Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner have dealt with a lot of highs and lows over the last year. On Thursday, the couple remembered their late son, Johnathon, who they lost one year ago to the day.
The Married at First Sight alums’ son Johnathon died last July, just four months after they announced their pregnancy. Their son was delivered at 17 weeks and was too small to survive outside of the womb.
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Up Next: ‘Married at First Sight’ Star Jamie Otis Posts Emotional Tribute to Child She Miscarried
Shortly after their heartbreaking loss, Otis published a blog post about her son’s death.
“He was given to us so graciously by God, and then God took him away way too early. My heart hurts so bad. Losing our baby has been the most terrible experience. I wish no one would ever have to endure this,” she described.
Johnathon was the couple’s first child together and they both constantly wrote on social media about their excitement for their baby. A few months after their loss, the couple announced they were pregnant again, but this time with a baby girl.
As Otis and Hehner, 36, prepare for the arrival of their daughter, they honored their firstborn with a memorial in their backyard. Otis took to Instagram to share photos of the memorial and wrote beautiful words in memory of her son.
Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner Honored Their Late Son
Otis has been incredibly open to her fans about her experiences with pregnancy and miscarriage. She documented her first pregnancy closely on social media and is doing the same with her second.
On July 13, she took Instagram to describe the unimaginable day she lost her son. “A year ago from today was our last full day pregnant with our first born son,” she wrote. “Johnathan was delivered on July 13th, 2016 at just 17 weeks, 1 day. He was way too little to survive outside the womb.”
Otis continued, “I remember feeling so helpless – there was nothing I could do to help my baby. I swore to myself, to my hubby, to God, to my baby boy, and to ANYONE who would listen that I’d never let him just be forgotten.”
She went on to speak about the love and support she received from friends and strangers following their loss.
Then, Otis revealed her son’s memorial, a planted tree in their yard. “One of the ways I wanted to remember him was by planting a tree for him & watching it grow. Now that we finally have our own home and our own backyard we can plant that tree. We researched and found a tree that blossoms all summer long.”
Jamie Otis Shared a Sweet Tribute
In another post on the same day, Otis shared a photo of herself with her husband and their son Johnathon. Otis delivered their little boy at 17 weeks and the couple had the chance to spend time with him before he died.
“A year ago today was one of the most difficult, saddest days of my life … today is our angel baby’s heavenly birthday,” she wrote next to a series of photos including some of the new memorial.
The new tree is located “front and center” in their yard. “Every day we can see it, watch it grow, and be reminded of him.”ย
She ended the sweet tribute to her son, writing,ย “He was only here with us for a short time, but he’ll always be in our hearts! ….We will always love you sweet little Johnathan. Thanks for being a great big brother to your little sister.”
Click through the Instagram post above to see more photos.
Their Daughter Is Getting Big
In April, the reality stars announced they were expecting a baby girl later this summer. The couple heard the news of their “rainbow baby” in December 2016 on what would have been their son’s due date.
Earlier this week, Otis shared two photos from her ultrasound with Hehner. She is currently 33 weeks pregnant and said their daughter is “getting so big.” Otis added that their little girl is “strong and healthy.”ย
Otis continues to post pregnancy updates on her Instagram in the most adorable way, and you can tell by the looks of the photos she is over the moon about becoming a mother.ย
Otis and Hehner tied the knot onย Married at First Sight back in 2014. After one year of marriage, the pair had a vow renewal to make it official again.
Photo Credit: Twitter / @followingtips1
