I’m always excited to see my Baby’s First Year babies. Getting to watch them grow brings such joy to my work and my life. But I really could not wait to see this little girl in particular. We had to reschedule her session several times because Samantha has been in and out of the hospital. She has a condition that makes it difficult for her to eat and digest normally, she struggles to gain weight, needs a feeding tube to eat, and may need one or more surgeries in the near future.

Despite all of this, Samantha is sweet, cheerful, and full of smiles. Perhaps it’s because I am a person with a disability who doesn’t want to be defined by it, and I was once a baby who underwent numerous surgeries, but when I look at Sam, I don’t see a sick baby with a feeding tube. I see a sweet, smiley four month old, just like the other four-month-olds I photograph.

Being a new parent is difficult and scary at times, but I can only imagine how hard and terrifying it must be to have a baby with a medical condition. But Vanessa and Damion are already incredible parents. I know that they are afraid for their little girl, that life is difficult for them right now, and that what Sam’s future will look like is uncertain. But they are such amazing, strong advocates for their little girl, and so supportive of one another. I know they are exactly the parents that their little girl needs. I can’t wait to get to watch Samantha grow and to watch Vanessa & Damion grow as parents.

If you missed them you can see Sam’s newborn portraits here, and Vanessa’s maternity portraits here.