Welcoming James, 8 days old….

*There is sound so if you’re at work you might want to turn the volume down a bit

Sweet Baby James (revision) from Stephanie Piscitelli on Vimeo.

{hello world}

Shot October 18, 2011 : Canon 5D Mark 11, 50mm 1.2L

Shot 10/21/11, Canon 5D Mark II, 50mm 1.2 L

Then, as if you’ve been personally handed a miracle, you have a healthy, viable pregnancy–with twins!  A girl and boy.  You’ve had the will, the determination, the strength and courage to persevere through years of pain and heartache.  To finally be able to hold those miracle babies in your arms is only a breath away.  To smell them and take in every ounce of their beings.  In the delivery room you share tears of joy for a healthy baby girl and then heartache when you learn your son is diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome.  In a split second everything has changed.

I know these babies chose their parents.  They chose them well.  They are good to the core; kind, patient, loving, strong, beautiful people.  It will be with the same grace, courage and conviction they harnessed through their journey that will get them through some challenges ahead.  And, for baby girl, there is a determination in her character already that says that she is here to love and protect her brother.  They are a gift unto each other.  And that makes my heart want to burst!

When I learned of Will’s diagnosis I immediately thought of Kelle’s blog.  She is an incredibly talented writer, crafter, mother and photographer, too.  I read it from time to time before her 2nd daughter, Nella, was born almost 2 years ago.   When I read her birth story I sat at my desk and cried.  Hot tears literally streaming down my face.  Her words were so poignant, so real they cut to the core and the connection I felt was intense.  I appreciated her honesty so much.  There was nothing candy coated about how she first felt when she was handed Nella in the delivery room.  I knew I would have felt that same emotional dagger, too.  Since blogging her birth story her following has reached into the tens of thousands.  So many people who share a similar experience or those who were deeply touched by her pain and ultimately pulled up from sobbing on the floor from her positivity.  I can imagine to find such community and support when you feel like you are so alone would be something needed to give you hope.  To encourage you to keep your chin up. To remind you that….

Life is  beautiful.

 With lots of love and joy….here are

Maddie…and Will.

and the 24 x 36 canvas that mom and dad bought….