Kaleb – littlest hero :: baby & child lifestyle photographer :: Lexington, KY
I have been looking forward to this session for months, and I was thrilled the day had finally come for me to meet this special little boy. This was my first session for the “Littlest Heroes Project” that is now operating under “Inspiration Through Art“. To say I was nervous is an understatement – I wanted this family to have the very best photos, and to capture this special time for them in a unique way. All my nerves eased away as soon as Kaleb looked up at me with his gorgeous bright eyes.
Kaleb is adorable, and full of life. His shy little smile, his gorgeous eyes and lashes just warm your heart, and I am sure will break many as he gets older! He was all eyes and smiles for mom, who is gracious enough to share his story:
At 33 weeks gestation we were told our son would be born with Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida. This type of Spina Bifida occurs when the spinal cord fails to close completely in the first few months of pregnancy. Its effects every individual differently and there is no known cause. I was told that he may not walk he would have bowel and bladder incontinence, along with other possible issues. We were devastated. Little did I know that this baby would open my eyes to a world I had never known and would only change my life for the better in so many ways!
Kaleb was born three weeks later on December 21, 2009. I finally got to see this little baby that had me worried sick. I watch as he squirmed and wiggled his toes. I saw something I didn’t ever think I would. He was our miracle and all the fears I had drifted away. I knew from that day that we could do this, and we were going to take any challenges head on. The day after he was born he had surgery to close the lesion on his back. We started to catheterize him because he couldn’t empty his bladder completely. He had a 15 day stay in the NICU, and had to be on his tummy for the first 6 weeks of his life. He sees 6 specialists and has Physical Therapy once a week. We currently catheterize him every 6 hours and help him manage his bowels. Spina Bifida also causes Hydrocephalous (water on the brain) and 90% of SB children need VP shunts. As of right now Kaleb is doing well without one.
Kaleb may face extra challenges throughout his life but who doesn’t. My goal as I would hope any parent’s goal will be to make Kalebs life as fulfilling as possible. He amazes me every day. He is so strong and stubborn if he wants something he is going to get it one way or another. He loves animals and he’s a total momma’s boy. He is currently army crawling and is starting to pull up. He looks at me with a huge grin and it melts my heart. He has made me a stronger more compassionate and patient person. He is my hero. I thank god every day that he is mine!
For others who may face similar challenges in life I say “you are my hero’s!” Your courage and strength will positively influence others one day. Be proud of who you are no matter what!
–Colleen, Kaleb’s Mommy
October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month, so if you want to learn more about it, please check out this resource: http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org
Colleen & Anthony – Thank YOU so much for everything! Kaleb is inspirational, and I hope he continues to beat the odds.
