Photo: Itsy Photography
This touching story all started when a family of eight moved to California in the beginning of 2013 to start a new life. Julie and Jared Haynie, were expecting a baby girl the following March, but received some heartbreaking news at their first doctor’s appointment in their new town. At around 36 weeks gestation, Julie’s ultrasound revealed some concerns with little Lillian – doctors discovered that she would most likely be born with Trisomy 13 or 18, which they couldn’t be sure of until she was born and tested for it.
Trisomy 18 or 13 are genetic disorders that can cause a number of serious birth defects. Most babies diagnosed with them usually don’t live past their first week of life, or are stillborn.
During and after her labour, Julie and her family decided to share baby Lillian’s story via photographer Ela Wunderli’s blog, Itsy Photography. Photo: Itsy Photography
After a 20-hour labour, Lillian Haynie was born on February 26, 2013.
Photo: Itsy Photography
Each of her six siblings got the chance to touch her and spend some time with her.
Photo: Itsy Photography
Jared was able to hold Lily while they fixed her bed to make it more comfortable.
Photo: Itsy Photography
After everyone left the room, it was time for Julie to meet her baby girl for the first time. Wunderli captured the moment as Lily opened her eyes at her mom’s presence.
Photo: Itsy Photography
 
Photo: Itsy Photography
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