Where do I even start with this one.

This is one of those families I have photographed many times.  So many milestones together.  From their rescue dog many years ago to the arrival of their baby boy in 2018. 

When Destiny told me they where expecting again, I was over the moon.  Soon they would be a family of 4 plus 2 fur babies.  We managed to do an amazing fall outdoor maternity session before the world got crazy again and held our breath that we would be able to do newborn.  Miss Ava arrived into the world 2 days before lockdown in November.  We where crushed but hopeful it would be the 2-3 weeks they promised (insert snort here). 

Ava went home after delivery and everything seemed normal.  Destiny and I kept in touch cursing the lock down. 

Days later everything changed.  Ava was not eating and the seizures began.  All of a sudden our photo session was the least of the concerns. 

The next couple of months where what I can only call "hell" for this family.  Never ended tests and weeks of no answers.  The diagnosis finally came and it was Prader Willi Syndrome.  Sadly this is the second baby I have met with this rare disease.  Please click the link if you would like to know more. 

Through all of this her family was and is fighting to give Ava every opportunity to thrive and have adapted while handling the stressed of a toddler and a baby with special needs.  They have been vocal about Ava's needs and I know this baby girl is loved beyond measure.

Fast forward to April/May.  Restrictions lifted some and we split the session into two (just Ava then the family portion).  Yes, Ava is 3 month+ but due to her condition she is very sleepy and still very curly.  We let her lead both sessions and rolled with it. 

I am thankful beyond words we where able to capture these incredible images for her family and that I will continue to watch and capture this family.

Ava is a fighter and we love her.