Miss Marley has been a distant Hawaiian friend of ours for over four years. I met Marley’s Mom, Katrina, on the wonderful worldwide web in a not so faraway place called Downsyn.com. It’s an online community of parents and families with children who have Down syndrome. Becoming a part of downsyn.com was filled with so many blessings, including but not limited to: friendships, knowledge, resources, understanding, compassion, gratitude, and sooo much more:-)

As they say, “It takes a whole Village to raise a child.” In some ways, downsyn.com was that community of valuable resources and priceless experienced wisdom. It was where many of us discovered that we were not alone and that our emotional roller coaster(s) were a normal process in understanding our new life with a child that has special needs. It’s where we found out that it was okay to have those indescribable emotions that take over you without a moments notice. It’s where we laughed and cried with sharing milestones and challenges. We found out that we were not alone, and we had a place to speak with people that TRULY GOT IT. The evolution of our new life’s purpose blossomed. We learned from each other and developed together. It helped me to realize that, “I am the Lucky One.” (insert you tube video link).

I’m so thankful to have been chosen to be Lana’s mom and to have been given the opportunity to experience this wonderful life with so many beautiful people. Marley and her family are only a few of those beautiful people that I have had the pleasure of meeting and befriending.

Marley has the coolest (level-headed) demeanor of a child, her age, that I have ever seen. She will quietly observe then find that beauty within…well…everything. At times, it seems like nothing is strange to her. She is extremely giving and gracious. She is sweet, kind and an undeniable friend to all. She is Marley!

When she arrived we were so excited to see her and her growing family. It seemed more like a play-date with good friends than work. Yes, we love our job!!! Marley gave us some unique and fun photos.

Marley and family, Thank you for being a part our day! It was wonderful seeing and catching up with you all.

Now for a flashback from the past… A group of us from downsyn.com were able to meet up in Texas for a Get Together in 2007. I dug up the video that I had put together back then to share our time together. Warning, it’s almost twenty minutes long and the photos are prior-to me becoming a photographer. LOL!

We’ve been told that it takes special people to care for and Love a child with special needs.  As parents to the child, we love our children because they are a product of us…but to a brother or sister, it’s a different sort of love and respect.  They don’t always understand why people make such a fuss or what makes their brother/sister special…they simply see the person.  Families that are blessed with such a gift become an inspiration just by loving and providing. We had the pleasure of meeting such a special family last weekend. 
 
The Garbe’s started the morning off in the good ole Texas HUMID heat.  Even though it became extremely hot it didn’t stop us from having a fun-filled-family on-the-go photoshoot.  It didn’t take long for us to relate to the Garbe’s and photograph that “togetherness” that they share.  Each person has their own unique role in the family making a fully functioning team.  
 
Sheridan and Brooke are adorable sisters with their own separate agendas.  They kept us on our toes throughout the shoot and provided us an ample amount of photographic opportunities.  When I settled for a bit, I had the pleasure of sharing cuddle-time with Brooke as she sat in my lap while I continued to photograph her sister, Sheridan.  All I could think was, “future photographer” as she oohed and ahhed at the preview of each shot taken;-)  And when Sheridan held my hand as we walked to the next spot, I knew her heart.  It was the same sweetness that our son shares with others.  A special bond ties these girls together and will enrich their lives together through the years to come.  Here are a few photographs of this beautiful dynamic family.

such a sweet moment. I love Andre’s angle on the left and mine on the right.

Nate helped me with the selects of these images. On the image below he said “Oh Mom, you have to use this one. I love how her eyes are in focus.” I just had to share my proud Mom-photographer moment with my little man. Not to mention how gorgeous Sheridan looks.

This past Saturday the Garbe’s braved the dreadfully humid Texas heat for their lifestyle family photoshoot. Here’s a little peek from our active time together.

What a personality!

