Nicole&Kyle&Emily

Jacqueline Mitchell
Jun 17, 2021
3 min read

When I asked Nicole if she would mind me sharing her story, she not only gave me permission but encouraged me to do so. "We can't wait for you to share!"

That is just who Nicole is.

And is just one of the many reasons why I hold her so close to my heart.

5/29/21

I'm actually starting this blog 2 weeks before our actual session so that I have the time to get this right and am not too overtaken by my emotions the day I can officially post The Young's announcement. To be honest, I'm not quite sure how I'll actually get through our session itself but I plan to spend the next few weeks mentally preparing...so here we go.

When Nicole, (one of my first and still dearest friends from nursing school) shared her incredible news with me that she was pregnant and wanted me to be a part of documenting her and Kyle's journey that got them to this joyful place.....I felt.....overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed with love. With gratitude. And a feeling of deep obligation to deliver something to her, Kyle, Emily, and Baby Boy that will be completely breathtaking. Because, obviously, they deserve nothing less.

Nicole sent me a photo about a week ago and in it was a small package with quarter-sized rainbow-colored pods. I clicked the link and learned that they were rainbow baby seeds made by an incredible support group that she was a part of www.threelittlebirdsperinatal.org

She followed her photo up with a text that read:

So, I just bought these, and I'd like to make it part of our session to honor my angels. I'm going to have a special planter box and the three of us will plant them.

6/13/21

I arrive to Nicole and Kyle's home with a basket full of goodies for Baby Boy that I hurry and hide in the dining room from his curious 3 year old big sister, Emily. Her parents are about to share news with her that will change the direction of their lives from this moment forward and I am certainly not prepared to spoil that surprise.

Today is special. VERY special actually. Nicole has reached 12 weeks with Baby Boy- a milestone that her and Kyle have tried and waited and suffered so long for. Just a few months ago, in February of this year, Nicole shared on her social media:

............

"We were sure we would meet this one...and then suffered the heartbreak without letting anyone else in. My OB says my blood work is all normal and she thinks it's 'just a series of unfortunate events'. We've lost three babies this year. Three."

.............

Opening herself up to her family and friends. Letting them know that SHE was there for THEM if they needed someone to talk to or needed someone to listen while they vent. To let others know that they don't have to suffer alone.

Do you love her yet?

I know.

We head outside to the back deck to start our session. The plan is to tell Emily the big news first to catch her reaction and then plant the rainbow seeds together.

"Emily, we've been waiting a long time to be able to tell you this. You're going to be a big sister! Mommy has a baby in her tummy."

Emily looks at mommy's tummy in disbelief

Unsure how to react, she smiles and runs away. Success!

Kyle wrangles her long enough to participate in what she doesn't realize yet is the most sentimental task that she's been a part of in her few short years earth-side. Emily helps Nicole pour the soil and one by one, the three of them place each colored pod gently into the planter. Through her tears, I hear Nicole speak gently to Emily,