It was an overcast afternoon, and the wind was gusty with the threat of the incoming storms from Hurricane Florence. As I walked up the steps to the front door, the excitement of what was behind it began to build, and thoughts of the incoming storm began to diminish. I knocked on the door. After a few moments, a familiar face greeted me with a smile, and I was ushered into a warm, welcoming home. We made our way toward the sun room. There on the couch, enveloped in the soft glow of a cloudy afternoon, sat the new big sister. She was a picture of serenity and sweetness, her adoring gaze focused lovingly on the tiny bundle in her arms. She looked like a natural as she sat there snuggling her new baby sister, and you could just feel the love coming from her.
This, I thought. This is the beginning of a beautiful, wonderful sisterhood.
I must confess that my heart goes pitter-patter every time I get an inquiry for a session, but I am always extra excited when I get one from a repeat client! Ruthie and I took a fitness class together two years ago, and I was privileged to photographer her daughter’s fourth birthday party at Chapin Christian Gymnastics! Last Monday morning, I received an email from her sharing the joyful news that they had just adopted a baby girl and asking if I was available to take some photos for them of their sweet baby girl and her big sister! Newborn sessions are some of my absolute favorites, and it was an easy yes!
It was so wonderful to get to catch up with Ruthie, too! She shared with me that they have been waiting to adopt—both “patiently and impatiently”—for over four years! I was so humbled to be welcomed into their home during this special time, and to get to witness their older daughter stepping into her new role of big sister. She is about the same age I was when my brother was born, and I kept catching glimpses of myself during our session: The proud big sister. The helper. The doting second mama. I can already tell that these two are going to have an extra special bond!
Ruthie, thank you so much for welcoming me into your home to capture this wonderful, joyful season for your family and that sweet sister bond between your two beautiful girls! Your new addition is absolutely perfect, and I am so, so thrilled for your family! I can’t wait to watch as your girls grow together over the coming years!
