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Newborn Photo Shoot

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Most of you know Lauren, a big part of Be Inspired PR & Inspired by This. In April she joyfully announced that she and her husband Nate were expecting a new baby! This newborn photo shoot is adorable. Our wedding community poured out their love and heartfelt congrats to Lauren as she and her husband embarked on a journey that would change the rest of their lives.

For those of you who don’t know Lauren, she has Achondroplasia – the most common form of dwarfism, also referred to as a “little person.” Lauren doesn’t let that hold her back from anything. She’s hardworking, creative, a great friend and hands down the most stylish person in the Be Inspired office. However, there are complications Lauren and Nate face as little people that most of us aren’t aware of. Their baby has a 50% chance of inheriting one dwarfism gene and will be little like Lauren and Nate, a 25% chance their baby would not inherit a dwarfism gene and will be average size with no dwarfism, and a 25% chance the baby will inherit both dwarfism genes and will not survive outside the womb. About 4 months into her pregnancy Lauren was eligible for the genetic test that would tell her and Nate what genes their baby inherited. They were devastated to learn their baby was Double Dominant. They also learned that their beautiful baby was a boy. Despite knowing he would not live long past the delivery, Nate and Lauren chose to carry full term and cherish the time they had left with their little boy, who they decided to name Ray.

In June Lauren took maternity leave from us, and although we missed her greatly, we knew it was best as the pregnancy was becoming harder on her body. Baby Ray was quite active in the womb, lots of kicking and moving!

24 weeks along!!

Ray was born on August 7th via C-section, and was the picture perfect 5lb 7oz baby. He was loved tremendously for over an hour before going home to be with the Lord. While our hearts are absolutely broken for Nate and Lauren, Ray was deeply loved during his time on earth, with the best parents he could’ve asked for. We know Ray will be watching over his mom and dad, anxiously awaiting the day he gets to meet them in heaven. He will forever be their sweet little guy.

Lauren has been blogging about her experience in the hopes of reaching other parents who have gone through, or are going through something similar – Little Ray of Sunshine. A huge thank you to our community for surrounding Lauren with your support and encouragement during this tough time. It’s been awesome to see the love pour out for our Be Inspired family member. A big thank you to Amber from Pitbulls and Posies for designing the perfect logo for Lauren’s blog, Jordana from Hazelnut Photography for documenting Ray’s time on earth through a wonderful nonprofit called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, Caroline from Paloma’s Nest for making a beautiful wooden box to hold the keepsakes Lauren and Nate have collected to honor Ray’s memory, and our close friends Carissa and Jesi for all their prayers, concern and words of encouragement.

Lauren asked us to share this with you all:

“First off, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has sent us love and prayers, your support has helped us tremendously throughout this trying time. We didn’t know what we were expecting going into this, all we knew was that we really wanted to meet our little guy. The moment Ray came out he let out a few good cries, we were so excited to hear them because we really didn’t think he would be strong enough. After they got him all wrapped up they put him on my chest and everything that I had been through -all the tears, sleepless nights, and uncomfortable days- were so worth it! He really was the sweetest baby. While he was on my chest he took a few deep breaths and then went into a relaxing sleep. Ray was loved on by our family and friends for about an hour. When he got back into my arms we could tell that there was no life left in him. The nurse confirmed it and although we were so sad, we were prepared for it. I didn’t know how long we would have with him, but I am so grateful for the time we did get. We cuddled and loved on him for a while longer and then we made the tough decision to let him go. That was the hardest part of the whole experience. I’m so grateful for everyone who has helped us along the way with prayers and support. It is totally by the grace of God that we are able to make it through this and share our story!”

Nate and Lauren have graciously shared their story and precious pictures of Ray to encourage and inspire all of you. Cherish the time you have with your loved ones… they’re the most important gift on earth.

We love all three of you!!

Little Ray with his grandmothers

Proud Dad 🙂

Kisses for Baby Ray!

Such a beautiful baby boy

iPhone photo

We love you Lauren and Baby Ray!! Lauren is now taking an extended leave of absence from our team. We invite you to share below any thoughts and prayers for Lauren and her family.

