just as excited as she was!  It was a couple months later that she shared the news ...
 I knew they would probably set up a time to do family pics close to Christmas, so I was expecting a message from them - just not the other news that came with it...
Misti had an elevated protein level at her 15 week blood work appt. An ultrasound revealed news that the baby was suffering from a condition called anencephaly - a neural tube defect where the brain and top of the head never develop - a condition with no survival rate. On October 22nd (17.5 weeks gestation) Misti gave birth to Savannah Faith Horvath. She was perfect in every way, all 10.2 ounces & 7 inches of her. 
The tears rolled down my eyes as I read the news - no reason or explanation for this fluke happening. It seems so unfair to happen to such a happy and loving family so full of excitement and anticipation. The only thing I do know is that God only gives us what we can handle ... and Misti is an incredibly kind, compassionate, loving and strong woman -backed by the love and support from an amazing husband and family. Though she may not realize her strength, God does. And God must have known how special Savannah Faith is, and decided that he needed her up there now instead of later. 


We did get a family session scheduled in time for Christmas. Despite the circumstances that were all still so fresh and painful, we captured lots of love and laughter and smiles :)  Aside from getting some great pictures, we had a great visit. Misti shared more of Savannah's story ... and we shared some tears as well. The doctors have assured them that this was a fluke thing and does not put them in a high risk category for when they try again. Just as I was as excited as they were for their pregnancy, I was equally as saddened for their loss. There really are no words of comfort I could think of, but I think they know that I too shared in their grieving. During our session we included a bear, Savannah's bear, in some of the pictures ... and from now on, any time we do pictures in the future, her bear will be included. She is their daughter and will never be forgotten. 
It's always bittersweet for your little clients to reach the 1 year mark, because it usually means that you won't be doing pictures as often any more. I know that the Horvath's will continue to do family portraits even though it may not be every three months ... but more importantly than that ... they will forever be called my friends :)
So not only is the picture I'm submitting a great one ... it makes me even more happy to see that after all they went through - their smiles have not faded, their love is stronger than ever ... all because of their faith and Grace of God. This family is blessed ... and so am I for knowing them.
Others have captured some great fun as well, click here to see more

SO PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THIS IMAGE TOOK 1ST PLACE!!!
Thank you so much!  And congrats to all of us - all the entries are great!



   

12 comments:

Michelle Littler Photography said...

beautiful.

simplygorgeousphotography said...

An Angel in the book of life wrote down our babies birth, and whispered as she close the book....." This one she said is just too beautiful for earth."

SarahinSC said...

Such a sad story that happens all too often. I'm glad you could capture a fun moment for them!

Sarah Bryant said...

This picture is so great! :D I LOVE this!

Kia Bishop said...

Love this picture! Great shot!

Amanda Balmain said...

Great photo, love the expressions.

Ally said...

love this shot!!!

Unknown said...

I love this pic! It feels real, not posey.(:

angie {the arthur clan} said...

The story behind this photo brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing that and congrats on your 1st place finish at I Heart Faces!

-Angie
co-founder of IHF

Isabelle said...

Congratulations! What a stunning photograph, it's beautiful.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for their loss. I love the joy they are expressing in this picture. I am so thankful for the way you could help them heal. Praying for their family. Love, Becky

PS Congratulations on being the first place winner this week! That is sensational!

LaTonya Marie Hull said...

a huge thank you to all of you for commenting ... this means more than you will ever know <3 I am honored.