Emme was not feeling well due to a severe allergy attack and took some time to warm up to us. While her mother tried to keep her distance, Emme made sure that she did not roam too far away from her site. Once she got the feel for our time together, she started to let loose. The strong wind blew across her face and the sun shone so bright that she had to close her eyes while breathing in deep. A smile lifted her lips and she began to dance and run in-between the parked trains. Witnessing her love for her mother and her carefree spirit, warmed our hearts and put smiles on our faces. She is a priceless LIFE treasure.

Is it just me, or do Emme’s eyes take your breath away? I adore her beautiful brushfield spots! A unique characteristic of 35-78% of children with Down syndrome.

Leah and Roddy waited patiently for their baby to be a part of their lives. Although their lives were changed the moment she came into it, they embraced their new life with acceptance and optimism. They took on Laiken’s first year with strength, compassion, pride, and a whole lot of LOVE.

It’s always a blessing to see people with a real desire to be parents be given the opportunity to raise and nurture a child, especially a child as precious as Laiken.  Both the parents and child will only benefit from the beautiful relationship that they share. Together they make one special family.  

Here is our first family showography that we created to share the Neff’s united love.  Enjoy!!!

I was incredibly excited when Leah contacted me shortly after we photographed our Down syndrome portrait event. She told me all about her sweet little girl, Laiken, who also (as I like to say) happens to be gently enhanced. After hearing and reading all about her (I love family blogs!!!) I couldn’t wait to photograph her and her families love for each other.

When we met, I sort of fell in love. I think that is everyone’s natural reaction after immediately meeting her. She was even more precious than I imagined she would be. Andre and I ate up every one of her smiles. every content little expression. every pure feeling she had towards her Mama and Dada… and herself when looking back through her mirror. Laiken’s energy is truly contagious. She was a pure delight to be around.

We loved getting to know the Neff family. After only a few minutes, there were no doubts to the depth of their love. Love as it should be…Unconditional, Intense and FUN. Laiken is going to do great things with the love and support that she has from her parents.

check out this adorable smile.

a little peek-a-boo play. Love it!

I enjoy capturing moments like this. A love force that is to be reckoned with.

I’m so proud of you Laiken! I look forward to watching you continue to grow and flourish.

Yes, that’s right, this is only part 1 of this families session. Check back Thursday for a nice surprise, Andre style.

Shooting Joshua was so much fun. He was bold and willing to take risks outside of the norm. He had a comfortable nature about him and was filled with audacious spunk.

The fun continued throughout our shoot and at the end of the session he handed me a single flower and gladly told Andre that he thought I was pretty, and Andre agreed. (yes, I’m blushing… as I was then.)

Joshua is a National Special Olympics Athlete that is a member of Team Texas. He will compete in the Bocce Ball Competition in the 2010 USA National Games in Nebraska. There is no doubt that he will do well during these National Games. He is a driven, motivated, strong, and a thoughtful man.

I would love to direct you to his fundraising website for contributions toward his trip to Lincoln, Nebraska. Please visit his firstgiving website to donate today. He’s a little over $2,000 away from his goal.

BRING HOME MORE GOLDS JOSH!!!

The day was crisp and promising as we prepared to photograph our much anticipated Down syndrome portrait event. We arrived to the location eager to meet our subjects for the day. First up was little miss sunshine. She shared her contagious personality from the start and gave of herself graciously. She warmed my heart with each click of the shutter and of each of her “will light up the world” smiles. She shared her true personality and didn’t hold anything back. Truly a perfect way to start the day.

Meet Miss Audrey. I will forever hold photographing her in my heart and continue to feel her genuine hug wrapped around me.

Ok, so I have a lump in my throat and my palms are sweaty as I type this part about sharing the most beautiful letter that I received from Audrey’s mom, who was celebrating her birthday on the day of the portrait event. I don’t know that I’m worthy of her writings, but I have to admit that I’ve cried a few times reading it and LOVE that she gets it! She really gets it! So feel free to read on, she’s Ok with it, as am I. For me, humbly so of course!

