A playful family portrait session for Down Syndrome Awareness Month | Saratoga Springs special needs photographer

October is Down syndrome Awareness Month! If you know me, you know that Down syndrome awareness and advocacy is something near and dear to my heart. I’m so excited to be sharing a few sessions that I photographed to celebrate World Down syndrome Day back in March with you this month! World Down syndrome Day takes place on 3/21 - for the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome and I always love a chance to connect with local families whose children rock an extra chromosome. Each year, I am given the chance to photograph some incredible children and learn more about their story! Today, I’m pleased to introduce you to Brennan, his sister Ellie and his brother Parker. They joined me in my Saratoga Springs studio for new family portraits! 

I actually met Brennan before our session this year. The first time we crossed paths was when he was a toddler in NYC for the National Down Syndrome Society photoshoot. Take a peek and see if you can find Brennan, a little rockstar! Here’s a quick hint: look for Elton John! I can’t believe how much more grown up Brennan is now. It feels like just yesterday when I met him and his family! But, it was so good to see him and hear about how everything is going for him. 

When I spoke with Brennan’s family, they described him as having a very chill and loving personality. I have to agree! His mom even told me that she admires “his ability to see the good and the love in all things. I often wish that I had his confidence in life to just live my life with no worries.” When I look back at these portraits of Brennan and his two siblings, I’ll always remember the love that was in the room. It truly was special to witness the way they’re all drawn to each other, the way they take care of each other, and the way they make each other laugh.

Brennan’s session really made me think about why I started this passion project - photographing and telling the stories of children with Down syndrome. It’s hard to believe he’s been a part of this almost 10 year journey with me. Back in 2015, I began this inspiring project in honor of my best friend’s son, Zach. And now I feel like the lucky one to have met and connected with so many incredible little ones and their families over the years. I hope that I always have the chance to help raise awareness about living with Down syndrome!

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Meet Cylie - A Session to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

As we continue our annual passion project of portrait sessions to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I am excited to share this adorable studio session of Cylie and her little sister Hailey.

Cylie was filled with smiles and questions, pointing out everything in the studio and completely in awe of the tiny wraps, headbands, and all of the baby portraits & cake smash photos on the walls. She was filled with curiosity and excitement, and I absolutely loved photographing these portraits for her family to enjoy.

Her little sister jumped in for a few photos, too, and they share the sweetest bond!

Future Rockette with that leg kick!

Did you know that individuals with Down syndrome are generally extra flexible due to the low muscle tone and loose ligaments that are commonly associated with DS? For Cylie, that means she can really get that leg up high for those leg kicks! :o)

These girls are so sweet together, and I absolutely loved capturing their special bond on camera.

Meet Kaysen - A Portrait Session for National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Kaysen has the biggest smile, and such an infectious giggle that everyone around can’t help but laugh with him.

He is such a little sweetheart, and I absolutely loved photographing him this month as part of our annual passion project in honor of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. When he saw that I had my camera, he was eager to sit down and pose, and he completely melted our hearts with his beautiful personality.

Kaysen’s big sister joined us for a few portraits, and I loved watching the two of them interact and cuddle up together. He adores her! They have such a strong bond, and you can already tell that she watches out for her little brother while also being his biggest fan.

From his mama:

”Kaysen has been special from day 1. He is an IUI baby and after years of trying, he was chosen for us. Kaysen has a more rare form of DS. It's called Robertsonian Translocation 21;21. This means instead of having a full 3rd- 21st chromosome, he has a 3rd attached to one of his current 21st which makes it extended. He was born without a diagnosis and it took 8 weeks to finally narrow down what it was.

”He is energetic, full of life and hysterical. His smile is quite the lady killer… and he knows it! He adores his 13 year old sister, Arabella. Kaysen has exceeded expectations and continues to defy odds. He keeps his therapists on their toes!”

I absolutely loved meeting this special little guy and his family, and I’m so glad we were able to capture these beautiful portraits for them to enjoy!

Three of Hearts Cake Smash | Down Syndrome & CHD Awareness

Meet Harper, Catherine & Mae.  These birthday girls are our "Three of Hearts."

These three baby girls met for the first time at our breastfeeding photoshoot on the beach with Julia's Way in June 2017.  During the photoshoot we discovered that they all were born three days in a row, and they all underwent major heart surgeries at Boston Children's Hospital in their first few months of life.  

These girls are now thriving -- they are heart warriors and breastfeeding champions.  When we also realized that their first birthdays were coming up, we knew we had to do something special to celebrate!  

TIME FOR A VERY SPECIAL CAKE SMASH!

I'm pretty sure that Mae is the smiliest of the bunch -- she has such a wide range of expressions, and I love how excited she was during our session together!  Her sparkling eyes and auburn hair will melt your heart!

You'll see that every baby's journey is unique, and Mae's mom shared a little bit about what makes her daughter "Mighty Mae."

“Mae has had quite a first year. 3 separate heart surgeries including a pacemaker all before 7 months of age. She was inpatient for 75 days before coming home for the first time! A total of 136 days in the hospital in her first year of life. I can’t wait to celebrate her resilience and beauty in this photoshoot. She’s our “Mighty Mae””

— Mae's mom

Little miss Catherine (Cate) is adorable & sweet, and oh-so-dainty.  This sweet little girl didn't want to get her fingers too messy during the cake smash, and she spent most of the time trying to figure out how to get the frosting OFF of her fingers.  Oh, and she has the most adorable eyes framed by her purple glasses!

Cate has come such a long way, and I love this message from her mom!

“Cate was in the hospital for 80 straight days starting right when she was born. She has had 3 major surgeries, one of which was open heart surgery. She has come so far from a 5lb 3oz sick little heart baby to a 17lb happy little girl who sits up, babbles, and plays with toys. ”

— Cate's mom

And Harper was the frosting queen!  Not one to shy away from sugar (this is a girl after my own heart!), this cuddly little girl was immediately covered in frosting and loved making a great big mess.  She had her fingers in the cake before I even picked up my camera, and she definitely loved this birthday experience!

Harper's mom shared a few inspiring words on her heart warrior's journey:

“This session is so important to me because prior to her diagnosis we were expecting a “normal” healthy baby. The news of her Trisomy 21 devastated us, but her heart defect caused us to mourn her. We anticipated the worst and grieved her loss prematurely. I want others to know that neither diagnosis is not necessarily a terminal one and that she has brought so much love, joy, patience and understanding into our lives. She has changed every member of our family for the better!!!”

— Harper's mom

Loved this session?  Leave a little love for our "Three of Hearts" in the comments below, and please share this session on Facebook to help us spread the love for these heart warriors!