One in every 700 babies in the United States has Down Syndrome.  Today happens to be World Down Syndrome Day!  It is celebrated on March 21 to raise public awareness of Down Syndrome, a congenital disorder caused by having an extra 21st chromosome.  As a St. Louis family photographer, I'd like to do my part in helping raise awareness here locally.  What better way to do that than to introduce you to my sweet clients who hold this day close to their hearts?!

red haired 3 year old with Down Syndrome smiling
Meet Lexi!  This sweetheart turned 3 years old in October and she is totally ready to celebrate!  Lexi has Down Syndrome and her parents wanted to make her birthday a celebration and to help educate others on some things about Down Syndrome.  Initially I was only going to post one photo of Lexi and a little blurb, but there's so much info I want to include that I knew it needed it's own blog post!

Red haired 3 year old outstretched arms smiling wearing Minnie Mouse 3 shirt
Red haired 3 year old with Down Syndrome standing by table with educational books
Lexi's Mom scheduled out her session so she could have the photos in time to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  One of the goals from her session was to highlight not only Lexi's eyes and smile, but the beauty and joy that her presence brings to people.

red headed 3 year old smiling with outstretched arms sitting on bench at park
 

And Jamie was SO right.  I had met Lexi one time prior to this and I couldn't get over how stinking sweet she was then!  I believe she was about 18 months old then, so a lot has changed since then but dang, she's just as sweet as ever!  AND she has red hair sooo I might be a little partial ;)

4 photo collage of 3 year old red head with down syndrome sitting on stone steps at park
Lexi is a pistol and she fires off a sassy "No" response to her Mom and Dad very quickly, but I soon learned that 'No' actually sometimes meant 'Yes' with Lexi.  Sounds about right for a very independent 3 year old!  But I will say, when she's asked to say "Yes," she obliges in the most adorable way!  A common misconception about people with Down Syndrome are that they're happy all the time.  Miss Lexi was very happy throughout her session, but she also showed many times over she could be serious, she could be deep in thought, she showed curiosity, excitement, sadness, and frustration.  I spent about an hour with Lexi that morning and through that, I learned so much which was a beautiful thing.  I love, love, love when little ones have the ability to teach me a wealth of knowledge and give me a ton of insight in such a short time frame.  

2 black and white photo collage of 3 year old with father and mother in their arms
3 year old with red hair in mother's arms giving hug

Through Jamie, I learned that children with Down Syndrome will go through all the same milestones as typically developing children, it just may take them a little longer to achieve those milestones.  At the time of our session, Lexi was currently in the process of learning to walk and stand on her own.  She certainly has determination and motivation within her as she made sure to show off her skills for me that day.  

3 year old with down syndrome smiling in mom's arms
3 year old's feet in white flower shoes and ruffle leggings on stone steps
3 year old with down syndrome in dad's arms smiling getting a kiss from dad
I've also learned that each child with Down Syndrome learns in a different way and at a different pace -- it is up to us to identify how they learn and unlock their potential.  Lexi loves to read books and was totally on board with hanging around a table of books geared towards the topic of Down Syndrome.  I love coming across families who make reading a priority as kids benefit so much from that.  They are absolutely helping Lexi to unlock her potential.  Lexi also had one of my all time favorites with her, "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss.  I was so pumped!  

3 year old red head with down syndrome giggling and covering mouth sitting on bench
To say I was totally head over heels for her would be an understatement.  ALSO, by the end of the session, Lexi even gave me a massive bear hug.  I could swear I felt my heart grow twice it's size that day.  

3 year old red head with down syndrome staring at giant birthday cupcake 3 year old ready to eat giant birthday cupcake with the number 3 candle