A decade of Kennedy! This year, we pulled out all the stops to mark her 10th session with three incredible setups, each one as joyful and colorful as she is.
We started with a stunning butterfly backdrop, featuring the blue and yellow colors that symbolize Down Syndrome awareness. Butterflies represent transformation, growth, and beauty—three things Kennedy embodies perfectly. Watching her pose and play among the fluttering butterflies was a reminder of how much she has grown and flourished over the years.
Next, we turned up the nostalgia with an adorable soda shop session. Think vintage diner vibes, fizzy drinks, striped straws, and Kennedy serving up sass and sweetness in equal measure. She looked like she stepped right out of a 1950s postcard, with her signature joy making the scene all the more magical.
And, of course, no milestone celebration is complete without cake! To wrap up our session, we went all out with a 10th birthday cake smash. Kennedy dove in with excitement, making a delightful mess and reminding us all that some things—like the joy of smashing cake with your hands—never get old.
This year’s session was more than just a photoshoot; it was a celebration of Kennedy’s journey, her incredible spirit, and the love that surrounds her. I feel honored to have been part of this tradition for the last decade, and I can’t wait to continue watching her shine in the years to come.
Let’s Get DOWN to the Facts!
To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, let’s spread awareness and bust some common myths about Down syndrome:
- People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
- All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
- Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good healthcare, and positive support from family, friends, and the community enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
- Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
- There are three types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4%, and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.
- Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome – about 6,000 each year.
- Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
As we celebrate the UP side of Down Syndrome, let’s work together to promote understanding, break down stereotypes, and embrace the beauty of diversity. Join us in rocking your crazy socks, sharing this post, and spreading the love. Let’s change perceptions and celebrate all abilities today and every day!
At the heart of it all, this is about love, acceptance, and creating a world where everyone is valued for who they are. So let’s keep the conversation going, lift each other up, and continue making strides toward a more inclusive future—one where Kennedy and so many others can shine as brightly as they were meant to.
