Sweet Salem just turned one year old! It really flew by–it felt like yesterday that I was in Pinetop shooting Chelsea and Tim’s wedding, let alone getting my maternity photos done. It’s strange how being busy makes time fly, especially when you’re not a kid. The world likes to tell you that time flies when you’re having fun, but it feels like it flies when you’re busy at all.
I remember Salem used to be the size of a pineapple. Now she’s the size of a line-backer! Can you sign infants up for football? (I might have to, oh my gosh.) It’s really cute, though: Salem adores her brother. She practically gravitates toward him. They spend a lot of time together.
You know how kids make up little games to entertain themselves? Salem and her brother is just playing in the closet, opening and shutting the doors. It’s like hide and go seek, but without the actual “go” part, which is kind of funny when you think about it. Kids are such a strange delight.
Some more fun facts about Salem: she doesn’t like eggs, but she loves raspberries. I’m glad she loves fruit–it’ll make keeping her healthy way easier! She even makes little ‘yummy!’ noises when she eats.
One thing that’s interesting is that Salem uses juuuust her pointer finger to feel and touch. You can see it in this photo: her tiny finger is in the frosting! I know children like to point and touch and feel, but seeing the little things that make each kid different is a lot of fun. (I used to hate touching things, apparently. Then my dad smooshed my hand in cake and I started crying. What even are kids? -editor)
You know how I said Salem loves her brother? It’s really cute to see siblings love each other, since the stereotype is that there’s a sibling rivalry. Salem was restless during the photos, even! All because she wanted to go play with her brother on the swings. More than because I’ll have a built-in babysitter as they grow up, more than making it easier on my own life, I’m happy that Salem and her brother are as close as they are because it means they’ll have a lifelong friend. We all need a group of people to support us. Not every family provides that, for better or worse, so seeing it develop so naturally in my family makes me a little misty-eyed. (I won’t cry, I won’t cry, I won’t cry. I’m just happy, I promise.)
A lot of this work revolves around the couples that Jo and I photograph. I wouldn’t have it any other way: getting to know people, to really hear their stories and see how romance evolves for someone that isn’t me, is nothing short of pleasure. At the same time, I want to share myself with all of you guys. Without you, we wouldn’t be here, but something tells me you want to get a sense of who Jo and I are, too. After all, we’re going to be working with you for what might be the biggest moment in your lives, or at least one of the most important.
Thanks for being there, readers. I appreciate it.
And Salem? If you read this when you grow up? (Heck, I might even make you read it myself. Oops.) I just want you to know I love you. You’re the sweet daughter I didn’t realize I wanted. You’ve fit into our little family seamlessly, and I’m so, so glad you came about.
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