Raiya is ONE

 

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t find myself grateful to be a “Chick.” This spectacular group of ladies are the definition of friendship in every way. As I continue this blog, you will notice a growing trend; the Chicks, their babies, and their infinitely patient husbands.

What began as a monthly dinner with a group of ten women, with little more in common than the fondness for each other’s company, has turned into something much greater. These Chicks are an important and valued part of my everyday life, whether it be witty banter via text or Facebook, a call out for parental advice, or a running partner.

As luck would have it, Janice (the mother of the lovely Raiya) happens to be one of the Chicks. If I were to give you the Coles Notes version of Janice, it would be this: Janice is supportive, thoughtful, strong, beautiful, generous, and one of my greatest parenting aspirations. She has really great kids, and manages to make this parenting gig look effortless!

Two years ago, the stars seemingly aligned just for me, as I happened to be embarking on the early stages of my photography business just as Janice became pregnant with her second child. I feel so fortunate to have been able to help capture a few of Raiya’s first year milestones. A sleepy newborn, a baby’s first Christmas and now a first birthday. She is pure beauty, through and through.

As anyone who has hosted a birthday in April knows, the weather can be tricky when it comes to party planning. This is also the case when trying to plan and schedule an outdoor photo session. Fortunately for us, there was a reprieve in our April showers just long enough to venture outside and capture some beautiful shots of Raiya. We headed down to one of my favorite locations, Wiliams Park. A little mud didn’t stop us. We had a great time, and this little beauty proved to be a dream model through costume changes and chilly toes – she didn’t even bat an eye. My trusty duck (a go-to for eliciting hearty laughs and gleeful smiles in the most reluctant subjects) didn’t even need to make an appearance! Today, my job was too easy.

I have loved watching this little one grow through the lens of my camera, and I want to wish this beautiful, smiley, happy little girl the best birthday. Raiya, you are LOVED more then you know!