Meet River, a three year old who is rocking that extra chromosome like a boss.

A few words from River’s Mom:

We had no idea of River’s diagnosis when I was pregnant. There were no signs that anything was wrong or different with our child. Tyler and I were so excited meet her. Upon her delivery the NICU was rushed into our room. They were concerned with MEC. She ended up being perfectly healthy with no issues. When they finally handed her to me, they led with she’s beautiful and healthy but she also has signs of Down Syndrome.

We were a bit in shock because that’s an odd time to deliver that news. But we were ( and obviously still are) in love with our little peanut. She was challenging stereotypes and assumptions about her and her disability since the day she was born. No lie! Her first diaper change, she pushed her self on to her shoulders and wiggled. The nurses said that wasn’t normal and she was incredibly strong! So strong in fact, that she broke my rib when I was pregnant with her. One swift kick at the right angle and she snapped my rib. So I guess she was breaking assumptions(and me) since the womb! Lol. 

The community of people with disabilities wasn’t new to me. I have an older sister who is also disabled. So we we’re lucky enough to already know that we would also find that same community for our daughter and that she would thrive and always have support. When I told my sister, Laura, about River, her response was one of the best! She said, “that’s so cool! I can’t wait to teach her everything I know”. And that right there just melted our hearts! River has brought so much love, smiles, laughs, and amazingness into our lives. She has a personality that demands the spotlight and your heart. We have learned so much from her too. How to be less serious, to not give up, and to most definitely not believe in the assumptions and stereotypes.

Oh, the places you will go, River!

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.

To see current work, visit my Facebook page.

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