4th Trimester Bodies


I have been following the 4th Trimester Project by Photographer Ashlee Wells for quite some time. I love her mission and her message for not just women & mothers - but for everyone who comes across her pages. When I saw that she was coming to Tampa - I knew I had to jump at this opportunity. 

 Oliver was my first [still] born son. He made me a mother. I still have feelings of guilt upon my body - but I am working on that. By putting myself out there - sharing not only Oliver's story - but OUR story - is what is helping me on this path of healing.

 Oliver was still born at 34 weeks and 5 days. At 12 weeks we learned of his fatal illness. Though I am hard on my body for Oliver not being here today - I need to remind myself daily - that my body showed Oliver a safe place here on Earth - with nothing but pure love.

 Oliver was a baby boy - that continued to surprise the doctors at each appointment. Making it 34 weeks and 5 days - was beyond what anyone expected. We did that as a team. Mother & Son - together we held on to each other as long as we could before we had to say our goodbyes. 

I love you Oliver. My love for you continues to grow every single day. 
I know you are with your sisters and your cousins.
I know you are with me and Papi.
I know you are with us.
Until we see each other again, I love you.



"Losing Oliver, made me feel very guilty about my body. Despite his condition being a fatal diagnosis we received at 12 weeks in utero. I felt like like I had failed as his mother. I am working on accepting myself and my body. After my second rainbow baby Opal, a successful home birth, and a longterm breastfeeding journey, I am on the path of healing. ⠀
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Love yourself. Be yourself. You are you. You are the only person who can be the best you. Each day is a new day to forgive and love yourself. ⠀
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I'm working towards accepting my body and my journey."



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