Everybody knows there’s something about little girls — the sugar and spice and all that sweetness from the nursery rhyme. But do we really believe that little girls are born so perfectly girly? No, not always. It’s up to Mom to pass on the love for all things frilly and feminine. Elizabeth has done it to a tee with her first daughter. Now Dei is ready to teach her soon-to-arrive little sister Sonnette that pink — the color that bedecks their bedroom — is the very bestest. But if Sonnette’s favorite color isn’t pink, Dei is willing to settle for purple.
A few weeks before Sonnette was set to make her debut, we decided to give her a head start in the girly department, with a little help from Mom and Dei. And Dad! I love family lifestyle portrait sessions, which give us the opportunity to capture a slice of (oh-so-pretty) everyday life (albeit dressed up with pearls). Lifestyle portraits are even more exciting when we know these are probably the last pictures the family will have before welcoming the newest member — the last pictures of Sonnette before her family can hold her in their arms.
Stephen and Elizabeth and Dei, you are going to be such a wonderful family for Sonnette. This little baby has no idea what love and joy and tea parties await her!
I love this first picture so much! It sums up everything I want to see in a family photo: Spontaneous natural emotion, a real moment, a peek into the family’s personality.
And this family doesn’t overlook the details. Dei got a last-minute pedicure from her Aunt Tiffany, who also provided the to-die-for tea set — one from a collection she’s pieced together since her childhood.
Believe me, Dei and her parents weren’t the only ones enjoying their tea party. I jumped right in, all pink-ified, and had a blast shooting– and I about collapsed when I looked at the LCD screen on my camera and saw the shot I was taking in the picture above. Elizabeth and Stephen, your daughter is so precious.
That afternoon was such a cuteness overload! Thanks to the wonderful Hensons for the kid-sized table and chairs, and thank you to whoever donated the 22 karat gold vase to my church’s rummage sale! It was the perfect touch with the gold-accented tea set.
Dei loved the tulips and kept telling us they smelled nice, which means Dei’s nose either works much better than mine, or much worse. But if there’s one thing this two-year-old knows, it’s how to rock her wardrobe! From that chic headband to her ruffled cardigan to the tulle skirt Elizabeth made for Dei’s first Halloween (when Dei was Little Bow Peep, complete with a staff — and two parents dressed as sheep), she was quite the stylish toddler. Elizabeth, I will definitely be coming to you for pointers on dressing my children when I become a mother. In the meantime, I might start asking Dei for tips on how to dress myself.
Like mother, like daughter.
I love this next picture!
Dei loved that painted mirror — another find at my church’s rummage sale. Some day, that mirror will decorate my own daughter’s bedroom.
Another thing Dei loved that I brought with me for our photo shoot: Sidewalk chalk!
Oh I love children — and photographing them. When I photograph children, I try to recreate the way I felt as a child so I can capture those feelings exactly: The fun, the silliness, the joy and freedom of worrying over nothing more serious than whether your entire stuffed animal collection will fit into bed with you. (Yes, I’m speaking from experience here.)
And then there’s the feeling of outgrowing the title of “baby” and becoming “big sister.” I can’t say I actually remember that when it happened to me, and I doubt that Dei will remember it clearly either. But she can’t wait for it.
Elizabeth, I have never seen anyone look more beautiful at nine months pregnant. For that matter, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone look more beautiful when they’re not pregnant, either.
Seriously, I want to frame this girl on my own wall!
And her whole family.
I met Elizabeth in college, when we had a class together and would sometimes go kill time in the nearby cafeteria afterward. We would talk about our boyfriends over a plate of greasy fries. Now we’ve both married those boyfriends, and those husbands finally met on the afternoon when we had this shoot. What a reminder of how blessed we truly are.
Elizabeth and Stephen will be adding to their blessings this weekend, when Sonnette is supposed to enter the world. Her whole family is waiting for her — but as they wait, they’re praying for a safe delivery, and they’re praying for Sonnette’s cousin, a dear little baby whose mother is Elizabeth’s older sister. I’d like to ask you to join in praying for this baby, whose life has begun with some struggles and who is in a NICU right now with fluid on her lungs. Please ask God to let that precious baby’s family be able to take her home soon, healthy and happy, and ready to welcome her new cousin Sonnette!
Take a look at Elizabeth, Stephen, and Dei’s slideshow. I can’t wait until the next one, which will feature Sonnette herself!
(I recommend you view the slide show in HD by clicking the little “HD” button at the top of the screen–after you press play– for best quality.)
Note: I only use minor’s names with parental consent.
~ Laura