A Beautiful Young Lady at Pena Adobe Park | Down Syndrome Awareness Month

I had the pleasure of meeting this lovely young lady at Pena Adobe Park yesterday for a mini photo session.

She greeted me with a warm smile and a friendly handshake, but had a glint in her eye that told me that mischief might occur. 

She even offered an occasional courtesy laugh to let me feel like I'm as funny as I think I am. 😉

She was easygoing and up for any pose or location that I suggested. 

Serenity overtook her as she blew bubbles. There was a calmness that washed over her and I enjoyed watching her in this element.

This smile. She may not have expressed herself with many words during our session, but this smile about sums it up. I always feel blessed to have the privilege of photographing wonderful individuals and I try my best to capture personalities. It isn't about the posing, the perfect smile or the right location. For me, I want to look back at the photo and remember the personality that shined through during the session.

Thank you, Miss S, for a fun session. It was a pleasure meeting you and your sister. ❤

10 Things I Have Learned from Cody | Down Syndrome Awareness Month

I originally wrote this post in July 2010 when Cody was just 4 years old. I read it the other day and thought of how fitting it still is and was worth sharing again.

1. Keep trying – if you keep trying, you will eventually get the outcome you want.
2. Don’t give in to expectations – if Cody only lived up to the expectations people have of him they would never see his true potential. I love that he can prove people wrong!
3. Keep smiling – even when he was laying in a hospital bed connected to a ventilator, he never stopped smiling. Even when he is sleeping I catch him laughing and smiling while dreaming. I want his dreams. :)
4. Never hold a grudge – the boy can’t stay angry for the life of him. He can be super mad at me one minute, but as soon as I smile at him, he forgets all about his anger.
5. Be able to laugh at yourself – when he falls, he is the first to laugh. If he bumps his head, he is the first to laugh. I think being able to laugh at myself and things I do reminds me to not be serious about a lot of different things.
6. Make friends everywhere you go – Cody is like a friend magnet. Adults and kids love to talk to Cody and he is always open to chatting with them as well. Not that I’m not talkative, but it is a reminder that you can never have enough friends.
7. Don’t forget to be silly – Every day items turn into a hat or a toy. He can crack himself up for half an hour with a basket or a silly dance. I try to be silly with him and his brother as much as I can.
8. Show your love often – Cody has an endless supply of hugs, kisses and “i lub yous” to give away. Hug someone and it can make their day. :)
9. Be there for someone – If ever anyone in the house is upset or in trouble (aka the puppy or his brother), Cody is the first one by their side to comfort them or stand up for them. (He is also likes to help scold them, but that is after he has comforted them).
10. Enjoy life – Cody can turn anything he does into something fun and enjoyable. I think us adults need to do that more often!!!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month – 5 Things I Know Now

It has been quite awhile since I’ve written here. I need to get better at it. There is no better time to start back up than for Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

When we first found out that Cody would have Down syndrome, we knew little about Down syndrome. We were worried about the journey. Worried about his future. I was worried that I would not be the voice he needed me to be.

Now, 8 years later, I can look back at those worries and say to myself, “Woman! What was wrong with you?”

I know the feeling that a prenatal diagnosis can bring. I know the worries of “am I ready for this?” Honestly, are we ever ready for a child, typical or one with special needs? I know that all the parenting books in the world didn’t prepare me for DJ to walk at 8 months, much more climb and jump off everything in sight by 9 months!

If you or someone you know has received a prenatal diagnosis or even a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome, I am more than happy to speak with you. You are not alone. The potential for your child is far greater than what a medical book will tell you.

If I could go back to 9 years ago when we received the diagnosis, I would tell myself:

1. You WILL be that voice for him. You have it in you. I hate confrontation. I dislike arguments. When it comes to what is best for Cody, though, I will follow my mother’s intuition and fight for what is in his best interest. Cody has proven his potential time and time again. I will not be the one to stand in his way of being who he was meant to be.
2. There will be challenges, but he will bring you more joy than you can imagine. I have been through more emotions in these 8 years than I have in my 41 years of life. I have watched my baby endure heart surgery. I have watched him fight for life on a ventilator for 28 days. I have witnessed him terrified to go to school and made the choice to home school him so that he can receive a proper education. All those challenges, though, are worth every ounce of joy that that little boy brings into my life. When I’m feeling down, he is the first person to offer a hug and an “it’s okay”. His heart is in his smile.
3. Follow his lead. He knows what he is capable of. Even when you and everyone else may doubt him, he will often prove you wrong.
4. Remember every moment, even the bad ones. There will be many moments that you will want to savor. There will also be those that challenge your heart. In the future, those challenges will remind you of just how far you both have come.
5. Enjoy the journey. It isn’t about how fast you get there (whatever there may be). Just enjoy the journey. Savor every moment with him. He will grow up faster than you want him to and you know what, he will be okay.

