I have known Adam and Angie for about 12 years and we were excited last year in the lead up to the birth to their first born child. We knew they would make excellent parents. However, life took a different path and Angel was born sleeping. Six babies are born sleeping every day in Australia and 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss. So instead of bounding in with gifts and flowers I readied my camera gear to photograph two ceremonies. The first was the naming ceremony for their beautiful sleeping Angel and the second, which no parent should ever have to experience, was Angel’s memorial service the next day. They were the hardest things of my photographic career, but they pushed me over the edge into becoming a Heartfelt Photographer. This was a goal that I have had ever since I started photography and Angie gave me the push, telling me I was ready. Thank you Angie 🙂

Pregnancy loss is a taboo topic, but Adam and Angie want you to know Angel’s story, not only because she is their daughter, but they hope that increasing awareness and encouraging discussions around loss will help other parents on the journey.

2013 has been kinder and exactly 11 months to the day after Angel’s birth, Crystal was born. A beautiful healthy baby girl. A daughter for Adam and Angie, and a little sister for Angel to love and protect.

Angie and Adam are already excellent parents, they have done wonderful, incredible things in Angel’s name. These include:

• an Angels bear drive for Pregnancy Loss Australia which raised over $2,000. This purchased 100 Angel bears in memory of Angel that will be given to other families who suffer a loss offering them comfort so they are not alone and do not have to leave the hospital with empty arms;
• organising a team of runners for the City to Casino marathon to support Heartfelt. The amount raised in memory of Angel was $2,000 and the total amount raised by all of the families participating in memory of their own losses was a staggering $7,886 for Heartfelt; and
• donating a cuddle cot to the Hobart Private Hospital on Angel’s 1st birthday. This represents a value of around $4,000 and allows for angel babies to stay in the room with their parents while staying cool. These are a huge comfort and support for angel parents.

I have absolutely no doubt that they will continue to wow me in years to come and will be AMAZING parents to Crystal. I am sure that you will all join me in wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations Adam and Angie. Crystal is DIVINE! I cannot wait to watch her grow and to document her life.

Katinka x

Here is a slideshow of their session with Adam and Angie’s beautiful words to Crystal.