This is a unique post of images and certainly a unique topic as well. It's not your every day story but it's a picture of the gospel and of love in the most tangible way I've seen in a while. It is both selfless and sacrificial. My dear friend Andrea (who happened to also previously work for me as an editor) contacted me a month or so ago for a surrogate maternity shoot. Admittedly I ran to pinterest and searched for how in the world do I do this!? But I was so intrigued to hear more. Andrea and her husband Andy (who I worked with years ago at Channel 5 News) had been burdened for some time for family members of theirs who had struggled to carry a healthy full term baby. Andy's cousin Stephanie and her husband Chris had been through the agony of losing multiple pregnancies...one that almost took both the baby and Stephanie's life. Andy and Andrea have two kids of their own and Andrea knew that carrying babies came easy for her...so she brought the idea to Andy who was immediately on board and so were the kids and as a family the decision was made to offer Andrea as a surrogate. Now if you're a momma you know what a sacrifice that is...all the not so pretty things that come with pregnancy but we endure for the gift at the end...and then giving away the gift at the end! I mean I am just floored...dumbfounded...and beyond touched...that is love. That is what Jesus did for us. He laid down his life for another. So it is with joy I share not only this story but these images with you. Pregnancy...fertility...surrogacy they are each so deeply personal and so it is my hope that these images tell just a piece of the story. I cannot wait to meet this sweet baby girl who will come into the world in August and realize she has so many fighting for her and loving her already!
