At Home with Baby Franki

Look at this beautiful boy. Francesco joined his mama, papa and big sister less than two weeks before I got snuggle him and take some photographs of him at home, in his happy place. He has such a big story for such a tiny sweet human. Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, he is missing the entire roof of his mouth - his palate. As well, his top lip is bilaterally split; that is, his cleft is on both sides of his upper lip. This brave boy is going through the initial stages of preparation for his first surgery that will be done to correct his cleft lip. His palate surgery will come a little later, at approximately 9 months old. Simone and Mike shared a bit about this experience and the fierce love that they have for their son with me. 'When doctors confirmed that Franki had a bilateral cleft lip and palate, it seemed as though the walls were closing in on us. In truth, however, once he was born and in our arms, we quickly realized that our world had exploded open and bravery, strength and love were redefined for all of us through him. Francesco's journey is our journey. We will teach him that nothing is impossible. Our little lion cub will overcome.' He most certainly will. Surrounded by a sea of love, this baby boy can do anything.