Miracles come in many different forms and are personal to each person; the commonality is they forever change one somehow. Each person may have their definition of what a miracle might look like. For some, it might be finding a $20 bill on the street; for others, it could be finding out your tumor is benign. Regardless of the miracle, when you experience it, it leaves a newly defined you in ways unimaginable before the event. Similarly, most blessings precede an unexpected life challenge, and the obsessive question that repeatedly mulls, “Why?” But, if you pay close enough attention and don’t give up HOPE, your ‘why’ shows up better than imagined, putting the last piece of your puzzle together.

Here’s the miracle of Marley.

Marley Marie Allred was born on October 6, 2017. She might look like a typical 6-year-old girl, but something lives inside her soul that makes her unique. Her mother, Kylie, began her motherhood journey years before Marley Marie shown her light to the world. It was years of pumping dangerous amounts of hormones, exhausting visits to the doctor for blood work, nights of tears and worry, AND unexpected devasting losses. A mother’s love and determination as she begins her IVF journey is a financial and emotional battle that may end without children, a risk purely based on unconditional love. Most insurance companies will not cover IVF; many religions believe it is immoral and unacceptable, leaving the mother ashamed. The emotional fight is so unbearable that getting out of bed each day is fueled by facing an all-encompassing hormonal battle that results in a war of dysregulation within the body, to the point reality starts being questioned. With good intentions, everyone says the same silly statements, that they believe are comforting, but are unintentionally painful reminders of the failure at heart.

Kylie shares openly that her unexplained “why” in her IVF experience, and all the emotional-financial-religious-torture have exceeded any expectation when she looks into Marley Marie’s eyes or records Marley telling her Instagram followers, “Hi followers, we are going to do a snack test.” Nothing Kylie could have ever imagined has become possible. I am bold enough to say, Kylie would define Marley Marie as her miracle and that the “why” no longer lingers in her thoughts.

I am honored to capture this little six-year-old miracle! Her vocabulary, sense of wit and endless curiosity for life make her fun to be around, but her heart separates this sweet girl. It is so big, loving and expressive. God might have given her a special mission for this planet, and I can’t wait to see what that assignment is. I want to capture Marley through the years. Another exciting news that Marley bursted into a joy to share; she is a big sister to a little brother, Max, who is now eight months old.
I look forward to capturing that little miracle and sharing it with you.
If you are interested in Marley’s sparkle, you can find Momma, Marley, and BIG boy Max on instagram, @babbsallred.

If you know someone struggling with Infertility, reach out, bring them food, sit and listen, and offer something so they know they are not alone. The smallest gesture takes up the most space in the heart.
XO, Jennifer