Reflections by Luna

Monica Taylor is a mom from Dromore South, Dromahane Co Cork Ireland. I met her through one of my many support groups for women/families who have felt the loss of a pregnancy/infant/child. She was willing to share her story in my blog series from a crossed the ocean. A lot of women suffer from miscarriage. Some might not even know they are having a miscarriage; others have what is called “missed miscarriage” where it is undiagnosed until later in the pregnancy. Some women have miscarriages and then have a baby while others have consecutive miscarriages and try hard for their rainbow. While some of these moms with consecutive miscarriages may never know why they are happening, they long for the end of the tunnel when they finally get to hold that little one, their rainbow through the storm. Monica had 4 consecutive miscarriages after 3 healthy pregnancies with no explanation, one of which was twins so in total she lost 5 little angels.   Her and her husband met at a soccer practic...

There are many amazing people in this world and as a photographer I get the pleasure of meeting a lot of new and inspiring people both as clients and in my photographer community. One of my newest clients is one of those inspirational women. Just looking at her makes me want to be like her in many ways. She is an amazing woman, wife, and mother and has a heart of gold. Not only is she the mom to all her children ranging from 6 months up to 22 years but she also participates in foster care and expands her love to those who may not have someone. She is caring and thoughtful and always takes time out of her day to check on others and do service. Watching her, I can only imagine what her kids will grow up to be like because she is such an amazing example to them. I had the privilege of photographing her youngest son Easton a few weeks ago. She won one of my contest session giveaways and chose to use it towards a milestone session of her little man. He is a precious soul and is just s...

There is a time when sorrow can hit. A time for joy, and a time for pain. It may or may not be expected. The loss of a child is a tragedy that defies all others. It might happen during pregnancy, infancy, childhood or even adulthood. No matter when it happens it leaves a hole in the heart of those left behind. Miscarriage/infant loss is something isn't talked about often because of the different feelings it may come up. The rainbow is a symbol of hope and peace. It’s also a symbol of joy. A rainbow baby is a term used to describe an infant born after the loss of another child. 1 in 4 women experience infant loss during pregnancy or even birth. Any child born after that is considered the "rainbow of hope after the storm." This child may be extra special. Not only do they have a family here but also up in heaving watching over them. Celebrating the creation of life during pregnancy is amazing but it’s even more special when that child holds special meaning and has...

Birthdays are celebrated every year but there is something special about a first birthday. The first birthday marks the transition to toddlerhood, to independence, to being able to talk, walk and do things on their own that they couldn't do the first year of life. It's a special time for the family and for the little one and is usually celebrated with a fun theme. The photoshoot I had this week I got to help do just that. I got to capture little Ava's 1st birthday so that it can be something she remembers forever. She is the youngest of 4 siblings and you can tell by the way she looks at them and her parents that she just loves life. Her sister and mom were right next to her while she tried out the cake and her brothers and dad were watching close by. She even tried to feed them some of the cake from her finger. It was super cute. They did a hot air balloon theme and she was fascinated by the balloons. Capturing moments and memories like this is why I love doing photograp...