Happy Wednesday, everyone! We are Caitlin & Luke- Peoria, IL maternity photographers, and we are so honored to have been able to capture this beautiful maternity session at Pettengill-Morron House Museum! Getting to meet up with Lauren & Baylor for their maternity shoot was such a gift! If you know these two’s story, you know Lauren & Baylor are two of the most incredible, strong people you’ll ever encounter.
Last fall, they welcomed the sweetest little girl, Eden Rose, to their family. They were blessed with 44 precious days with Eden before she went to be with Jesus as a result of Trisomy 13, a genetic condition that Eden was diagnosed with while Lauren was pregnant. Now, Lauren and Baylor are expecting Eden’s little brother, Jude, this fall! We even got to honor Eden’s memory with a few photos at the start of their session.
We have known Lauren and Baylor since we photographed their engagement session & wedding back in 2016 {almost exactly a month after we got married!}, and following their story over the past year or so has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. These two have walked through arguably some of the most heartbreaking circumstances possible, and yet their faith through it all has been remarkable.
I’ve always appreciated that Lauren & Baylor have been open with their raw, honest questions for God, that they’ve been real about what grief looks like, and that they’ve chosen to keep sharing the story of Eden’s life often. I know that their openness & authenticity has already been a blessing to so many others walking a similar path, and I have no doubt that God is going to continue to use this family and sweet Eden’s story in big ways!!
Over the past year plus, many of our C&L Couples and clients have been faced with circumstances + situations that would leave anyone feeling hopeless. Luke and I have had many moments where we just look at each other and shook our heads in silence as we wonder how God could ever allow certain things to happen in this life. I’ve had to come to grips with the fact that we will never really understand why, and that the only true hope + peace we have in this life is the assurance that someday, He is going to redeem everything and make it all right in eternity. Lauren and Baylor are walking examples of that truth.
Wagehoft fam, Luke and I could not be more thrilled for your precious family as you prepare to welcome little Jude to your family this fall! I already can’t wait to see you guys again for newborn pictures in just a few weeks. Thank you both for showing up in each season of life with the willingness to embrace it and live it to its fullest, no matter what. I’m thankful for the way you allow God to use you both. Little Jude has no clue how lucky he is to get to join your family in just a few more months!
So much love! Xoxo!
Xoxo!
Caitlin and Luke | Bloomington IL Maternity Photographers
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