Turning 3 is a big deal! Three years of growing, learning, and overcoming so much. Miles birthday is in April but when I learned that my friend Jill would be visiting New Hampshire from Texas in March, with her 2 boys, I started planning. I had taken pictures at Miles’s first birthday party when they lived in New Hampshire. He was in Texas for his second birthday. So I jumped at the opportunity for his third birthday. We talked about the details. We came up a color scheme and setup for a fun way to ring in Miles’s birthday. We decided on a donut smash!

I’ve been friends with Miles’s mother for over 20 years. I can still remember the day that I found out that she was pregnant with him. She didn’t think that she could have any children so it was a wonderful surprise to us all! What a miracle he is! I couldn’t wait for his arrival. He was born on April 30th, 2017. He was so cute and perfect in every way! I enjoyed spending time with them and being his Auntie. He was so sweet and so smart. It seemed as if time was flying by and before it, he was turning one. He had a Cars themed birthday party. When Miles was 16 months old he was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. Suddenly he stopped being able to sit up on his own, or pulling himself up to stand, crawl or walk– Things that he was able to do in his everyday living. When the doctors finally figured out what was going on, he needed to have lifesaving brain surgery.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. But the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with hydrocephalus can damage brain tissues and cause a range of impairments in brain function.


 He had a cyst in his brain, and it was putting pressure on his ventricles. The cyst caused swelling and fluid on his brain. He did amazingly well with his surgery and recovery! He’s had many checkups and tests and MRI’s since and he has gotten the all-clear each time! We knew God had a purpose for him! He is such a blessing to those around him. He is a Hydro Warrior, and continues to kick its butt!

When they arrived for the photo shoot, Miles saw the donuts and wanted one right away. He had to get changed into his outfit first. Boys do not like to do anything before their morning donut, but it was worth it! He knew he was going to get as many donuts as he wanted. We asked him how many he was going to eat. He said he would just eat one. And that he did. He was having such a fun time. So many smiles. So many sweet laughs and giggles. I’ll let you in on a little secret…

What you don’t see is what was going on behind the scenes. Why I was able to capture so many great smiles. He was laughing hysterically at his little brother Nicholas and Uncle George. Why is that? Uncle George was told by Jill that Nicholas likes to be bopped with a pillow. So they were sitting on the couch and Uncle George and Jill were bopping him with a couch pillow. Occasionally Nicholas would also throw the pillow at me as I was photographing his brother. It was such entertainment for Miles, which made my job taking his pictures a breeze. His laugh was so pure and sweet. The kind that makes your heart melt and makes you smile from ear to ear. He is pure joy. When we were all finished with the session, Miles shared his donuts with Nicholas. What a great brother he is!

Happy birthday, sweet Miles! May your third year bring you such joy, and happiness. I know that you’ll continue to keep spreading your cute smile to all of those who surround you!