Madison

Last week I got to meet with Jacqueline & Jermaine’s family to take their daughter Madison’s newborn photos. A little over three years ago I first met them as I took their son Nathaniel’s photos. I’ve done photos a couple times for their family so the moment I heard the news about Madison I was excited to hear they were looking forward to spending a little time with me so I could capture moments with their sweet baby girl. Here she is just over a week old.

Madison was such a sweet little girl and quite sleepy. I adore baby yawns.

Madison was such a sweet sleepy newborn most of her time with me, but for a brief few minute she was awake…here was one of the only moments I got to see those sweet little eyes.

Thankfully it wasn’t too tough to get her back to sleep for more dreamy newborn pictures.

She didn’t fuss much but we did have a few moments where she let me know who was boss.

Nathaniel joined us for a few photos. He definitely was more interested with playing than taking photos but we managed to capture a few quick moments of him with his baby sister.

I swear it doesn’t seem like that long ago when he was the baby that I was photographing…my how you’ve grown Nathaniel…such a handsome little boy.

Most of my favorite moments of the day were of Madison and her family. She sure did love to cuddle with her mother.

She slept so peacefully for me that we were able to do an adorable photo of her in Jermaine’s hands.

A lot of people ask “how” shots are taken…of course Jermaine did such a great job and was a good sport. It always looks a lot easier than it really was…this took us quite a bit of time trying to get her into the perfect position.

Jermaine was a great sport and definitely one of the best dad’s in the many I’ve photographed with their newborns. He took a big risk allowing me to photograph him with Madison totally diaperless. Very early on in working with both of them she pooped and peed and I promised Jermaine I’d capture amazing moments with them both. Yes, these moments were amazing.

We captured just a few more photos of beautiful Madison before we finished up.

Jacqueline & Jermaine congratulations again. You’ve been blessed with an adorable little girl. Best wishes to your family.

Moments with Delaney’s family

If you’ve been following along with my photography on my blog you may recall photos I took this summer of Lindsey’s family just a few weeks before her baby girl arrived. Though I didn’t get to meet with them as soon as we’d have liked to for newborn photos, we got together recently to capture a few more moments with their family since Lindsey & Wayne’s daughter Delaney arrived. After spending time with their family during the first session it was a fun reunion where I got to have a little fun chasing their boys around with my nikon and pausing to capture moments with Delaney and their family. Lindsey I hope you all enjoy these precious memories captured of your family. Best wishes to you all!

A visit with baby Tate

“God sometimes takes us into troubled waters not to drown us but to cleanse us.” ~unknown

As it’s getting a little closer to that time of the year where I am reminded of the first time I truly learned about spina bifida, when our baby boy was diagnosed, I’ve found myself spending a bit more time reflecting. So many of the things we’ve had to endure still don’t make much sense but I’m learning to accept and find purpose in all that has happened. It’s been nearly a year since Chance’s last surgery…it was a very scary time for our family where we had gone through 11 surgeries and were stuck in the hospital for close to two weeks because that darn shunt was just causing too many problems and not doing it’s job. That time was one of the toughest moments since Chance was born. You don’t quite realize the impact all this medical stuff has on a person or a family, until you’ve gone through it. As we endured so much we had the embrace of many of the families affected by spina bifida locally and it moved me to see how people who barely knew my family took time to visit Chance and I. Though I feel spina bifida sure seems like a curse sometimes, in many ways it’s been a blessing as I feel I’ve been blessed with another family I never knew I had.

I was touched so deeply back then that I do my best when I can to reach out to the families affected by spina bifida that I’ve come to meet since Chance was born. Sometimes it’s a mere note or message online and other times I’m able to reach out and visit them if the circumstances have brought them to the hospital. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve taken a little time just to stop in and offer a family company, bring them a meal, and at times I’ve taken pictures. Nearly two  years ago I didn’t quite get the purpose…I didn’t understand why God chose my baby boy to have spina bifida…and I really don’t completely get it still…but I feel His embrace each and every time I reach out to meet a new family or when I step up to show a family a little support. Last year’s experiences made me feel so weak, but this week as I learned of another families trials I surely found the strength to reach out to this family to offer a little support.

