Amanda Kern

“All you’ve got is all you can give and that will always be enough.” ~Unknown

Late last week I was contacted by Kim who recently had a baby with spina bifida. I’ve lost track of the hundreds of people who have contacted me since my son Chance was diagnosed with spina bifida. Each message has pulled at my heartstrings and I suppose helped remind me that I’m not totally alone in raising a child with spina bifida. Kim was suggested to contact me to photograph her son by one of Chance’s doctors. I’m not certain but I believe her son Gabriel might be the first baby born with spina bifida in central Florida since Chance was born in February. If I recall correctly, 1 out of about 1000 babies are born with spina bifida and I believe in central Florida only about a dozen or so babies are born and referred to the spina bifida clinic. I know that makes Chance and Gabriel two very special little ones.

I elected to begin Gabriel’s photos with some of the most special shots. Before I had Chance I’m not so sure I would have been begging parents to let me photograph their baby’s imperfections. However, I’ve come to realize just how special the scar is to a family who has a baby with spina bifida. I suppose it sort of symbolizes the whole reason for the challenges they may face in life. Just like my son Chance, Gabriel also had back closure surgery and a surgery to have a shunt placed due to hydrocephalus.

There’s no doubt how much this little guy is loved. As Kim mentioned to me…he’s a miracle.

All too often it’s tough to get people to smile with a true smile for photos. Of course candid moments usually lend well to the authentic smiles I adore. We can all thank Gabriel for peeing the very moment this shot was taken. Good job Gabriel, our plan worked out perfectly.

Kim was a great sport and held him a moment longer for one more shot. Yes, priceless moments that neither of us will forget.

Gabriel is about five weeks old and he did a super job during his first photo session. Okay, this is only the second baby with spina bifida I’ve photographed but thus far I swear they’re superstar baby models!

And just like Chance, he smiles a lot! I suppose he also realizes how much he’s blessed this world with his presence.

Though Gabriel also has a scar his is uniquely different.

Did I tell you this kid rocks?! Okay, you’ll just have to see for yourself…

I got to admire some of his fine details because he was so content.

He slept nearly the entire time he was with me for photos, however, he did open his eyes briefly. He sure is one sweet little guy.

Once we were done we decided to try to get the boys together for a few photos. It was not an easy task to get them both together without crying, but thankfully they were both still a tad bit sleepy. I wish I would have taken a video of them both as we posed them. They are two of the noisest babies who are so much alike. Both of them were grunting and making some of the most hilarious noises as we set them up for these photos. Perhaps it was baby talk…you know, perhaps Chance was warning Gabriel how much I torture him by taking his photos virtually every day. Yes, I broke a sweat trying to get a nearly 10 week old and a 5 week old in one shot…here are three that should make you all smile of Chance and his new friend Gabriel….two tough little guys!

Kim I hope you enjoy the photos of Gabriel. I can sense just how much he has blessed your family. Best wishes to you all.

Michelle (aka Mrs. Myers) has been Hope’s teacher for both second and third grade. Though Hope absolutely adores all her teachers, our family has been so incredibly grateful to have her there for Hope these last two years as our family has endured such challenging moments. Since late last year we’ve all been anticipating the arrival of her twin boys. All the babies I photograph hold a special spot in my heart and memory so we can already sense her two babies boys will be that much more special to our family. Hope absolutely adores Mrs. Myers and is so excited to meet her babies. Of course Mrs. Myers knows this…Hope writes notes virtually every day on most of her school work to make sure she knows just how excited she is. Needless to say the boys will definitely enter this world loved by many. I spent some time earlier this morning meeting with Michelle & Chris for some maternity photos before their twin boys arrive.  It was fun spending a little time with them in the final weeks before their boys are born.

Michelle & Chris I hope you enjoy the photos. Best wishes these last few weeks. I can’t wait to meet your boys!

This past weekend I met with fellow photographer and friend, Gian Carlo Brand and his wife Jaya. Gian Carlo (who most of you have likely heard me refer to more often as “Blue”) spent time earlier in the morning photographing our family and afterwards we made the most of the remainder of the morning by taking a few photos of him and his wife who are expecting their first child in the next week or two. We had reached the point in the morning when the heat and the light were both beginning to get a bit more intense than we’d like so I only spent a brief time taking photos with them. I totally adore this couple and enjoyed helping capture a few moments with them as they anxiously await their baby girl. There’s no question that their daughter will be spoiled and blessed by their love.

I’ve known Blue for close to ten years and I have to admit that it’s so uplifting to see how much his face lights up with happiness since he and Jaya have been together. He definitely loves his beautiful wife and is so proud and excited to soon be a father. I couldn’t be happier for my dear friend.

As breathtaking as some of the images of them were to capture, I can’t help but include a few humorous moments that hopefully they won’t curse me for sharing. Anyone who knows Blue knows he’s one outgoing, fun, and loving guy who is a joy to be around. Yes, this is Blue…proclaiming how much he adores his beautiful wife.

I know they’re counting down the days. It won’t be long and we’ll all get to meet their little girl.