Our Family Photos 2018

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Because every picture tells a story…

A few weeks ago we had our family photos taken. Harbor was brand new. I was exhausted and emotional. Nursing was hard. Recovering from having a baby was hard. And introducing a new little one into our already chaotic world was hard.

I knew Cooper wouldn’t touch his new brother or most likely sit with us for a photo but…I hoped anyways. I wanted pictures of my family.

So, we tried. And here is what we got. I’m in love.

As I look at these photos, I have to say that each of these boys has changed my life in a monumental way.

Cooper is my first born, my baby, my love. He made me a mama. He taught me about love and patience and joy and struggles.

He is an absolute joy. An absolute joy that pushes me to the brink of exhaustion and makes me laugh in the same moments.

Some days I think my heart is going to burst because I love him so much. I have vowed to myself that Cooper will never know hard times. He will never struggle. He will be treasured for his whole entire life.

Sawyer saved me. And I mean that in every essence of the word.

Sawyer brought me out of my autism haze and back to reality. He has given me every single special moment that a mom should have. He is wild, funny, sweet and wicked smart.

He exhausts me daily with his energy and ability to negotiate anything and everything. He is honestly the coolest kid I know. And hands down the best brother in the whole world.

And then there is Harbor. My newest little one. People have told me that I shouldn’t have had him. That it was careless. That I should focus on my other two children.

Harbor is the biggest blessing that I have ever received. He has brought so much joy into our lives. Sawyer is obsessed with him and Cooper is definitely smitten. He may not show it in a traditional way but every single day he has a photo of him in his treasures.

I am so in love with this baby. Something I worried about before he was born. How could I love three kids as much as I love two. How could I have enough time, energy or patience? How would he fit into our complicated little world.

Well, he’s the most perfect addition.

When we have each other we have everything…

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero…

Because I have a brother, I will always have a friend…

You have a place in my heart no one could ever have…

Such a big miracle in such a little boy…

For all the things my hands have held the best by far is you…

So this is the miracle I’ve been dreaming of…

These photos were taken by the amazingly talented Tiffany Lynn Photography. If you live in the Twin Cities area I highly recommend reaching out to her for photos. She did such a wonderful job. You can also follow her on Facebook.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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8 Comments

  1. Cynthia Taylor on December 13, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing your family adventures with me. I am a Mother of two Typical boys, and Grandmother to 5 Typical little girls and 1 boy. I realize how very blessed I am, but have always been involved with recreational programs for non nurotypical young adults since my 20s. As a volunteer. I live in NJ. Those programs were available in the 80s -through around 2012, but are not easy to find. And internet was not even available during the earlier years. Somehow people found me. I do read everything that pops up from Finding Coopers Voice, and you are educating me so much. Myself, and my sons and their children were able to also to be involved in volunteering, My sons from their early teens. They are now 47 and 43. They grew up to be very kind young men who understood about people with differently able people.(I personally don’t use the word disability,because every one is able to do something, sometimes just differently.. Injust wanted you to know I care!



  2. Janet on December 13, 2018 at 5:07 pm

    Absolutely perfect?



  3. Christine Connor on December 13, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    My mother told me when I was having my children and the same fear, how could you possibly love another baby when you love the first one so much. She told me it’s simple, you just grow another heart and that’s how we are able to love each child. Your family is beautiful.



  4. Maureen on December 13, 2018 at 5:44 pm

    You did it Swenson’s. Wonderful family photos, what wonderful boys and beautiful parents.?????



  5. Laurie Bonta on December 13, 2018 at 8:21 pm

    Just a quick suggestion on his destruction of his favorite things. Maybe invest in a laminator that used thick plastic. Lament his special things and he can’t ruin them.
    Or make several copies of his favs!!!



  6. Jacqueline on December 13, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    I just wanted to tell you you are a wonderful mother, I am a grandmother of an no verbal grandson, PJ who will turn 7 yrs old this February. He is the most loving child I wish I could help him like you do with Copper. Your family is beautiful. Merry Christmas!



    • Stephany on December 14, 2018 at 12:13 am

      Kate, these little people you are sharing with us are beautiful. Cooper… what can I say about Cooper that you don’t already know? For being non verbal he makes himself understood loud and proud. My forever friend has a non verbal son and I recommended you to her. He has two typical sisters and each of their relationships are different with him… the love is strong and as triplettes they keep Mom and Dad on their heels and toes. I am enjoying your story. Thank you for exposing your family to strangers eyes and teaching us that for every struggle there are three triumphs. Keep up the terrific work and don’t allow anyone to make you doubt yourself.



  7. Jan on December 15, 2018 at 10:13 pm

    Hi Kate,
    Your family is wonderful! I’d never noticed Sawyer’s dimples before..how could you ever say no when he smiles? My favorite is the one with all three boys together. How treasured they are shows on their faces and in their eyes. Having a third child was a brilliant decision..nay sayers have no business in your world. I applaud you every single day. Today is Saturday and I’m wondering how the “dreaded weekend” is going. You can do this. Happy Holidays and thank you so much for sharing your lives. It’s important work that you are doing.
    Jan (an old gma of 6, mother of 2)