I first met the Dunn family at the beginning of the year at a social event with the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida. At the time little Gary (also nicknamed Tate) was only six months old. At some point this year their family connected with several of us in the spina bifida community and so we’ve all stayed connected online. This past week my heart surely stopped as I read their updates of medical moments with their son who is now going through very similar shunt challenges as Chance went through last year. I remember what it was like last year…a day seemed like an eternity…and nearly two weeks was so draining on our entire family…physically and emotionally. I offered to stop by this weekend knowing the company may help and to bring a warm meal…knowing anything other than hospital food would make their day. Their family allowed me to capture and share a few moments with baby Tate, and something tells me you all will be touched to see this little guy. Here he is when I first arrived and just shortly after he had woke up from a nap.

Tate is at the hospital now for a while longer on an EVD (external ventricular drain). Because he has spina bifida he also has hydrocephalus which causes fluid to build up in his head. The shunt helps the fluid drain when needed but when a shunt doesn’t work or becomes infected sometimes an EVD can do the work until a shunt can be put back in. The EVD drains the fluid externally from his head something similar to an IV bag so that they can monitor how it’s working. Little Tate hopefully won’t have to wait too much longer for his new shunt…the toughest part of waiting is keeping him still so that the EVD continues working as it should. That left Stephanie right by his side for most of the time I was at the hospital with them.

Though he’s been through a lot medically it just amazes me to see the resilience these little ones have. The EVD has been doing it’s job so he’s been doing quite well. He definitely loved reading his book today.

This little guy was all smiles majority of the time I was there…it definitely makes up for the fact that he’s in the hospital.

Did I mention he loved his book? Man he just adored the little kitten page. He got to play a bit sitting and on his belly – we just had to keep a close eye on his EVD.

Tate had a lot of fun playing peek-a-boo with me today.

He may not know it, but I had fun playing peek-a-boo too.

I mean really, how could I not adore those moments because he was all smiles as I took pictures while playing peek-a-boo.

This little guy definitely wasn’t shy with my camera…I suppose it helped him pass time a little faster – just can’t imagine how tiring it must be to just be confined to his crib most of the day.

It didn’t take long and Tate gravitated right to his mother. He’s in his crib most of the day but I could sense he just wanted to cuddle with Stephanie.

I really didn’t have my camera in my hands the entire time I was at the hospital but from time to time Tate would do something incredibly adorable and I’d jump up realizing I just had to take another picture…like this one.

So yes, Tate and I  agreed…and hopefully his doctors are listening…he said he’s ready to escape this joint. Really, this kid was ready to climb right out of that crib and head home.

I wish I could have snuck you home with me Tate…but really just a few more days and I’m hopeful you’ll be home.

Before I left Tate’s sisters arrived. He was so excited to see them. He just really wanted to get down and play.

It definitely made his day to see them. All too often when a child ends up sick it’s easy to feel sorry or worry about them, but seeing this little reunion today made me think a little more of his sisters. They’ve missing their baby brother at home…and their Momma.

Today Stephanie’s pastor stopped in today too and at the end of his visit he read a verse and said a prayer. Hearing his thoughts today reminded me that surely we’ll do our best to do more praying and find a way to stop worrying. It’s so easy when things are challenging to worry about so much and think about all the “what if’s”. Seeing his smile today makes me have faith that soon he’ll be home. Keep smiling Tate…and we’ll all keep praying. Surely there’s a power in prayer.

This little guy really was drawn to my camera today…and super cute. You can see his EVD behind him in this photo.

Just before I had left Tate fell asleep…rest surely is something that will help him get better. I adored capturing these final moments…when he was at peace and dreaming sweet thoughts.

