A North Carolina couple shared their side-by-side pregnancy photos on Instagram and the world let out a collective “naaaaaaawwwh”.

Melanie and Vanessa Iris Roy’s two children, son Jax and daughter Ero, were born just one year apart – with Melanie giving birth the Jax and Vanessa having Ero. The pair shared intimate snaps of their pregnancies in hopes that it would inspire other same-sex couples who are nervous about starting a family. The both images were taken exactly one year apart during each woman’s pregnancy.

“The woman’s body is incredible,” said Melanie. “The way it creates and grows another human being is amazing. We hope that our picture is that sign that some women may need to encourage them to carry a child.”

To the couple’s surprise, the image started doing the rounds on social media and were viewed by hundreds of thousands.

After the photos gained more than 150,000 likes on Facebook after it was shared on various LGBT pages, Melanie took to social media to post a ‘thank you’ message for everyone who left positive comments.

“I am so thankful for the life I have been given,” she wrote.

“For my two gorgeous healthy kids Jax and Ero. For my kickass wife who is literally my best friend, my therapist, my lover, and my partner in life all wrapped in one. My parents for all the things they sacrificed to give me the childhood I had and the solid foundation built with family, love, and tradition.

“My wife’s parents for accepting me as one of their own and always being there for us.

“This positive move to Charlotte wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for them. I’ve also been blessed with great friends along the way. Tonight while laying next to my two munchkins my heart was filled with love thinking of how awesome my life is.”

Cuteness overload.