228 responses to “Newborn Photo Shoot”

  4. Thoughts and prayers go to this sweet family! A truly inspiring and touching story of unconditional love. <3

  7. Congratulations, Lauren and Nate! I know that you are the best parents that Baby Ray could have hoped for. Even though he was only able to bless this earth for a short while, he will forever be blessing the both of you. Lauren, I’m very proud to say that I know you. Congratulations on being a strong mother! Love, geri

  8. This is so touching. My thoughts + prayers are with Lauren, Nate and their sweet Ray. What a strong family. Thank you for sharing this remarkable story!

  9. Thanks for sharing such inspiring and touching story. Lauren and Nate, you both are very courageous and selfless. Our prayers are with you and your families.

  10. Lauren and Nate, I pray for you guys often. Little Ray is dancing with Jesus! May God be your comfort and allow you peace and strength to get through this! I love you!

  11. Lauren and Nate,
    We never know how long the sun will shine, but I know for sure for that 1 hour it was brighter than ever before. Thank you for sharing. Your story puts everything in perspective. All 3 of you are touched by angels. xox Mindy

  12. I cant stop crying after reading your blog. Im so touched that Lauren and Nate are able to share this very personal story. My heart aches for them as they go through this unimaginable time. I will think of them always. Lauren, you are so strong and brave and such a wonderful person. Im so lucky to know you and I wish you and your family love and support. Hugs to you and your family always. God bless baby Ray.

  16. Lauren and Nate, our thoughts are with you and your families! Thank you so much for sharing their strength, and reminding us all that every moment is a blessing that needs to be cherished.

  19. Lauren & Nate, Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of life with us. I cannot think of the right words to say after reading this and seeing such gorgeous photos of your time with Ray here on earth. I do agree with Jesi that Ray is dancing with Jesus in heaven. Prayers to you both.

  20. My heart goes out to Lauren and her family. They are so strong and lucky to have spent the time they did with baby Ray.

  21. Thank you for sharing this incredibly remarkable story. What a beautiful family. God Bless Lauren and Nate and baby Ray. Love from Haute Bride. xo

  22. Lauren and Nate, my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you. What a beautiful story and thank you for being so strong to share it with us all. We all feel blessed and touched by this and I personally can’t stop crying. God is good and will continue to bless you both tenfold. And as you know, Sweet Baby Ray is in Heaven and will always be there to watch over you and take care of you the way that you did him. XOXO

  26. There are no words I could say that would let you know how much I admire and respect you and your decisions. God had a great plan for you, Nate and Little Ray! Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into your life and letting us meet Ray, what a joy! Your courage and devotion to Ray is truly an inspiration. God has already blessed you and there is no doubt that he will continue to do so.

  27. Lauren and Nate you two are so loved! Ray’s story is beautiful and heart breaking. Thank you for being brave and sharing your story. Sending love and prayers from NYC. Xo Kellee

  29. Dear Lauren and Nate, Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us. Emily has kept me posted through out your pregancy. Our prayers go out to you both, and i want let you know that emily and i are here for you both!!

  30. It was incredibility brave to share your story Lauren! Ray is so lucky to have had you and Nate as his parents – you are amazing!! xoxo

  31. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with the world. It is amazing to see the strength in such difficult situations. Lauren & Nate, you are courageous and inspiring.

  35. Lauren and Nate and Ray.. you are all truly the epitome of beautiful. The incredible strength you both have had through the pregnancy, then meeting baby Ray, and finally sharing your story is so tremendously touching and inspiring. I have thought of you often and cannot express how much I admire you. One of my favorite proverbs ““Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”

  36. Such a gorgeous post..it helps us remember that each blessing no matter how big or small is a blessing still the same. Lauren and Nate, Ray was promoted early, and i’m sure he is celebrating with many loved ones.

  37. lauren thank you for sharing your story of courage. i cant even begin to imagine going through all this. what a blessing to cherish in the time you and family had with sweet little ray. he truly is an angel to touch your lives for his short time here. you are an incredibly strong woman!! thank you for being inspiration of love, and cherishing all the moments in life you are given!!!

