“I always wanted to be a mom, but I never knew how hard that would actually become.” 

Diana and Omar’s path to parenthood stretched across ten years.

Ten years of waiting. Ten years of fertility treatments. Ten years of watching friends and family grow their families while hoping for their own.

There were countless appointments, blood draws, ultrasounds, injections, and procedures. Too many to count. There were also two heartbreaking miscarriages along the way.

Still, they kept going.

As a last effort, they traveled to Mexico for fertility treatment. Three cycles. One final attempt. And then Diego, “the miracle baby made with lots of love and a whole lot of science.”

When it came time to tell their family, Diana and Omar chose a pregnancy announcement photo shoot. Many friends and family already knew how long the road had been, which made the moment even more meaningful.

The beginning of pregnancy felt fragile. Sharing felt scary. Every milestone came with relief. For a long time, celebration lived quietly alongside worry.

It was not until mid-pregnancy that Diana allowed herself to breathe a little deeper. By the end, she was able to enjoy being pregnant. To believe it.

Now Diego Antonio Ibarra is here. A happy, healthy baby boy.

According to Diana, he looks just like Omar.

No debate there.

The early days of parenthood have been filled with joy and unexpected moments. The way Diego depends on them. The way he looks at his parents like they are his whole world.

Everyone says it happens quickly. And then suddenly, it does.

This newborn stage is full of firsts. First stretches. First sleepy cuddles. The memories that feel small now but will mean everything later.

As their Chicago newborn photographer I knew this session was not about perfection. It was about connection. About a family that waited, hoped, and held on long enough to finally arrive here.

When they were looking for a Chicago newborn photographer I met with Diana and Omar to talk about their vision for the session, Omar told me that whatever Diana wanted, I should do.

This was about her. His support was constant, and it was clear that everything they had been through only brought them closer together.

The session itself wasn’t easy. It took time — more than planned. Breaks. Patience. A few tears. And quite a few dirty diapers. After everything it took to get here, moving slowly felt right.

This newborn session was not only about celebrating Diego. It was about honoring the journey that led to him.

This session was about finding little ways to tell their story, a subtle rainbow to acknowledge the miscarriages, and a small stuffed bunny from Dad’s childhood.

Watching Diana pour out bin after bin of needles and vials, it was clear this moment didn’t come easily—or quickly.

Diana and Omar, thank you for trusting me with Diego’s story. Thank you for letting me document this chapter.

Your love, your patience, and your emotion filled the room during every part of working together — from our first emotional phone call, to the day I showed you your slideshow (there was not a dry eye in the room), to finally sitting together and turning the pages of the album that documented it all.

For families reading this, these early days matter. Your journey matters. Whether your road here was smooth or full of twists, it deserves to be remembered and told.

Newborn photos are not just about poses and props. They are about preserving a season that will never come back in quite the same way.

And that is always a story that matters. 

If you’re pregnant and looking for an experienced Chicago newborn photographer to capture the moments that only happen once. I would love to hear from you. The newborn phase goes by quickly — the photographs last.