Treasuring Temperance

Today's blog is delicate but beautiful. I've been trying to find a way do do this family justice with words but I'm finding it incredibly hard - I've decided to simply introduce them, and allow the images to speak for me.

Alexandra and her husband Matt have two beautiful children, and are expecting a 'rainbow' baby girl called Temperance (after miscarriage). Sadly, they have been given a fatal diagnosis for Temperance who has Anencephaly, and is unlikely to survive the birth. They wanted to have as many mementos of this pregnancy as possible, and have been able to have a 3D scan, photographs with me and (something that truly moved me) heartbeat teddy bears - keeping her heartbeat going inside teddies for Temperance's siblings to hold, cuddle and love.

So to help "create as many beautiful memories of this pregnancy as possible" - Alex booked in with me and invited her whole family along. To me, the photo session felt strong. The fact they clearly have so much support from loved ones was wonderful to witness. And the day was mostly filled with smiles, as you will see...



"Your eyes show the strength of your soul."
— Paulo Coelho




To learn more about anencephaly or find support, visit anencephalie.org. If you are in a similar position to Alex and her family, or wish to support parents and children going through similar times, visit EACH - East Anglia Children's Hopspices.

Many thanks to Wolferton Royal Station for use of their property. I would also like to send a personal thank you to everyone that donated maternity clothes and money for a new outfit for Alex for this photo session via my Facebook and Twitter pages.

Lastly, thank you to Alex & family, for inviting me to preserve these memories. Much love from my family, to yours.


All images strictly © Esther Wild Photographer throughout the world