Birth photos are always truly beautiful and powerful, and they are all certainly worthy of going viral — but the photographs of mom Kim Overton welcoming her second son into the world via a surrogate are especially buzzworthy. Not only are all of the images visually stunning, but the story behind them is also incredibly compelling. These pictures certainly tell a beautiful surrogate story.
Kim, founder of the fitness accessory companyĀ SPIbelt,Ā was diagnosed with fibroid tumors in 2005 at the age of 34, before having any children. But after undergoing surgery, she was able to conceive and give birth to her first son five years later as a "solo starter" (someone who chooses to haveĀ a child on her own without a significant other).Ā
Thrilled with her life as a single mom, Kim decided to try for a second child in 2012. This time, however, after many failed attempts, doctors told her the fibroids were making it nearly impossible for her to get pregnant. Kim was devastated but still determined. Considering surrogacy, she spoke with her family about her plans — and was blown away when her cousin's 26-year-old daughter, Cydnee (a mother of two), nominated herself for the job!
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The process wasn't easy, but in July of 2015, Cydnee finally conceived. By then, Kim was married to man she met and married after starting the surrogacy process. When Kim's son, Oliver, was born recently, the mom made sure to have photographer Leilani Rogers on hand to capture the amazingly momentous family occasion.Ā
"I was inspired to share these photos because I felt they captured the true joy and happiness that this birth and my surrogate have given my family and me," Kim told CafeMom.
"The birth was beautiful, special, and amazing to us all. If sharing the pictures can help make others feel good about the surrogacy route, or give hope to someone experiencing infertility, or hope to the solo starter, then awesome!"
These photos definitely are doing all that, and then some! Read through this slideshow to see what we mean, and check out Kim's blog to find out more about her story.
Image courtesyĀ Leilani Rogers
Holding On
Here we see Kim sitting by Cydnee's side, just minutes away from welcoming her new son into the world!
Overcome With Emotion
The look on Kim's face as she sees Oliver's head start to crown is priceless!
The Big Moment
And it's the moment everyone waited for … Oliver's big debut! Hey there, little guy!!
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Hello!
There is simply nothing more beautiful than the smile of a mom who's meeting her baby for the very first time.
Sweet Snuggle
Could that be the hint of a first smile we see?
Brotherly Love
Oliver's big brothers (Kim's first son and her husband's son) look simply delighted — and a bit astonished — to meet their tiny sibling!
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Family Circle
Grandma and Cydnee's boyfriend were pretty thrilled to make Oliver's acquaintance, too!
Kissing Cousin
Kim got a heartfelt congratulations from her cousin Ericka (Cydnee's mom!). Awww.
Giving Thanks
Kim's husband Jason showing Cydnee his appreciation for an incredible job well done.
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Happy Family
What a perfect picture: this new family of five all together for the first time. Although it looks like Kim is nursing the baby here, heās just laying on her for some skin-to-skin bonding. (For feeding, Cydnee hand expressed the initial colostrum, then began pumping.)
A Mother's Touch
Cydnee's mom shows her (most likely exhausted!) daughter some support. So sweet.
Beautiful Boy
Check out that head of hair! Congratulations to this lovely family on their gorgeous new addition.
The Greatest Gift
"I embraced Cydnee and began to cry three years worth of tears. I was beyond grateful for her incredibly selfless act, and relieved that the long haul was finally over."
