A beautiful baby girl was born with a unique condition that has caused dark spots all over her body.
Quality analyst Toneka Rogers Robinson, 32, from Dallas, Texas, and her husband, entrepreneur Justin, 34, met in high school and had been together for 17 years before the birth of their baby girl Jireh.
During her pregnancy, Toneka kept regular appointments with her doctor and carried out several tests to ensure that everything went smoothly.
Toneka Rogers Robinson, 32, from Dallas, Texas, and her husband, Justin, 34, welcomed a baby girl named Jireh in June 2021
Jireh was born in June 2021, a happy and healthy baby, but the couple were initially concerned – because their little was born with dark spots all over her skin.
Their doctors quickly reassured Toneka and Justin that the marks were only superficial and that Jireh was perfectly healthy.
Jireh was diagnosed with Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN) – visible pigmented (melanocytic) proliferations in the skin that are present at birth.
The parents were concerned when they noticed that their newborn had dark spots all over her skin
The condition is not hereditary, and is caused by faulty development of pigment cells in the first trimester of pregnancy. This condition occurs in around one per cent of infants worldwide. There is an increased risk of Melanoma with this condition.
Toneka and Justin began sharing photos of their daughter on Instagram to keep family up to date, but Jireh’s unique appearance garnered attention – and her Instagram account now has more than 11,900 followers.
The couple loves being able to show the world their beautiful child and are excited that Jireh will grow up in a world that is becoming more accepting of differences.
‘Justin and I are high school sweethearts. We dated for nine years and had our eight-year wedding anniversary in February,’ said Toneka.
‘After attending college and working in separate states, we married and settled in Dallas in 2013.’
However, they were relieved when doctors told them that the marks were only superficial and that she was, in fact, perfectly healthy
Jireh was diagnosed with Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN) – visible pigmented proliferations in the skin that are present at birth
But unfortunately, in 2019, they faced severe heartbreak when they lost their newborn daughter, Justice.
‘In 2019, we became pregnant with our first child, Justice. She was born early at 28 weeks, but her prognosis was excellent, and she was expected to make a full recovery.
‘We lost her unexpectedly at four weeks old.
Toneka and Justin want their daughter to embrace her differences and hope that ‘her confidence will be able to withstand ignorance’
‘Five months later, we learned that we were pregnant with Jireh.
‘While still mourning, we began the process of a high-risk pregnancy. I had numerous appointments and tests to ensure the safety of this pregnancy.
‘Jireh was born at 38 weeks and two days, via a planned cesarean.
‘My husband saw her first due to the surgery screen being pulled up. His first words were, “What’s that on her face?”
‘My heart dropped when he said that, due to the loss we had just experienced, but once my doctor said it was just pigmentation marks and she wasn’t in pain, my heart relaxed.
‘The moment he said it was just skin pigmentation, nothing else mattered. It meant that my baby wasn’t in danger of dying, I couldn’t fathom losing another daughter.
‘The moment my husband laid her on me, all was right with the world.
‘Jireh is perfectly healthy, and all her tests have come back normal.’
Toneka and Justin plan to continue showing Jireh that her skin is beautiful, and they are happy to see that other people think so too.
‘I don’t worry as much as I would have if she was growing up when we did. I personally cannot remember any classmates with noticeable skin conditions. I’ve connected with several parents of children with similar conditions and learned about their experiences. I feel like she will will not feel alone,’ Toneka said.
‘CMS is just a condition. It doesn’t define Jireh or make her less than anyone without it,’ said Toneka
‘Today’s generation is all about inclusion and embracing differences. There are so many stars, like Winnie Harlow and Seal, whose skin looks different. They’re still accepted for their talents.
‘I’m sure she will receive some less than favorable comments, but her confidence will be able to withstand ignorance.
‘Most adults tend to ask about her skin if they are curious, and we don’t mind educating them.
‘I call her beautiful, because she is. I love her skin and I let her know that every day. I will teach her that nobody’s opinion of her matters except her own. Confidence is key’
‘I have had one neighbor’s kid say that she looked yucky, but I didn’t react to his comment, and talked with his mom about it later.
‘CMS is just a condition. It doesn’t define Jireh or make her less than anyone without it.
‘My hopes for her are endless. I pray that we can be the best parents to her and grant her heart’s desires.
‘I talk to her about it. I treat her like any other child, because she is any other child.
‘I call her beautiful, because she is. I love her skin and I let her know that every day.
‘I will teach her that nobody’s opinion of her matters except her own. Confidence is key.
‘My parents instilled in me that I was beautiful – we plan to do the same for her.’