Stephanie & Gary my heart goes out to you all. We’ve been there going through nearly the same as you are now…I remember it like it was yesterday. Hold onto your faith. The Big Man surely will ensure you are embraced through these trying moments. Know you are surrounded by support and love and we’ll all continue to pray that you all are home very soon.

p.s. I sure hope those Yum Yum cupcakes hold your little guy over a few more days.:)

Blogging for Good for the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida

“The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.” ~Mother Teresa

I learned earlier this year that the folks leading the Central Florida Blogger Conference would be supporting the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida in a “blogging for good” initiative they were going to do at this year’s conference. Throughout the conference the attendees will be blogging and using social media with the hopes to do so in a way that supports a great cause. They’ve committed to helping out six organizations: United Arts of Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Greater Orlando Heart Walk, Valencia Foundation and the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida. Through the blogging for good initiative they hope to collect donations through an online raffle where each organization has great things to give away to the winners. Yes, that means I get to give again! (more about that in a moment…)

As most of you are aware, my son Chance was born a little over a year and a half ago with spina bifida and so I didn’t hesitate to offer to help. Surely I ought to pause by “blogging for good”. I am sure the bloggers at the conference may not really know or understand what spina bifida is unless they know someone personally with it. It may help to first share a few interesting facts about spina bifida…

  • Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect that happens in the first month of pregnancy when the spinal column doesn’t close completely.  It is the  most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States ; however, the effects of Spina Bifida are different for every person.
  • An average of eight (8) babies are born with Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine each day.  With the right care, babies born with Spina Bifida will grow up to reach their full potential.
  • There are 60 million women at risk of having a baby born with Spina Bifida.
  • The odds of having a baby with spina bifida is approximately 1 in 1,500. Some say it’s like winning the lottery a family never wants to win.
  •  Each day in the U.S., an average of eight families welcome a child with spina bifida into the world.
  • Spina bifida is more common than muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis combined.
  • About 50 percent of babies with spina bifida are selectively aborted after being diagnosed with spina bifida.
  • Doctors recommend that every woman of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida up to 70 percent of the time. In spite of this, there are currently an estimated 166,000 people in the U.S. living with spina bifida.
  • About 90 percent of people with spina bifida are also born with hydrocephalus. Many need a shunt inserted near the brain to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid – and many require multiple shunt replacements during their lives.

Close to a year ago I blogged on Arnold Palmer Hospital’s blog about the experiences my family has went through since my son was born with spina bifida. I encourage you take a look back at it if you really want to know what our families often have to endure. Spina bifida has no cure…it leaves families filled with uncertainties, but also hope. Over the last two years I’ve gotten to meet hundreds of families in person and online and recognize the need for more support and awareness of spina bifida.

Perhaps you’re still a little interested in that mention of me giving away a photo session…surely sharing a few of my photos might be enough to help you all consider supporting such an important cause that truly needs could use a little help.

HOW YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT THE CAUSE
At the conference they’ll be doing a “Blogging for Good” initiative. If you participate in their “raffle” you will get a chance to win a chance at a FREE photo session with me. You have until 5pm on September 15th to enter the raffle. They will announce the winners at the conference. They are doing several giveaways for the other organizations too (you can find out more here if you wish to purchase  raffle ticket – each ticket is only $10). All proceeds donated will be donated directly to the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida. If you are the winner of the Raffle for the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida you’ll win the following:

  • 1 photo session of 1-2 hours of custom photography with me
  • 20-30 edited photos from the session
  • DVD of 4?x6? resolution images of both edited and unedited photos
  • (1) 11? x 14?, (2) 8? x 10?, (3) 5? x 7? prints

*By participating if you win you agree that photos may be used in my portfolio.
**You must be in the immediate Orlando area or willing to travel to Orlando if you win.
***The value of a custom photo session w/4″x 6″ resolution photos and the prints listed are $300.

Good luck to all of you blogging for good!

Moments with the Velazquez family

I swear it was just yesterday I was taking Lauren & Ismael’s last maternity photos and newborn photos of Cleary…but it’s been almost two years and I was excited to meet with them about two weeks ago to take a few photos with their family before baby number two arrives. Hope you all enjoy the photos of this adorable family…it won’t be long until we get to meet their sweet little newborn.

F a c e b o o k   f a n   p a g e
T w i t t e r