The Heartwarming Behind-the-Scenes Story of This Rainbow Baby Photo

Sarah Weidemeyer
Sarah Weidemeyer

Although Sarah Weidemeyer is excitedly awaiting the birth of her third baby, this mom has been pregnant six different times and can still vividly feel the pain of each of her miscarriages.

Before welcoming her first baby boy, Sarah and her husband were thrilled about the news of a "surprise" pregnancy, but their joy abruptly ended when she miscarried while on vacation. A year later, the pair conceived again, and though she wasn't ready to open up about her rainbow baby journey with others, giving birth to her little boy restored this mom's faith in her body.

When they began trying for their second child, the pair experienced their second miscarriage and their loss wasn't any easier that time around. "We were out to dinner for my husband's birthday when it hit this time. For that reason it is even harder to forget this specific loss," she told POPSUGAR. However, the couple stayed strong and was eventually given the gift of a second baby boy.

"At this point I started to share my experiences more openly with others. I wanted others to know that they could still have successful pregnancies even after a loss," she said. "Being a mother has been the best part of my life and while I wouldn't wish a loss on anyone, I can appreciate how it has shaped me and made me a better mom. Life is fleeting and precious and it is valuable no matter how small or how brief. Some of my kids have never stepped foot on this earth, but they have still made their mark on the world."

When Sarah decided on trying for a third baby, she was understandably terrified about what could happen, and even after she miscarried a third time, she couldn't let go of the idea of having another child. "It was one of the most emotional times in our lives — we were equally afraid of a positive test as we were of getting another negative," she said. "When I told my husband I was pregnant again, he didn't believe me at first. Once he realized I was serious, I think he still was afraid to believe it because for us, a positive test didn't necessarily mean a baby."

Their "baby hulk" continued to grow fast and strong, so Sarah decided to do something special. "I wanted to commemorate this pregnancy, honor my lost babies, celebrate this new life, and offer hope to other moms who may have had a hard time with their own rainbows," she said.

Sarah found high-contrast smoke grenades online and when the time was right, her friends stood armed with cameras and only had 60 seconds to capture these meaningful memories. "[We waited until I was] 37 weeks pregnant and considered full term because it was the perfect time to celebrate — we were in the home stretch!" she said. "I smiled at my belly and snuck a few glances at the beautiful rainbow that was behind me. My husband stood off to the side with a jug of water in case of any sparks and my boys ran and danced around enjoying the beautiful colors. It was our own little celebration and I can't wait to show our baby girl the photos when she's older. Hope comes in small packages, and if you're lucky it will smile, giggle, and coo at you too!"