Influencer couple Matt and Abby Howard recently shared joyful news with their followers, revealing that they are expecting their fourth child. This announcement, made on 24 March, comes just six months after the couple faced the heart-wrenching loss of their daughter, Emerson Nicole, who tragically passed away at the 17-week mark due to a genetic condition.
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In their heartfelt Instagram post, the couple expressed immense gratitude, captioning it with “baby #4 🌈. grateful beyond measure.” The accompanying photograph shown them locked in a kiss while proudly displaying ultrasound images. The Howards are already parents to two sons, Griffin, aged three, and August, aged two.
The couple’s journey into parenthood has, however, been marred by tragedy. In September, they revealed their devastating experience of pregnancy loss. During what was meant to be a routine appointment, the doctor was unable to detect a fetal heartbeat. After further evaluation, they were informed that their unborn daughter had a genetic condition that led to her untimely demise.
Sharing their grief, the couple described the emotional toll of their lose, stating, “The news felt unimaginable. The grief is absolutely devastating. But we feel so much gratitude for the time that we did get to have with her. And we still have hope.” Their poignant words resonated with many, illustrating the depth of their sorrow while also highlighting their capacity to find hope amidst the heartache.
In subsequent months, Abby candidly reflected on her journey through grief. She shared insights about coping with the “most devastating thing” she has ever faced, stating that the process of dealing with sorrow has imparted unexpected lessons. In a video posted in November, she mentioned a significant breakthrough in her understanding of grief, affirming, “For me, grief is the price of love. I’m grieving so hard because I loved so hard.” This personal revelation exemplified the complexity of grief, marking it as a deeply individual experience.
The couple further commemorated what would have been Emerson’s due date on 28 February with an emotional tribute. In their Instagram post, they acknowledged their loss while imagining a different reality: “In another version of today, maybe we were holding you for the very first time. But that’s not today.” They continued to express their enduring love for their daughter, affirming, “Today we are grieving you: our daughter and baby sister. We grieve because we love (so so much) and for the rest of our lives we will carry your love with us.”
In a recent episode of their podcast, Unplanned, they elaborated on the significance behind Emerson’s name. Abby revealed that she had a sister, Emily Nicole, who was stillborn, and that this connection gave great meaning to the name they chose for their lost daughter. She explained that their nurse during Emerson’s delivery, who had provided exceptional support, was also named Nicole. “So it also just felt so appropriate at that time and meaningful to our family,” Abby reflected.
Despite the trials and tribulations they have faced, the Howard family is moving forward, embracing new beginnings. The anticipation of a new child marks not just a continuation of their family but also a beacon of hope following a period of profound sorrow. As they navigate their journey with both joy and remembrance, many will surely follow and support their story with compassion.