Nov
03
2015It was actually a struggle to get a picture of Jeremy when he was NOT smiling. For a photographer, that’s practically a dream situation. I felt like I was walking on clouds!
Jeremy likes listening to mama sing, Sesame Street, and lots and lots of attention. The more attention, the more smiles. This little guy is a total extroverted camera hog 🙂
Jeremy is a child with Down Syndrome. 1 in about 700 babies are affected by this genetic condition which knows no barriers for race or economics. Down Sydrome does not define who or what he will become. People affected by down syndrome have become successful actors, restaurant owners, models and just about anything they dreamed of becoming. 
Nov
02
2015
Delaney is a head strong, determined 4 year old with the sweetest smile you’ve ever seen. She loves going to school and riding the bus like a big kid. She is very active and loves jumping, wrestling, swimming, and sliding. Her poor little brother is often on the receiving end of her head locks and take downs, but he also gets the most hugs and kisses. She also loves to dance and sing! Delaney loves to watch videos on YouTube and cracks up at the funny ones. What I love best about Delaney is how truly loving she is. She’s quick to forgive, she loves to cuddle, and she loves to make others happy.
I really don’t have a problem with any questions because I would rather someone feel comfortable asking me whatever than to avoid me because they weren’t sure what to say. People usually mean well. It’s sometimes easy to forget that we weren’t always the experts we are now on this diagnosis, or people first language, etc.
I think the most important thing you can do is to get connected with other moms. You need that support system. You need people who have been there before, and also those that are going through the same stages that you are.
I hope they think, “What a beautiful little girl. Look how much her parents and brother love her. What a lucky family.”
I really appreciate when people feel comfortable asking tough questions and letting you give tough answers. I don’t want to feel like I have to sugarcoat everything, even though that would certainly be easier. Something that is really important to me is that people don’t take for granted the amount of work, time, thought, stress, etc that we put in to help Delaney be her best. I think some people just assume that she learns things at the same time or speed a typical child does. They don’t consider the hours we all put in (us, her therapists, and most of all Delaney) to achieve the same results. It really is a full time commitment, but the pay off is so amazing. I am in awe of all that Delaney has taken on and everything she has accomplished.
Nov
01
2015
Luke is all boy. He must have climbed and explored everything in the whole studio. Nothing was too great an obstacle for this little adventurer.
Luke is a child with Down Syndrome. But that doesn’t change the fact that he is a unique individual with his own needs, wants, and agenda. An agenda Luke made abundantly clear with multiple uses of the word “no” 😉
Mommy and I got quite the workout chasing this little guy around and watching him explore, but even so we managed to capture just who he was.
I love that his mama was laid back and just went with the flow. I would rather capture a child being their normal mischievous and high energy selves than to force them to do formal poses.
Oct
31
2015
My child is the sweetest most lovable little boy. He has the most gentle nature about him and just loves to be cuddled. He greets each day with the biggest smiles and gets so excited to watch his sisters play; he so desperately wants to join them. He adores it when people give him attention and has plenty of gummy smiles when someone talks to him. He’s always in a good mood. I love it the most when he giggles. His eyes start to twinkle and he has a belly laugh that makes me burst out laughing. It’s clear all he’s wants is to be loved.
It hasn’t been a question so much as a statement where people keep telling us you should be glad he doesn’t have “x.” There are so many families out there dealing with so much more but that doesn’t make anything any better. For anyone.
We didn’t find out until R was 3 weeks old and it was by far the most devastating news we ever received. It’s not an easy path, but there isn’t one second I didn’t wish that he wasn’t here. When you look into your child’s eyes you’ll realize that nothing else will matter and that baby will have the same needs as any other. It may not be the child you wanted, but it may just be the child you need.
A child just as any other.
Just to treat us and our child like any other. To be patient with us when we can’t join you because of an appointment. And know that your friendship will be invaluable.
Oct
30
2015
Samuel is all boy! He is rowdy and loud! He loves to play and wrestle. He loves his big bother and is always trying to imitate him. He can be extremely loving when the mood strikes. He LOVES Mickey Mouse!! We wouldn’t survive the day without his “B” (blanky). I think one thing I love most about him is the silly faces he makes, especially when he’s getting in trouble.
Congratulations! Having a child with down syndrome has been the biggest blessing. I wouldn’t have him any other way.
I would like for people to understand that sometimes bad behavior is not from lack of discipline, its from a lack of his understanding or not being able to communicate his needs or wants. I hate getting “looks” when he’s acting up. Its not easy when he gets over stimulated easily and doesn’t know how to deal with his feelings. I want people to see that he is one amazing little guy and we are just trying to enjoy our amazing journey.
I’ve had people ask if there will ever be a cure for down syndrome. I want people to realize that the “cure” is acceptance, understanding, encouragement, love and support. My baby is made perfect in the image of God. He was created the way he was meant to be. He teaches us patience, kindness, understanding. He shows what its like to love unconditionally and without question. I wish that I could be more like him.
