I have a very sweet friend named
Jocelyn. She and I met in our college group at church when I was
living at the Indiana University of PA, and we stayed good friends
through all my college years. I loved her quirky style, sense of
humor, crazy stories, and Christlike encouragement. Even though I
graduated, moved four hours away, got married, and had two kids since
those days, I still consider Jocelyn a very dear friend of mine, and
relish the visits we get to have with each other (about twice a year,
when I get to visit my college town). This time, however, our visit
was extra special. Because Miss Jocelyn has a special new person in
her life, her heart, and her home.
Meet Baby Evie.
Evangeline Vega. Isn't that name
lovely? It is romantic and poignant and full of joy. Evangeline is
the new source of joy in her mommy and daddy's lives. They are so
taken with her. And rightfully so!
When I went to visit with Evie and her
parents, I did not plan on taking lots of photos. I even left my
camera in the car! I was carrying muffins and coffee and ready to
hear a birth story from a new warrior mama. Photos were something I
could do if the opportunity arose, but were no big deal.And then I met that face. OH my
goodness. I had to hold her and kiss her and love on her. And I HAD
to take her pictures.
Let's pause a second. Here is a crazy
coincidence. Evie's Aunt, Lydia Jane, is one of my favorite
photographers ever. She
basically inspired my love of photography after I attended a wedding
she photographed five years ago, and since became addicted to
photography blogs. And back then, at that wedding, Jocelyn and her
husband (who is Lydia's brother) did not even KNOW each other, though
they were both there. And now, I got to photograph their baby. And
while it was maybe a tiny bit intimidating in my own silly head to be
photographing a family member of one of my photography inspirations,
I am so so grateful!
So here is the
other crazy thing; this VERY mini photoshoot was actually very rushed
and random, because the little Hartnett family was getting ready for
their first road trip! So I declared a lifestyle session during
bathtime. Because little four week old babies in the bath are oh so
cute.
Mama and daddy's
voice could calm her so well!
Her little expressions and sounds were so endearing!
And then after
bathtime, I volunteered to “babysit” while Joce and Mike were
getting packed and ready And by babysit I mean “let me pose your
sleeping child like a rag doll in the center of an ottoman and take
photos of her in every angle.” I mean, isn't that what everyone
means when they babysit?
I mean, could you
resist this face?
I am sad I did not
get to grab photos of Evie and her wonderful daddy, but I LOVED
watching my sweet sweet friend love on her baby girl.
Oh Jocelyn. You
are going to be an AMAZING mother. You already are! You are going
to be such an example of Christ's love to your daughter. You are
going to teach her grace and mercy. She is going to be beautiful,
just like you. And I am sure she will be a little quirky and goofy
and funny. And maybe she will like to learn about rocks. Because
Jocelyn likes to learn about rocks. And I know you have the best
partner in Mike. What a wonderful and loving father!!
Welcome to our
lives, Baby Evie. I love you so much! And well done, mommy and daddy Hartnett! You are wonderful parents!