  38. Nate and Lauren- thank you so much for sharing this incredible story with us! You are all so inspiring!

  40. I can’t even get through reading this through all of the tears. Lauren and Nate, I admire your strength through all of this and can not imagine what you have gone through and will forever carry with you. Ray was a beautiful baby boy and is now a precious angel that will be with you forever. I know your story and your blog will help so many, you are doing an amazing thing in honoring and carrying on Ray’s beauty. This story really has allowed me to think on so many levels and I am so grateful for you that you shared this with all of us!

  41. Lauren and Nate you are so brave! Words can’t express how inspiring and amazing you are as a couple to endure and share this time in your life! Ray was so beautiful and you are constantly going to feel his love from heaven now. I just cried and cried reading this and celebrate you two for sharing your story! You are so courageous! Your story is just incredible!!!

  43. Love from SF Lauren, Nate, and Ray! Your story and photos are so beautiful…Ray is such a handsome baby and how lovely to have an angel in heaven looking over you both. You are so inspiring and courageous. <3 <3 <3

  44. Lauren and Nate – Tyman and I are so blessed to count you two as close friends. Your story is so inspiring, and I have no doubt God is going to use it to touch the lives of many many people. Ray will forever be remembered as a perfect little baby, tremendously loved by his parents and by His Father in heaven. You three are a shining example of pure and sacrificial love, the kind of love we should all strive to have. Thank you for sharing your story, you’re an inspiration to us all!!!

  56. i really thought i had cried all i could over this and now reading about it has me bawling all over again…lauren and nate – i cannot imagine the strength you two have in each other and the lord to get through this…you two are an inspiration to me as a parent and it reminds me daily to cherish every second with my family…thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for sharing your story and for being an example of bravery to us all! i love you both and i pray you continue to lean on each other and god through these tough times…we will never forget baby ray and the sweetness he brought to this world…sending endless love and prayers…
    xoxo, C

  63. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us ..it puts all the little everyday worries into perspective and we do need to be reminded to live and love life to the fullest. You two are amazing parents and people ~ sending our love and wishes! xo

  65. I am beyond heart broken reading this story, but so touched how Lauren and Nate were through this, and how strong they are to inspire all of us to be better. I wish I could stop crying long enough to type this, but my deepest thoughts are with them.

  68. I’m sitting here at my desk with tears running down my face. Cannot seem to quiet my emotions as I read and re-read this post. I am overwhelmed at Lauren and Nate’s inspirational story of courage and bravery. Thank you for sharing. May this community bring Lauren and Nate some rest and peace. God Bless.

  75. Lauren & Nate…thanks for sharing your story with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Baby Ray was lucky to have you as parents. You guys are such an inspiration. Sending our love and prayers to you both. xo Lesley & Amir

  77. lots of love and prayers for lauren and nate and their little guy ray. lauren, i don’t know you, but your story moved me. know that your family is loved so much by so many!

  81. Baby Ray was indeed loved. Thoughts and prayers for the entire family. What an incredibly heartbreaking story. Hopefully, other parents going through the same heartache can take some solace from you.

  82. I am simultaneously heart broken for the family and inspired by their strength and poise. Tonight I’ll be thinking of Baby Ray and sending my love to him up there with the stars xxxx

  84. Lauren and Nate- thank you for sharing your story and my thoughts have been with you! You have such incredible strength and I’m sure with that will come a great resiliency and beautiful memories to treasure. Thinking of you- Courtney

  85. Lauren and Nate, God bless you both for your faithfulness. You gave Ray the most beautiful life – one in which he knew only love and light and comfort and family. You made enornous sacrifices to give your sweet baby a wonderful hour on this planet and the loving transition into the next world that he deserved. You will both be in my hearts, thoughts, and prayers for a lifetime, and the choices you made will be a light in the world for generations to come. God bless.

  88. Thank you Leila for sharing Lauren and Nate’s deeply personal and touching story. Their courage, strength and unconditional commitment for each other is absolutely astounding and beautiful.

  89. I write this over tears for you. Thank you for sharing your courage and strength with us and for your story. What a tremendously beautiful and warm family for that little one… and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. thank you thank you for sharing.

    warmly,
    the kelleys

  92. Leila, thank you for sharing Lauren & Nate’s story with us, oh how I wish I was with them to give them so many hugs..I’ll truly keep them in my prayers and baby Ray is just the cutest and know that he is in heaven with our Lord and Savior. We love you Lauren and Nate…xoxo

  97. Lauren and Nate, thank you so much for sharing your tremendously touching story. Your courage and strength is absolutley inspiring and has touched me in a way I have never been before. Thank you for sharing Ray with the world…..we are all better people because of him and his story. Lots of love and prayers to you all…xo

  98. This story brought me to tears, it is such a tremendous act of strength and courage to go through this journey and share it with the world. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lauren & Nate and to their entire families.

  99. 2 of the strongest, most courageous, loving people I have ever read about. Your story brings tears to my eyes, but faith in the love twp people share for another.

  101. Lauren, you and Nate are an absolutely amazing example of God’s grace! What a gift to give your sweet son–the chance to meet you in person, be held in the arms of those that love him, and be sent to heaven while encircled in all of that love!! Such an incredible story of true love and sacrifice!

  111. Lauren and Nate, a touching snippet into your lives.. thank you for being you and for sharing this, you are so loved and i can see why, love to you.. hugs!

  121. I heard about you from my daughter in law Candy Lamica and was sad , and i just read you story and was even more sad . My heart goes out to you and you husband , and will pray God gives you peace and know your little Ray is with Him ! Your son was truely beautiful as are you and your husband for wanting to meet him . Good luck and God Bless !!

  124. What a beautiful story and a beautiful little boy. Lauren and Nate, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs to you both.

  127. So glad you shared with us. The Lord was truly with you through all of this. What a beautiful peaceful little guy. So glad you had time with him. God bless you both.

  129. Dear Lauren, Ever since your first note, I’ve prayed for you and Nate with my whole heart. Sweet Ray is such a gift to us all, and your beautiful & devoted conviction shines through as a beautiful example to each of us. Praying for comfort and peace, and sweet Ray to always warm your skin, allowing you to feel his sweet warmth. xxoo

  138. Thank you for sharing this with us, our prayers are with you and Nate, you have touched our life, may God bless you as your little angle watches from above! Leila and Tony has shared with us, the many struggles you were facing, truly, you’re an amazing mom. May the Ray of Sunshine always shines upon you both!

  140. Bless your souls in every way possible Lauren & Nate. Although time spent with Sweet Baby Ray was short & sweet it was also PRICELESS. I admire you for the choices made, love shared & breathless moments. You will FOEVER be in my heart & prayers…

  141. So proud of Nate and Lauren for your strength and faith, you are an inspiration. Baby Ray was such a beautiful boy, and I’m so glad that I go share a few moments with you on that day, I will cherish it forever.

  142. This is truly amazing of the strength and love that Lauren and Nate have. My heart goes out to them.

  143. What a heartbreaking story, such beautiful moments spent with a very precious life, nothing can ever replace this now. My heartfelt admiration for Lauren and Nate and wishing them both much peace and love in their lives.

  144. I am so touched by your story and my deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. Angel Ray will be watching over your shoulder as well as the rest of the family’s. Indeed, he is one of the sweetest baby I have ever laid my eyes on. Beautiful and angelic face. God Bless… 🙂

  147. Lauren & Nate – the strength, courage, unconditional love, and sacrifice you have made to meet Baby Ray is completely awe-inspiring. It was truly better to have loved than to not have loved at all. I wish you continued strength & courage, and thank you for sharing your story with all of us. We’re all rooting for you!!!

  148. Lauren & Nate, You are both courageous. I am moved and inspired by you both. As I sit here writing this comment, I can’t hold back the tears because I know how much God has blessed you so much love from Baby Ray. What a beautiful baby boy he is! Sending you thoughts and prayers of strength, courage and love.

  154. blessings! How difficult this must be…Glad to know you lean on the Lord, don’t know how anyone could do it without God.

  155. What an amazing couple and son! I cannot begin to understand their journey but can say that I will pray for peace in their lives as this will be forever the beat and hardest journey they will ever take! Thank you for sharing your story Lauren and I pray that one day (not so soon) you and your husband are reunited with ray and get to spend eternity holding him!

  162. I think this is the HAPPIEST most joyous email that I opened today. Thank you, thank you. It was so lovely to just melt into pure joy the minute I opened your blog today.

  166. My heart goes out to Lauren, Nate and Baby Ray. What a heartwarming story of love and strength. I send my heartfelt condolences, but know that Baby Ray will be smiling down on Mom and Dad forever. XOXO

  169. Prayers for peace in your hearts along side strong and happy memories of the most important hour on earth.

  170. What an amazing family! I am in awe of their strength and faith in God. Little Ray was blessed to spend time with the most loving parents. God bless!

  172. I’m in tears right now as I read this. As the mother of my own little boy I cannot even imagine how hard and heartbreaking this is, and my heart goes out to you. Sending love & thoughts. xx

  175. @weddingPR Thank you,Leila. It’s an honor to be able to create something to help cherish such precious memories. Sending love & prayers.

  177. Today we honor Ray’s life and the inspiration you have breathed into our hearts. You are like family and the joys and sorrows that are apart of your journey are also apart of ours.Tony and I are moved by your strength. You gave Ray the gift of life and God gave us the gift of Ray to remind of us of hope, love, and goodness in the world.
    I will do a jig for baby Ray today and every time I hear this song 🙂
    This is for you:
    “We will wait” to meet Baby Ray again one day…
    until then we will think of him and love him always!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kS8RTRi7HA

  179. My heart and prayers go out to Lauren, family and friends. That was the most heartfelt and touching story. I still have tears in my eyes. Lauren you are an inspiration and I wish you and your family all the best in life! 😉

  181. We often say that “there are no words” to describe the loss of a child. I recently travelled down this similar words and I beg to differ. There are words, hope, love, promise, compassion and faith just to jot down a few. I will say a prayer for you tonight. While when we embark on this journey of parenthood we don’t prepare for this to happen but through grace and faith you can see the beauty in this little life. He is yours, you ARE mommy and daddy and he is and will be loved, even if you only had him in your arms for what seemed like a whisper. Thank you for sharing his beauty with all of us.

  183. It broke my heart reading this story but you are both such brave and wonderful people. Thoughts, love and prayers for you at this difficult time xoxoxo

  184. My love and thoughts are with this beautiful family. To Leila, that you have shared their story with such love and compassion is beautiful. What a wonderful friend you are.

  185. Lauen & Nate my love goes out to you both at this amazing & sad time for you both YOUR little Ray of sunshine is just beautiful . May God hold him safe in his arms & you will always hold him safe in your hearts … YOU ARE BOTH AMAZING … God bless you Mummy & Daddy xx

  186. You are both incredibly brave and strong people and your little ray of sunshine is adorable, breaks my heart but thoughts are with you xo

  187. What a beautiful baby boy, and what a beautiful love story. Still crying – sadness, happiness, wonder, love, compassion, hope xx

  189. This is completely heart breaking but I am so proud and happy that you are all strong enough to share with your online family. Much prayers to Lauren, Nate and the whole Be Inspired team! xoxo

  190. Nate and Lauren, the story of your love for Ray is powerful and beatiful. Thank you for sharing as I was unaware of the struggles little people go through to have children. I’m so glad you were blessed to hold and love on Ray for that precious hour. I know he will always be in your hearts and one day you will be reunited. What a joyful day that will be! May God continue to give you bestow his strength, love and compassion on you.

  191. Congratulations on meeting Ray! Thank you so much for sharing your images and experience! I will hope and pray that you are able to have more children when the time is right. Each is precious and a miracle and you will see him again after this life. I know you will! Heavenly Father loves and cares for you and knows your concerns. Thanks for being such a strong family and sharing of yourselves.

  192. Oh gosh, bawling my eyes out! This is so incredibly sad but inspiring at the same time. I admire Lauren & Nate’s strength, it’s a true testament to the human spirit. Sending lots of love xo

  194. My heart aches with joy and sadness as the world was graced with such loving parents and a beautiful baby boy who too soon was out of breath. Thank you for sharing your story! Hugs, love and prayers.

  195. lauren and nate, i don’t even know where to begin. you two are the definition of strength and inspiration. there is more love within your family than some people will ever get to experience in their lifetime. and while the bright light of a blessing that was ray only lasted a little while, his memory and spirit will be with y’all for the rest of your lives. sending hugs and kisses and prayers from the lone star state. xo, linds

  197. Lauren & Nate, I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling so honoured that you shared your story with us. An unimaginable trial for you both, but the strength and bravery you’ve shown in carrying though to full term and accepting little Ray’s short time with you is an inspiration, and to share such a private time with others in order to help them, is a beautiful thing. Continue to be strong through the days ahead, and know that you have all the support and love of so many around the world whom you may never meet, but who are truly inspired by you both…

  198. Lauren & Nate, I’ve tried to imagine and just can’t. Your strength and willingness to share your story is amazing and inspiring. Thank you for blessing others, comforting others, and touching lives with your story, even in this most difficult time. Love and prayers from the east coast!

  211. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers! We are so blessed to have so much love in our lives and so blessed to have the time that we got with our sweet Ray. We are so touched that his short little life has already touched so many people and will continue to!

  213. Lauren, you have grown into such a beautiful woman! So sorry to hear about your little one but glad you had some time with him. Take care, hi to your family. Love, Allora MacMahon

  215. Truly inspirational! This is a pure example of unconditional love. A Ray of Sunshine and Hope and Love…

  216. Dear Lauren and Nate, My thoughts and prayers are with the both of you as you go through the loss of your beautiful son. I hope that you both stay strong for eachother. My husband and I both have Achondroplasia as well. In the past 3 years we have had two babies that were diagnosed with Double Dominance it was very hard for us to get through it but we stayed strong for our oldest son. Thanks for sharing your story with us. If you ever want to talk to anyone feel free to contact me at lp_8402@yahoo.com. I’ll be here for you.

  218. Thanks for sharing Be Inspired, my prayers go out to Nate, Lauren, and their families. Ray will forever hold a place in my heart and thoughts.

  219. So inspirational but painfully sad. What amazing people Lauren and Nate are. You have inspired many lives little Ray, your time on this earth wasn’t wasted, God bless you. xxxxx

  220. Nate and Lauren–Philippians 4:11, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” You have; you can; you will.
    Jesus loves me this I know…
    Love and prayer, Krista and Mike 🙂

  221. Sending so much love to you, Nate, and baby Ray. You have the most amazing strength and grace. Thank you for sharing your story and your unconditional love and faith.

  222. What a beautiful, heartbreaking post. My heart cries for this family. Lauren, Nate, much love is headed your way. Hold on to your faith and family.

  223. Lauren + Nate, you are both so so brave and I wanted to thank you guys for sharing your story. It really reminds us to treasure everything and not take it for granted. Baby Ray is so adorable and I can’t even imagine the pain you both are going through. Sending you both lots of love + prayers.

  225. Lauren and Nate, my heart goes out to you both during this very trying time. I deeply admire your strength and your faith. All three of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love your way! xoxoxo

  226. Lauren and Nate, Our hearts go out to you during this sad time. Thanks for sharing your story with us. You’re so much stronger than I am. It’s been 12 years since our son, Ben was stillborn because he was dd and we’ve never done a blog. If you need someone to talk to that knows the pain you’re going through, feel free to contact me. Hugs!!!

  227. My heart goes out to you during this sad time. I can’t even imagine what you are feeling right now or going through. Some dear friends of mine are working on a project: The Still Project where they are creating a documentary discussing pregnancy and infancy loss. The facebook page has become a community for all to share their stories and get support.from others who are going through or have experienced a loss of a precious baby. It is a great project that may help you a bit through this time. Jonathan and Carrie who are over the project are awesome people and a great pillar of support. Many blessings to you and your family.
    http://www.facebook.com/StillProject

  228. First let me say… these photos are so heartwarming and full of love. The art of capturing the pride, love, and the plethora of emotions that follow an experience such as this…. is a gift from God. I was blessed to have a very talented photographer shoot me and my children together before my sweet Gavin passed on to be with the Lord. You have a beautiful family and thank you for sharing such a tender moment. <3

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