life

Have you ever seen someone's life change? I mean, literally with your own eyes the second it changed? I can proudly say I have and that it changed me a little too.

Last Monday night, I was there, camera in hand, waiting for my sister and her husband (Kristin & Jem) to have their baby. I was there to witness quietly my sister prove her strength, mostly to herself since everyone else knew she could do it. I was there watching the fetal monitors. And while I knew Kristin and Jem were starting to worry about their little one who was quite stubborn, I was completely trusting and confident there would, in the end, be nothing to worry about. I was there for some scary parts, and was witness to the love and support between them that filled the room (and take it from me, that room was HUGE) and made everyone's hearts fill with joy. I was there to click away, capturing the very first seconds of my NEICE's life. To run over to her and take some photos to bring over to my sister, who wasn't able to hold her for a while. To show her that she was indeed perfection. To document that incredible moment when finally Caroline Quinn was placed in her mamma's arms after many years of waiting. I wish my photos could have captured the sound in the room. The sound of Caroline's crying that stopped seconds after feeling her mamma's heartbeat and hearing her voice. I was there to see the love actually overflow out of the new parents and onto their strong little girl. I really think I saw it. I saw Jem's heart melt as his eyes went back and forth between his amazing wife and his brand new love. His feeling of bliss knowing he was blessed with his girls.

My big sister, who has taught me so much. Who has always been there for me. I am so proud of her. And so incredibly lucky to have been there to document the day for them. It was almost a week ago, and I have been trying to figure out the words that could describe the feeling of being the fly on the wall when the most amazing thing in the world happened to them. And I realize words can not do it justice. But hopefully paired with some of these images, you can begin to imagine. And you can see for yourself the love and joy Caroline brought them, and the love and joy they have for her.

I love you Kristin, Jem, Caroline, Max and Savannah. 

Party with a BFF

Last weekend Sam and I went to hang with some BFF's. I got to hang with Rach (and Russ of course) and Sam got to hang with Royce. It's funny how different they are. But at the same time, pretty accurate since Rach and I are quite different - at least in some obvious ways.

They had such a good time playing with each other - and not playing with each other. I know one day they will completely make a pact to never ever speak of some of these photos. But here they are anyway. Mwahhhahha.

Bath time came. Sam was less than excited about sharing tub-time.

He eventually gave in but didn't break a smile the entire time.

Royce is a bit of an exhibitionist. 

during the heat wave

Sam loves going outside. And he's pretty clear when he wants to go out. Kind of like a puppy learning to potty train. Now if it were ok to teach Sam to pee outside every time we go we would be halfway out of diapers!

He will come to you and give his noise to get your attention, grab your finger, and lead you to the door. He will point to his sunglasses and tell you in his own language he wants to go out. Sometimes when he is feeling lazier, he will lead you to the stroller (which is basically a piece of furniture in your narrow rowhome) and shake the stroller wanting to climb in.

This week, it was too freaking hot. I am not someone who likes struggling to breathe while hot, stuffy air forces itself into my lungs. Gross. So I tried everything to get Sam to stay inside.

One day, for a whole 15 minutes, which is an eternity in toddler-time, Sam balanced 1/2 an egg on his head. That was some serious entertainment. The funny thing is, he really liked it. he would get big eyes and try not to move. Then he would get confident and start to dance while balancing it. I told you I tried everything.

Another day, I busted out my favorite $1 bin at Target purchase - sidewalk chalk. I'm not quite thrilled with him playing with it at the front of the house since Charles Street is such a busy street day and night, so we went out back to our luxuriously fancy patio (aka busted up concrete slab) and started creating. I think I had more fun than he did, and it lasted maybe 4 minutes.

Needless to say, both days I was lead to the stroller, instructed to put Sam's sunglasses on him, and go for a walk outside.

He certainly is a bossypants.

and I love it.