Theo turns One! {The Buhrman Family} South Bend, Indiana

We met Rick, Chelsea, and Theo back in January whilst photographing them for a magazine feature about sweet Theo's time at Riley Children's Hospital. You can read more about their session here!

From the moment we met this family, we knew they were special. We are so thankful we got the chance to catch up with them again and capture this momentous occasion! The grace, devotion, and strength Rick and Chelsea find in each other is incredible. Theo has been through so much in his first year of life, but his parents would walk the world for him, and the smile permanently plastered on his cherub cheeks shows that he knows.

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Theo is one! In many cultures, a baby's first birthday is a rite of passage. For the Buhrman family, this birthday is so much more than that. There was a time when tomorrow was not promised for Theo, but this brave little miracle turned days into weeks, weeks into months, and now months into YEARS!

Rick and Chelsea planned a very special get together for their little man. Photos of Theo's first year were proudly on display, and in the dining room sat a beautifully decorated cake and banner!  Some may wonder why the banner reads "Happy Day" rather than "Happy Birthday", but not us. Theo is a true example that every day is a gift, a true reason to celebrate.

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Waiting for him on his high chair tray, Theo had a special birthday cupcake! This was his first taste of cake, and I think it is safe to say he loved it!

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Theo's Aunt and Uncle joined in on the birthday celebration! It is obvious this little boy is so loved, and he loves so much in return. The way Theo looked at his uncle and snuggled into his aunt was absolutely precious!

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We can't reiterate enough how grateful we are to have had the opportunity to capture these special memories for The Buhrman family! It has been our absolute pleasure to watch him grow this year as well as develop a true friendship with Rick and Chelsea.

If you would like to read more about Theo and his journey, Chelsea's blog can be found here! This momma is an inspiration, a true warrior, as well as an incredibly gifted writer.

Happy First Birthday, Theo! You are such a ray of sunshine, truly God's gift to this earth.

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"Sometimes, real superheros live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles." - Unknown

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