First, we feel strongly about anyone being in a similar situation as Matt and I having photos taken by NILMDTS. Many do not have time to even put thought into whether or not they would like photos taken- others are too struck by the trauma to decide they would like them taken. Some decide they think it would be too hard to have pictures. Here's what it comes down to- if you have the pictures taken, you never have to view them. You can ask the photographer to send you a CD and you never have to view them. If you don't take them, you will never have them (of course). There are many people who chose not to take pictures and day, weeks, months, or many years go by and they regret not having any pictures of their baby. Memory fades and they don't remember what their child even looked like. We have decided to share these pictures to demonstrate the beauty and tastefulness of the photography, and to hopefully to show that they are not scary. Please consider having them taken if you are against it- you can never get these memories back- this is your only chance.
Next, we wanted to share them because Micah is our son. We love him. We want to share him with the world. We understand that not everyone is comfortable viewing them- so instead of just posting them to the Micah's Fight Facebook Page, we decided to first post them in the blog, with an obvious title so you can not accidentally view them if you don't want to, and then share the link on the Facebook Page so those who would like to view our beautiful baby boy are able. I'm trying to make it so that the only people who view these photos are choosing to do so and not here by accident. We love these pictures and once again, I know I am leaving myself vulnerable to attack for sharing. I hope I am strong enough to handle any negative commentary, but I'm willing to take that chance in order to show the world that our baby boy, precious son, and Justin's little brother did exist, and he will always exist in our hearts. I hope those who chose to view them are happy Matt and I chose to share Micah with you.
The photographer was able to capture many of our emotions- peace, joy, relief, sadness, grief to name just a few...
So that you are not taken by surprise, I have included descriptions of the pictures I posted. First, you will see them in a gallery where you can click on the thumbnails. Next, I included the same pictures, in the same order, in their full size.
Descriptions and Order of Photos:
1. Micah's feet in between Mom and Dad's hands in the shape of a heart
2. Mom holding Micah very peacefully
3. Mom and Dad looking down at Micah
4. Another of Mom, Dad, and Micah
5. Dad kissing Mom's forehead while holding Micah
6. Closeup of Micah alone in black and white- swaddled in the hospital blanket, laying on a monkey blanket/lovey
7. Closeup color picture of Micah alone (with his mouth open) laying on his monkey blanket/lovey on a blue blanket between my legs- I love this picture because he looks like an angel in heaven to me
8. Another picture of Micah's feet between my hands in the shape of a heart