The ultrasound indicated that the baby’s Nuchal fold was thicker than normal. When the doctor told us it was a soft marker for Down syndrome I think we were both in shock and I was definitely in denial. We had a blood test done and a CVS to confirm the diagnosis. Sure enough the call from the doctor came a few weeks later and he confirmed our baby had Down syndrome and…it’s a boy!

It was hard to hear the news and scary to think of a future we knew nothing about. But we focused on our healthy baby boy and prepared best we could for an infant with Down syndrome.

Once Owen arrived we were overcome with love for this baby. He fortunately, was born with only a congenital heart defect – something we monitor and pray will correct itself over time.

Over the past three years we’ve become more educated and involved with the Down syndrome community. Gigi’s Playhouse and the Flower City Down syndrome Network have supported us and shown us not to be scared of the future. Owen’s future looks bright. He’s already made such an impact on so many peoples lives with his smile, kind-heartedness and sense of humor.

As Owen approaches his third birthday we’ve really seen his personality and independence develop. He absolutely loves music – he’s always dancing and jumping around the house. He loves to play outside, swim, and play with his little brother. It amazes us to see how gentle and protective he is of his brother.

Owen works so hard to reach his early intervention goals. Thanks to his therapists,  he has mastered so many skills that will prepare him for preschool in the fall. We cannot wait to see what this new chapter will bring. This is only the begin of his story and we are lucky to be a part of it.

Oh, the places you will go, Owen!

 

It was a pleasure to do a special photo session with some kiddos from Western New York who have Down syndrome for the third year in a. row. I am hoping to spread awareness locally on messages of acceptance and beauty to individuals with Down Syndrome.

Our local news station aired the story last year to shine a beautiful light on our photo shoot experience. You can watch the story here.

 

BETHANY CHASE PHOTOGRAPHY IS A TRUSTED AND EXPERIENCED PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER IN ROCHESTER NY THAT CREATES CUSTOM NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY, MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY, BABY PHOTOGRAPHY, CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCES FOR CLIENTS ALL ACROSS THE AREA. BETHANY CHASE PHOTOGRAPHY CURRENTLY SERVES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING NEW YORK AREAS: ROCHESTER, WEBSTER, PENFIELD, PITTSFORD, BRIGHTON, PERINTON, FAIRPORT, HENRIETTA, SPENCERPORT, GATES, CHILI, IRONDEQUOIT, GREECE, CHURCHVILLE, MENDON.

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