Dear Jenna,

I’m Audrey’s mom, Katrina, from the Ds Appreciation Portrait Event.  There are so many things I’ve wanted to share with you and Andre since that day, I don’t even know where to begin. 

I have to tell you Jenna, that I was overwhelmed when I first went onto your website, saw your beautiful work, and read a little about you on your blog.  My sister Karen (who lives in Santa Fe) is also a self-taught, beautiful soul, photographer, so I have a deep appreciation for what a special gift you have.  What I felt as I looked at picture after picture, before I had even had a chance to read anything you had written on your blog, was exactly what you later wrote about your experience photographing the children for the Portrait Event.  It is obvious that you do touch people on a deep level; you just open a little window (knocking first, of course) and look inside to their inner beauty and uniqueness.  Jenna, I cried like a baby, and do every time I think about what you wrote on your blog when you said, “Music plays in my head, we begin our conversation in our secret language . . .”  You have no idea – well, maybe you do, ’cause you’re you – but that is the kind of gift of great composers like Mozart and Beethoven, only you see and create, where they heard and composed.  Not to sound “woo-woo” or anything, but it just grabbed my heart to know that about you, and I so totally wanted to have the opportunity to have Audrey behind your lens.   As her mother, I feel so much love for her that I’d give anything to be able to capture in an image what you can, so I could show others what I see through my eyes.  So when you emailed that we were going to get to be in the photo shoot, I had to stand up and walk around and then sit back down, if you know what I mean!!
 
I felt like a star-struck fan when I met you and Andre, and the funniest thing just popped out of my mouth; I said to Andre that it isn’t often that you have the opportunity to meet someone who sees and appreciates the uniqueness and beauty of your child, and actually wants to spend time with them.  Watching the two of you work also made me cry.  It was beautiful.  I’m only halfway kidding you when I say that I’ll just bet if I had a little bit more of a discerning eye, I would probably be able to see the aura that radiates from you both.  Maybe it’s just your inner happiness, your joy for life – “your zeal” . . . but I’ll just bet that when I get to see an angel, I’ll see that same light shining from inside them.
 
AND THEN, after I had tried several times to sit down and comment on your blog, I got the link to the “Behind the Scenes” clip.  Oh boy, there I went again.  Crying like a baby.  But it wasn’t just me; my husband Michael watched it and tears rolled down his cheek as well.  That was validating for me.  I emailed it to all of my family and closest friends.  But honestly, while I received back nice comments from most, I knew and could tell that the emotion the images and the music evoked come more from a place of “knowing,” deep inside, what the life of a parent of a special child like ours is like.  Not only knowing their child’s unique beauty, but the other side as well – all of the difficulties, prejudices, lack of understanding and compassion from people who lack information, and a desire to know.  ARD meetings instead of ballet class, therapies instead of sleep overs, and a hundred other emotions.  Having that experience in my back pocket makes my appreciation of your vision all the more so.  I cannot wait to see all of the images you captured, because I want them all around my house.  But I have to tell you, the image that is imprinted in my brain and on my heart came from the video clip where the light was behind Audrey as she was bending forward and the breeze was blowing her hair and the light was shining behind her.  It was so beautiful!  Even my son commented on it, and he’s not one to dish out compliments, that boy!
 
One of your friends probably said it best when she said that you are such a gift to the disability community.  Like, yeah, and THEN some!!  Thank you, Jenna and Andre, so very, very much for sharing your love and your gifts with us parents.  This opportunity was a huge blessing and the best birthday present I’ve ever had!!!
 
Bless you both and your precious family,
Love,
Katrina Adams

Thank you Katrina for sharing such a beautiful email with me. It touched my heart in more ways than you know. It validated so much for me and gave me more fuel to work for my goal of sharing the beauty of children with Down syndrome with the world. I am forever grateful for your time and participation, but most of all for you sharing your beautiful daughter with us!