You’ve made a decision that you’d like to start a family. Turns out that making that decision would be the easiest part of your journey. You are married and in love. You have a welcoming home. You are healthy and happy. So, then everything falls into place, right? But the trying turns into months. Then years. Heartbreak from miscarriages. Unsuccessful IVF attempts. You may think it’s not fair when everybody around you that tries gets pregnant. For them it seems so easy. Does this sound like a women you know? A friend, sister, cousin, neighbor, or even…you?
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….
andrea - What gorgeous, beautiful children. I just want to snuggle them up.
Cristina - Beautifully shot and beautiful written, Stephanie. Thank you so much for sharing this touching story.
Taryn Boyd - What a touching story to go with BEAUTIFUL images. These are special!
Kiki - Brought tears to my eyes. We know that same journey. Beautifully told, and images that seem to capture all the promise and emotion of those 2 precious bundles. ♥
Jill VZ - What beautiful and sweet photographs! So innocent and soft. These babies are just so precious. Just love the ones of them cuddling.
Teresa - These precious babies, their touching story echoed in beautiful photography…what a lovely gift to share with us. Thank you.
Kylene - Such a wonderfully written post. These images are Simply Stunning!
jennifer - Lovely photos Stephanie and beautiful babies. And such a touching story. I love the ones of them snuggling together, they are too sweet. I’m sure mom and dad will treasure these!
Charlene Chavez - Beautiful writing as usual Stephanie and of course **Precious & Stunning** images! Parents are blessed to have you capture their new arrivals 🙂
Dawn Shiree - What blessed parents they are indeed. Celebrating my uncle’s 56th birthday this year on Christmas Day. He has DS and is the light of the family. His spirit remains strong despite many, many hardships and losses. We’ve learned not to underestimate him… even after all these years he is showing us that new miracles are possible every day. Blessings to the parents of these two precious souls. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful babies and captures. XOXO
Sandra Bludau - Thank you for this post. So very lovley and changed my day in a really good way. xo Such beautiful blessings these parents have.
Karen London - Beautiful babies and beautiful pictures!!!
Katie - What an amazing story about two amazing little babies.
Wendy Sweet - Amazing steph…just had tears rolling down my cheeks…gorgeous images. What an amazing family!
Tim Pham - What a touching story. The children are beautiful.
beth McWilliams - what beautiful children….truly, inside and out. this mom is lucky to have kelle at her fingertips for inspiration and strength, anytime she needs a little extra.
and the photo they choose….it’s my favorite, too !
belinda - Heart melting blog about your dear friends Stephanie I can fell your love and compassion through your words and then images made my tears flow!Absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations to your friends two beautiful little treasures who chose special parents to raise them…and they will do it well. xox
joAnne - Knock me over with a feather…The story made me cry, the blog and then the Photo’s..You truly outdid yourself on these…BEAUTIES..Soo incredibly touching I can feel it in every cell of my being!Blessings of love to all!
Tami - This story is so touching, and your photographs are incredible! That canvas is going to make them so happy!
andrea Isaacs - Beautiful all around. Sweet little miracles. You can just see the love between them already. I want to just kiss those beautiful sweet cheeks.
joanne - Beautiful story AND images. LOVE the canvas image.
Melissa - Just stunning, as always!
Eileen Broderick - Steph–my sister’s third son was born a year and a half ago and also has Down’s Syndrome. I know that those first days were a roller coaster of emotions. She, too, had found Kelle’s blog and it was a huge source of comfort and solace for her. Thanks for sharing. Little Luke is the sweetest little boy and his smile lights up a room. The images of these twins are just beautiful…
haley b - absolutely precious. a journey ahead but perfect images to start these sweet little lives. you have a gift, stephanie!
Monika Eisenbart - Gorgeous and touching.
Kristen - So beautiful your photos, your writing the little angels! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about this post! xo
Jana - So beautiful Steph! Just amazing.
Heather Walker - stunning work and a beautiful story to go along with those images! WOW!
caroline-marieB - I love your work
a lot of emotion in your writing
Natalie Clayshulte - Absolutely phenomenal images. I adore the canvas that the family chose. Such amazing memories you have captured for them during this special time.
Jane - Oh Steph, this is such a beautiful post, I cried reading it. Thanks for sharing. Those babies are gorgeous and are definitely here for a reason. XOXO
Mindy - Two very beautiful babies and beautiful photos!
belinda - Heartfelt images of two precious lives. They really are beautiful. Much love to them xx
anita - this is so beautiful. thank you for sharing. what a special family who i am sure is and will be such a blessing to this world.
Allyson - Beautiful as always Steph!!!
velvetowlphotography - Beautiful work…such special images.
Amanda Keeys - Oh gosh, could those babies be more beautiful?!! Lovely images, soooo very lovely. The first one is my favourite, so perfect. I am sure those babies and their parents will be on one amazing journey.
Toni Raper - Perfect. little. souls. That canvas is simply breath taking Stephanie.
Liz Lieblich - Seeing your gorgeous pictures makes me want to have another baby just so I can have some of these amazing newborn shots!! So beautiful.
Cathalin - BEST of 2011
I vote for #42
amanda - I vote 42 for sure! Classic <3
Vickie - I vote for #34. Have you ever seen a cuter little blond boy? I sure haven’t. Love that smile–warms your heart.
Frank - #34 has my vote. Great smile—and red shoes!!
Natalia - I vote for #34 – the Fountain. The cutest ever!
Dianne - I vote for #34. What a great shot. Wow! What a cute guy!
Dawn Wilson - I vote for gorgeous #34. Stunning photo
Melissa Brodeur-Lynch - I vote #42!!!
Melissa Brodeur-Lynch - I vote #42!!!
Ann Lloyd - I vote for handsome little Jackson, #34, The Fountain (but they’re all adorable!)
Michael Lloyd - I vote for #34-the Fountain
Great shot!