I know these are a little late, since I’ve already posted the birth and day 2 & 3. I’m just getting my film scans in, so there are many more on the way, including Genevieve’s first studio session at one week old.

On Day 3 you were cleared to go home around lunch time. Your Mom and Dad dressed you in the same outfit your Meme and I wore home from the hospital. Your great-great grandmother made it just for Meme. Nono had to go home to work, but he’ll be back very soon to see you. When you got home, Milo was excited to meet you, he licked your feet. Gigi got the house ready for you and started dinner while Meme and Papa helped load and unload the car to get you settled. I took photos of your nursery. Mommy, Daddy, Milo and you rested on the couch. Life was off to a great start and everyone was happy to have you home!

Day 3:

Watching your best friend and your younger brother become parents in the same day… life just does not get better than that. Watching Amanda and Brent with her has been so much fun. Seeing them create their own little family is so great. They are already so full of love for her and I know they are going to be the best parents a girl could ask for!

Genevieve,

With all of the many births I’ve documented yours and Gavin’s brought the biggest change to my life and the best feeling to my soul. Tears streamed down my face when I heard you cry and first laid eyes on you, then again when your Dad held you for the first time, once more when he placed you on your Mom’s chest. I still find myself staring at you ,or thinking about you, and suddenly realize I’m crying once more. You could not be more perfect!

I remember so many of the conversations and moments on the first day you were born. Your dad was so excited to see you. He didn’t leave your side when you arrived. You held his finger in your hands and you grasped so tightly. You responded to his voice when he bent over your bassinets to tell you hello. He held you so tightly and stared at you for hours on end. One of my favorite moments was when he set down to rock you amidst the chaos of a recovery room and it was like you and him were the only ones in the whole world for that moment.

Your Mom said, “Wow. She’s awesome” the second she saw you, followed by big crocodile tears. When she holds you she makes gentle strokes with the back of her finger across your soft sweet skin and the tears flow so easily, “happy tears” she says, “these are happy tears” as she soaks in your sweet little, innocent face and all 20 inches of you. She holds you tight and stares at you like she can’t believe you are finally here, safe, sound and perfect. She stated the other day that she would rather wait to eat than make you wait to eat. Already considering you before herself. The first time she said the word “daughter” once again those happy tears ran down her cheek because you are hers and she is yours.

Your parents are both so attentive to your every need. Neither of them complain about your endless diaper changes, late night feedings, or their lack of sleep. They are so happy! I heard them talking yesterday about how much fun it would be to watch you grow up, to see what you decided to do, what you like, to hear you talk. I know they don’t want these sweet days to pass by quickly but it’s nice to hear them dreaming of their life with you in it and making big plans for you.

You get held quite a bit. One of my favorite photos from your first day is of your grandparents gathering around to see you for the first time. Your grandparents were so excited they squealed when I headed out to the waiting room to announce your arrival. No one can seem to get enough of you. You are a blessed child Genevieve. Your Papa says he’ll have to see you every day for the first 100 days of your life, it’s his personal goal. Your Nono almost had his heart ripped out when he had to leave you on day 3 to head home, he requests photos daily, we oblige! Your Meme is giddy with excitement, she loves to unwrap you and see your tiny little hands and toes. Your Gigi hasn’t wiped that smile off her face since the moment you arrived, she loves to hold you and always makes sure you stay warm in your swaddle.

On day 2 you met Seth, Dana and Gavin through FaceTime on your Daddy’s iPad. This was one of my favorite moments (photos coming soon). Gavin said you were, “so sweet”, then he sang you a song, Hush Little Baby was his choice. He asked, “How do babies come out?” to which the answer was, “magic”.  He quickly figured out he could see you sooner if we put you on a plane and asked if we could. Your Aunt Ashley met you tonight over Skype and she grinned like a cheshire cat the entire time, giggling at your sweet little noises and your little expressions.  Aunt Heather can’t wait to meet you too!

You have been born into a family that has all of the love and support you will ever need. Your mom told you on the first day that, “you don’t have to be the best or the smartest but you’ll be the most loved.” It’s true, we accept you as you are and we love you unconditionally. You are life, C’est la Vie!

Here is a little peek at your first day of life. I hope that one day you will look at these and feel the love in these photos that we felt for you on this day. I love you baby girl!

Love, Your Aunt Millie

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” -Psalm 139:13-14

Ashley & Gabe, it was so fun getting to know the two of you and chatting about life for hours. You both have the sweetest spirit, perhaps this is why we were granted such gorgeous light and the perfect closing shot of the Henrietta taking an evening cruise on the river to close out the last roll!

We incorporated a few things in their engagement session that make them unique as a couple.  Their first date was at a bowling alley in the area, so we thought we’d start there for a few photos.  And the comic book idea came from Daniel’s love of superheroes and spending countless hours at the comic book store.  Enjoy!

Three ways this sweet couple made my day sunnier:
1.  Daniel looks at Courtney like she’s the only person in the room, even in a crowded place.  Ahhh, love.
2.  I learned about your vampire books obsession and knew we would get along.
3.  Courtney walked through that beautiful field in high heels.  Go girl!

It was inspiring to spend time with people who have their priorities in line.  Time with family is so important and I think we would all be a little happier if we took the time for each other that these sisters do.

Ladies, thank you so much for making me feel welcome!  I had a wonderful time with all of you!

Ashlee and Scott, Thinking back on your wedding day some of my favorite moments were seeing how much family means to the two of you, watching you cuddled during the trolley ride, and ending your wedding day with fireworks on the rooftop, life does not get much better! Although we were neighbors who had never met prior to your engagement, I hope we can keep in touch for a lifetime!

Event Design and Florals: Salt Harbor Designs
Event Coordinator: Jane Roberson
First Sight Venue: The Atrium
Ceremony Venue: Grace United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: Saint Thomas Preservation Hall
Lighting: High Performance Lighting
Catering: A Southern Thyme
Alchohol: Lighthouse Beer & Wine
Cupcakes: Coastal Cupcakes
Band: Yacht Rock Review
Rentals: Party Suppliers and Rentals
 

Courtney, you made this session so special by bringing your playful dog (Rucca), the stuffed bunny your mom made, and the beautiful quilt you made while Juliet was still in your belly.  I remember you working on that quilt many times while we were staying overnight on location; I know Juliet will cherish this quilt with as much love as you put into it.