A Farmhouse Newborn Session | Baby Naomi | Farmville, VA
Kendra and I have been friends for much of our lives. Growing up we were both dancers, enrolled in as many classes as possible, and she was my best dance mate. The one year that I danced competitively (not my cup of tea), she was my saving grace and rooming with her was my favorite part of the weekend long competitions. While we attended separate high schools, I reflect on those years with many heart-warming memories of all the time spent with Kendra—including a day long binge-fest of the original Grey’s Anatomys while enjoying quesadillas.
I cried when Kendra’s husband Jake called to tell me that their first daughter, Lyla, had been born and that we shared birthdays. I cried in celebration when their son Asher was born after a triumphant VBAC. After Kendra and Jake’s third child Isabelle was born peacefully at home, they graciously invited me, a then-new photographer, into their beautiful country farmhouse to document their baby. And this past December, they once again had me come photograph their beautiful, hilarious family and their newest treasure: newborn Naomi.
Photographing their family was delightful! Each child has their own unique form of spunk and they kept me smiling with their antics and childhood charm. Kendra radiated sunshine as she absorbed the newness of her baby, while Jake provided the perfect balance of structure and fun.
For part of our session baby Naomi was cozily draped in a hand-knitted blanket that Kendra’s 97 year old great grandmother had started for her great grandchild. While dementia prevented the blanket from being finished, the gift remains beautiful and adored—a sweet detail woven into their photographs.
Somewhere between the births of babies #2 and #3, momming and physical distance contributed to Kendra and I largely falling out of touch. Being remembered and thought of to take such important photographs felt extra special and my heart grew happy reconnecting with an old friend and seeing her shine in all her mothering glory.