Guess Who is 8??! | Western Railway Museum Rio Vista

Twice a year I ask myself the same question – where the heck did the time go???

The boys’ birthdays sneak up on me every year and every year I piece of me is sad that they are getting older. Where are my babies?

We headed to the Western Railway Museum with baby cousin for Cody’s birthday portrait session.

We started with a train ride. The relationship between these 2 is amazing and sweet (mixed with moments of “leave me alone”. They have a true sibling relationship.

This little man has grown by leaps and bounds this past year. Moving from traditional schooling to homeschooling has made a tremendous difference in his behavior, learning and personality. He is back to his most of the time happy self and blowing me away with what he is comprehending and retaining.

This smile is contagious and can light up a room!

He has an amazing sense of humor and is a little jokester that knows how to crack us all up.

He is strong-willed, hilarious, sweet, loving, curious, handsome, confident and stubborn. ;)

This serious face appears at least once a day. I love this expression!! ;)

 

Happy of happiest of birthdays to you, my sweet Cody! We love you to infinity and beyond!

Featured in Our Local Newspaper, The Daily Republic

Though I was not in town to see the newspaper first hand for myself, I was thrilled beyond belief when my sister-in-law sent me a photo of the newspaper article. 

I had anticipated a small article in a small section of the paper. I was crazy excited with the thought of that! :) 

When I saw the photo of the newspaper and that it took the entire page, I wanted to burst into tears. THAT WAS ME! 

ME!!! 

When I saw the article online, I was very excited and still thought the print version would be a smidgen of the page.

The feedback I have received from the article is flattering and humbling. 

I am thankful.

Playing in the Rain

I have known this young man since before he and Cody could walk. We met him shortly after moving to Solano in 2008 and at that time, his older brother and DJ were in a karate class together. Cody and this little man were still crawling and became instant friends.

A couple of years later, they were classmates in preschool and our families have enjoyed their friendship throughout these years.

I was excited to FINALLY get this little man in front of my camera!! It was 6 years in the making, but it happened.

Friends, he didn’t disappoint!  

This sly, sweet smile is what I know him best for. I’d happily hand over a bag full of candy whenever he smiles at me like this.

I adore this kid! OH this face!

Big brother was there to help guide the session. He helped entertain his little brother and had music at the ready.

I love the tenderness of this next photo!!!! This isn’t a rare sight between these brothers. Little man has a pretty awesome caring big brother! 

I wasn’t as amusing to little man as the music. Go figure.

MUD!

In true boy fashion, mud found its way into the session. Rain + mud + boy =

I just love that photo above. THAT is his personality. Playful, funny, and always ready for fun!

As we wrapped up the session, the rain began to fall so the boys popped up their umbrella. 

How sweet are they?????

A Couple of Cuties on a Country Side Road | Solano County Family Photography

I could not wait for this session with these 2 cuties. The last time I saw baby brother, he wasn’t even crawling yet.

These loving brothers sure delivered during their session!

Ya, I think I’m in love!

Big brother completely doted over little brother! He preferred to have his photo taken with brother instead of alone.

I LOVE this photo of them!

It was the rare photo of him without his brother. He reluctantly participated, but I’m so happy he did. OH that smile!

More love for brother!

I will leave you with this photo to start your weekend.  

5 Things About Cody | Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome Awareness month ends tomorrow, but that doesn’t mean we will stop building awareness. That’s a daily event! :)

The IDSC is hosting a Blog Hop with the subject of “5 things I want the world to know about my child with Down syndrome”.

There are many things I want you to know about Cody, but here are the first 5 that pop into my head:

He is creative and takes his time in the process. Artists can’t be rushed, you know.

He is hilarious! He loves to make people laugh and whether it is a knock knock joke with no punch line, a silly dance, a funny face or being goofy, he will be the one to lift your spirits and crack you up.

He is cautiously curious. He loves to explore, but is quick to let you know when he doesn’t like something. When he sees something that intrigues him, he will want to watch it and not leave it. When he sees something that scares him, he will become fearful and try to run. 

He loves and admires his brother. I am thankful that the boys get along and don’t fight often. I am sure this phase won’t last long, but I am enjoying it as much as I can. I often find them sitting side by side or holding hands while watching TV. Sure, it ends up in a playful wrestling match, but they aren’t fighting so I’ll take that. :)

The most important thing I want you to know?

He is one of the bestest things in my life! Is it because he has Down syndrome? No.

