I have been really excited to do this shoot since last year’s autism awareness giveaway when Lacey submitted her daughter’s story. After reading it, I knew that I would be meeting not only a very special family, but also a very special little girl named Presley. So when time finally came to shoot, I was truly blown away. Presley is not only a gorgeous little girl, she is remarkable. Somewhat shy but very loving, independent, funny, and so sweet. It wasn’t long before she was holding my hand as we walked around the park, which totally melted my heart. I admit though, I panicked a little because as she held tight to my hand, I feared I was missing the opportunity for the candid photographs that I knew I needed to capture {and this off-balance preggo definitely isn’t so sly at accomplishing the one-handed shoot-while-you-walk-and-hope-you-get-a-stellar-shot maneuver}. I knew our shooting time was somewhat limited and I didn’t want to miss anything! It didn’t take long for me to relax though and stop worrying about my ‘job’ in that moment. One little hand squeeze and Presley forced me away from my mental checklist and out of my photographer comfort zone, making me relish in the experience, in why I do these giveaways. It isn’t just about capturing great photos for a sweet family, it’s about awareness. It’s about Presley’s story. Her journey. Sometimes her struggles, but more importantly, her successes. It’s about Presley.
I knew the candid photographs would come, and they did, resulting in some very sweet images of Presley and her amazing family. But what I took away from that day is how important the little things are. How we must relish in the moments. Every milestone, every connection. And hey, Presley. Held. My. Hand. What a gift…
“My baby girl, Presley Rose, was born, healthy as an ox- 8 lbs. 6.3 oz. born three days before my due date in August, mind you. She remained in the 95-100 percentiles for her whole first year of life. She met all of her milestones – weaning, walking, talking, and fine/gross motor skills. To me and to the world, she was just like any other kid (well, to me she was a ‘baby-genius-supermodel,’ naturally).”
“She and I stayed home together for two years. I rarely left her with a babysitter and at 17 months she started daycare- and I went back to school. The transition was rough, but they kept assuring me it was normal and wouldn’t continue. Well, it never got easier and she suddenly quit talking all together. She cried continuously day and night. Was she depressed? That’s the only thing that ever even crossed my mind- I went back to school and now she was depressed…”
“After many rough nights and a process of elimination, along with a multitude of tests, observations, surveys and evaluations, Presley was finally diagnosed a few weeks before her third birthday… Autism. At that point, we didn’t need a diagnosis to know that something was definitely wrong; all we wanted was our daughter back. Little did we know what that simple 6-letter-word would bring to our lives.”
“In addition to unraveling autism in our own daughter, we learned quickly that we needed to help other affected families in their own struggle by volunteering with Autism Speaks. After we received the diagnosis and realized how hard our road ahead would be we found this non-profit group and have since dedicated time and energy into funding for further research for the ultimate answer. We enrolled in an infant-sibling study with Washington University, joined the Autism Speaks walk committee, started an autism playgroup, started walk teams with our companies and most importantly have been able to connect with other local families & lean on one another for the support and acceptance we all need.”
“The cool thing about autism, sounds like an oxymoron, but the cool thing with any child with special needs is that when you reach a new goal, you hear a new word or witness a changed behavior you’ve been working toward– no matter what you’ve been dealing with or stressing about or crying over stops and you’re instantly reminded that you’re doing something right.”
“I would do anything to have a “normal” life for my daughter but I am now convinced that regardless of reason, she has brought out the best in so many people and will continue to teach us all that life is limitless and with hard work and determination, anything is possible. She proves that each and every day of our lives.”
“To all of the families struggling with autism, I like to say- stay the course, raise awareness, advocate and stir the pot!”
I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to work with families like this one, and I have so much appreciation and admiration for what they do every single day. Lacey, Kyle, Audrey, and sweet Presley, many many thanks. It was such a joy meeting you and I hope you love the images that came from our time together. You guys are so great and I know you will continue to do the amazing things that you are doing for autism awareness and your precious girl. Big hugs to all four of you!
The excerpts are from Presley’s story as told by her mom, Lacey.
Wow! I’m truly amazed at how beautiful these are… you are an awesome person and it was a pleasure meeting you. There aren’t many people like you in the world that just ‘get it’ and you absolutely do. You are going to be one amazing mother! Thanks for continuing to help raise awareness for all those affected by autism. Xo
I went to high school with Lacey and I’m so glad you did this! Such awesome pictures!! 🙂
Thank YOU, Lacey 🙂 It was my pleasure! And thanks, Louise – such a great family to photograph!
These were truly amazing, Chelsea!! Love love loved them and you have inspired me to do something like this in the future! xoxo
Absolutely, beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing.