I had the pleasure of spending the evening with my nephew and meeting the newest addition to their family, little Ellie. I was there to meet the baby, of course, but I was completely entertained by Emma, who has already stepped very seriously into her role as best big sister.
Toddlers are usually interested in my camera. They want to know what it is doing, whether we are almost finished, and, most importantly, whether snacks are involved. They are rarely all that interested in me. That has changed a little over the last few years.
And Emma? She just wanted to hang out with me all night. Honestly, it made my whole evening. She showed me every toy, every trick, and every important toddler detail while Ellie was fed, soothed, rocked, cuddled, and lovingly convinced that sleep might be a good idea. Ellie disagreed.
She had absolutely no interest in sleeping. She wanted to know what was happening at all times, which felt fair considering there was a small production happening around her with cameras, lights, and several adults hoping she might eventually close her eyes. But somewhere between the toddler tours, the baby snuggles, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with bringing home someone brand new, we captured this sweet season exactly as it is.
A curious new baby. A proud big sister. Tired parents soaking it all in. A home adjusting to its newest little person.
That is always my favorite part. Not making life look perfectly quiet or polished, but preserving what it actually felt like while everyone was still finding their way together.
