Ezrah’s Story Maternity & NICU Newborn Sessions

March 22, 2025

Ezrah Sergeant

Happy 2nd Birthday in Heaven

Ezrah was born 03.21.23, pretty cool birthday for a cool little dude. I want to celebrate him today by sharing some photos I had the honor of making, thanks to his Mama, Christine.

Some of my couples will recognize Christine as the friendly face beside me on so many busy wedding days. If that’s you, you can definitely attest to her warm smile and calming energy.

A Winter Maternity Session

In March of 2023, juussttt before spring was set to make its official appearance, I met up with Christine and her family for her maternity session. It was wonderful seeing Christine in her element with her husband Adam, and Ezrah’s older siblings – William, Toby, and Lucy.

“Ezrah is a miracle. I am so honored God chose our family to steward his time here on earth as he battled and showed our God’s power, beauty, and love.” – Christine, Ezrah’s Mommy

A Madison Children’s Hospital NICU Newborn Session

On May 3rd, I drove to Madison, Wisconsin, to visit an extraordinary baby boy in the NICU. I was on my way to meet Ezrah Sergeant!

Ezrah had the sweetest energy, the cutest little nose, and the best hair swirl. He also had a trisomy 13 diagnosis. Yet he was not just his diagnosis. He was writing his own story.

Time and time again, he would beat the odds. The doctors would say, “He’s doing it Ezrah’s way.” He certainly was. He was making his mark on the world. I know he made an impact on me.

On hectic wedding days, when Christine and I would sit down for dinner, we would wonder and anticipate what her new baby may be like. When I finally saw him in person, my eyes filled with tears. He was so beautiful.

Those who have had newborns, especially medically fragile ones, understand what a sacred space that hospital room is. It was an honor to meet little Ezzy in person. 🤍

One week later, I received a text from Christine. “Cat, Ezzy went to God early this morning.” My eyes filled with tears again, this time from sadness.

Ezrah was 7 weeks and 1 day old. Ezrah had written his own story, one so many of us will remember.

“Ezrah battled 7 weeks and 1 day. It was said that he wouldn’t be born, last a day, and surely not 2 weeks. He made it seven weeks and one day. Our doctor explained that was quite a miracle, a testament to who God is, and what a fighter our son is.” – Adam, Ezrah’s Daddy

Ezrah’s Beads of Courage collection, this brave boy earned each and every one. ❤️ This is a truly amazing program. newborn baby and his beads of courage from his nicu stay newborn baby snuggling platypus stuffed animal in nicu macro newborn detail photos  mom holding baby in nicu playing worship music for himmama holding baby in nicu, black and white newborn detail photos

For Ezrah’s 1st heavenly birthday, I wanted to give this wonderful family a visual representation of them all together. A reminder that Ezrah is safe in Jesus’s arms.

Immediately, Ashley, of Harmony Design Shop came to mind. She made this beautiful piece, and I can’t thank her enough. As soon as I laid eyes on what she had created, the tears started to flow. Thank you, Ashley, you are so talented.

family photo from maternity session alongside an illustration of the family with baby Ezrah in Jesus's arms
I want to end with an excerpt of what Ezrah’s Mommy wrote after he passed. You can find more of his story by searching for “Ezrah’s Story” on Facebook.

“While here, and I’m sure for many years to come, Ezrah’s life touched so many people. God told me that Ezrah would bless a nation. He has. His story has reached so many people’s hearts. Some stories we don’t know yet, and we look forward to hearing them. Our baby boy has shown God to so many people and he now gets to rest and play in Heaven.”

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563.265.1093

hello@catherinefurlin.com

Located in Bellevue, Iowa
Serving Eastern Iowa +
Madison, WI + Galena, IL

Modern wedding photography & family documentary sessions in Dubuque Iowa, the Quad Cities, and beyond. Located in Bellevue. Documenting love stories in the everyday moments & the life changing ones. Focused on creating honest images.