FORT WAYNE NEWBORN & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | Miracles Still Happen...

Madeline's Newborn Session

YCP In-Home Studio

Fort Wayne, Indiana

6/2026

It is my prayer that sharing these personal & powerful insights from Lauren, the beautiful and faithful mother of this family, will help to build awareness, love, and support for the down syndrome community and their families.

"We were asked a few times if termination was something we were considering which we immediately said no. When we were first given her diagnosis, we were asked "how we planned to proceed with the pregnancy." In the US almost 70% of babies that receive an in-utero diagnosis for Down syndrome are aborted. In other countries it's over 90%.

I don't say this to make us sound all "high and mighty," but sometimes doing the right thing is hard and it's truly putting someone else above yourself. It's being utterly selfless which is very hard. We are embracing uncertainty, but don't we all have to live with uncertainty? No one is certain of their life. We are all one diagnosis, one accident, one incident away from uncertainty. Children don't arrive in pretty packaging. There is no such thing as a perfect child! We have to do what's right, not convenient. We pray to God to make us stronger, not for easier lives.

To a mom who just found out I'd say it's okay to feel the way you feel. I was scared, sad, angry, confused. I felt every feeling and emotion. I closed myself off from friends and didn't want to talk to anyone. I was almost embarrassed. I didn't know how people would react. When people didn't know I was pregnant with a baby with DS and they asked when I was due, etc. I just answered quickly and prayed they wouldn't ask anymore questions because I didn't know how to answer them. I've realized sometimes people don't know what to say to you and that's okay too. But the last thing anyone should say is "I'm sorry." A few people told us that, but overall our family and close friends were happy for us. At the end of the day, she is just a baby. She acts no different than my other 2 kids. Sure we may have more appointments for her to ensure she's keeping up, but nothing else is really different. We love her the same and treat her the same. We are only a couple months in, but so far so good! 

At the end of the day, I don't want anyone to feel sorry or sad for us. Sure it's a different way of life, but what made being different all that bad? Have you ever been around someone with Down syndrome? They are the most joyful and happy people. They see pure love and happiness in literally everything. I sure wish I had that perspective! If we all met life that way, this world would be a very happy and joyful place. 

You never know what someone's impact will be on this world. You can't know what someone is capable of unless you give them a chance. In a world where people with disabilities are starred at or whispered about, I encourage you to see their importance. See their beauty. See their possibilities. 

A child with Down syndrome takes a little longer to reach milestones and stages. We are choosing to look at this as a positive thing. Getting to experience the "baby" phase longer - sign me up. Having a girl that might hug tighter and love deeper - sounds like a dream! She may live with us forever - you mean I get to have my child around even in my old age? Wow, I can't wait to always have her around."

Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Lauren! Misss Madeline "The Miracle" is an angel & I'm grateful to know and love her and her family. :)