Looking back on 2016, as you do on the eve of a new year, I have been so blessed to have met/ spent time with so many beautiful, inspiring people.   I am so grateful for the opportunely to tell my clients stories as they welcome their precious newborns into the world and celebrate the millstones as their babies become little people. I couldn’t let 2016 end without sharing one on the most inspiring little people I have ever met.

I first met Kai’s parents when they booked a maternity session back in 2014.  A month later at less than a week old Kai came for his first photo session.  A perfect baby boy.

That fall I had the joy again of planning and photographing his 6 months session.  We headed out on a beautiful crisp autumn morning.  It was such a fun session.  Sweet little Kai sat smiling and laughing in the fall leaves.  It seemed life was pretty perfect for this family of three.

Little did we know only weeks later a cancer diagnosis was about to turn their lives upside down.  My heart broke when I heard the news.  The thought of such an innocent child having to battle such a big disease just seemed unfair.  I am truly amazed by his parents love and strength.

When Kai finally returned home that following summer we rejoiced in the news of his remission.  We were so excited to finally plan his “one year” session.  I had a superhero custom made especially for him, we had the date planned and location scouted.

Sadly however, just days before our planned session date, Kai was rushed back to the hospital where he would spend the next several months again fighting this horrible disease.  Life just seemed so cruel.  I can’t even image what Kai and his family went through in those months as we all kept them in our prayers.

Thankfully our superhero pulled through his treatment was given the green light to return home this past spring.  In July we finally headed out for one of the most meaningful sessions I have photographed to date.

I am so inspired by the strength of this little guy and I am sure there will be greatness in his future.  Nothing could make me happier then to see this amazing family finally home with a clean bill of health for their sweet little boy…..well other than maybe finding out he was going to be a big brother!!!  But that is another blog post…. J

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year