It is because he is my son. My blood. My family. If he was born without Down syndrome, I wouldn’t love him any differently. Shoot, I probably couldn’t love him (or his brother) more.

He has taught me patience, rekindled my curiosity in surroundings, showed me perseverance, and introduced me to things I never would have experienced without him in my life. For that, I am thankful!

$21 for 21 Dreams | Down Syndrome Awareness Month

When I received a call last year from the Executive Director of the IDSC, I simply thought I was signing up to volunteer to work their photo campaign.

What originally began as photo editing turned into something more. MUCH more.

I have found a new family in the IDSC and a strong sisterhood with some of the board members.

I found the organization I was so desperately searching for when we began the journey into parenting a child with Down syndrome. The organization that welcomed us with open arms and didn’t judge or feel clique-ish. An organization that I am proud to stand behind.

Now, it’s time for us to help them and I need your help!

The IDSC recently introduced the Grow With Us Campaign.

The Grow With Us Campaign has a goal to create 21 dreams for families and individuals with Down Syndrome.

We have formed a donation page for Cody. We would appreciate your consideration in donating $21.

Click on the button to donate:

With just a $21 donation, you can help the IDSC attain their 21 goals.

1. Prenatal Diagnosis Information Packet
2. Information for new parents
3. Up-to-date information for physicians
4. Outreach to schools and businesses to increase acceptance and inclusion
5. Increase adult advocacy
6. Increase international advocacy
7. IDSC Billboard Campaign
8. Scholarships for families/self-advocates to attend IDSC WDSD Meet-Ups
9. Expansion and marketing expenses for IDSC Meet-Ups
10. Costs incurred from the Wrap Up to WDSD in Memphis TN
11. IDSC literature for Step Up/Buddy Walk tables
12. Expenses for participating in national conventions
13. Marketing costs to maintain IDSC
14. Update IDSC website
15. Update computer software for IDSC photo campaign
16. Production costs of IDSC WDSD Kick-Off Video
17. Maintain monthly fees for IDSC website
18. Maintain IDSC store
19. Dues and fees to national and other organizations
20. Adoption option resources
21. Online medical resources

We hope you will consider donating to this organization!

Welcome to Holland | Down Syndrome Awareness Month

When I first found out that Cody had Down syndrome, I turned straight to the internet to learn about it and search for other families that had children with Down syndrome.

One of the first things I found was “Welcome to Holland” by Emily Perl Kingsley.

Here are my favorite excerpts from Welcome to Holland:

“It’s just a different place. It’s slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around…and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills…Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.”

“But…if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things…about Holland.”

Those are the lines that helped calmed the negative voices in my head.

Those were the words that told me that I needed to change the way I viewed the diagnosis.

They were exactly what I needed to hear.

The road we have gone down is different than I had anticipated, but it’s still flashy. It still is beautiful. It still helps me build memories that I will never forget nor want to forget.

It has gray skies, but the sun always finds its way back.

It has road blocks, detours and u-turns, but it always leads me to a path that is even better than the last.

It has people that try to ruin our trip, but for every one of “those” people there are 10 others to guide us and show us the beauty to be found.

To quote the theme song of one of my favorite shows from my childhood:

When the world never seems
to be living up to your dreams
it's time you started finding out
what everything is all about
…
You take the good, you take the bad,
you take them both and there you have
The Facts of Life, the Facts of Life.
…
You got the future in the palm of your hands
all you gotta do to get you through is understand
you think you rather do without,
you will never make without the truth
the facts of life is all about you

----------------

Whether you’re rolling your eyes at me (heehee) or singing the song in your head, you have to admit that the lyrics deserve a “true dat!”.

This might not be the path we thought we were going on, but it IS the path we were given and we are going to make it a fun, fulfilling, loving path lined with flowers, rainbows and unicorns. Yup, unicorns. :)

A Day at a Napa Valley Winery with the B Family

One thing I love about photography is seeing families year after year and watching their children grow!

I met this little guy when he was only a year old. Now, at 6, he is a little ham and full of jokes!

He also served as director during the photo session and instructed mom and dad on where they should stand (or sit). You’ll soon see how great his directing and staging skills are. I may need to hire him! :)

As I drove to Napa for the session, I was thrilled to see that the leaves were starting to change color.

When the family arrived wearing orange, I was thrilled! It was a perfect fall session set-up!

They are a beautiful family and these smiles show the love that just oozes out of them.

Yup, it just oozes!

This next photo is one of my favorite photos from the session.

LOVE. It just screams LOVE!

This is my 2nd favorite photo! Snuggle time is reserved for him, not mom and dad, right???

One thing is for sure. This kid is loved and completely adored by mom and dad. You can see it in his smile. You can see it in their eyes. LOVED!