maternity session

I first met Jessie when she was 16. We were in my now mother-in-law’s kitchen, and she had a black and white tea length skirt on and I told her I loved her because she looked like Audrey Hepburn!

It’s hard to believe the spunky, slightly rebellious teenager I remember driving me around when she first got her license is now p r e g n a n t. But then of course that seems like a lifetime ago, and it’s only when I think back to our early Starbucks dates on my visits to town that I realize how much our lives have changed. But then I think about our topics of conversation then and now and honestly not a whole lot has changed at all!

For as much as we’re different, Jessie forever has my heart. Out of allllllll of my in-laws, she’s the first I really connected with. I feel like she was the first to see me as more than Nate’s girlfriend, and the first time Nate had to leave me in the NICU with Oliver to shoot a wedding, she was the one I called to be by my side. She’s truly my little sister.

And sometime very, very soon, I’ll have a new favorite relative: My newest niece!!!! I’ve always been that crazy aunt who loves her nieces and nephews too much, but this time is extra special… Baby C will only be a 3.5 hour drive away. Which means I get to see her all the time, and she and Oliver will be raised as best friend cousins which is truly my dream for my only child son! Get ready Baby C. Adventure is out there and Ollie can’t wait to show you everything! :)

Nate took these photos in maybe 30 minutes at a nearby park in Fort Lauderdale and I’m completely obsessed with them. I mean… Can we please talk about how my sister is a fairy garden goddess pregnant woman?!

(And for those of you wondering, this stunning dress is from Forever 21. I know. I sneakily bought it for Jess when we shot a maternity session last year and our mama was wearing the same one- It screamed Jessie! I haven’t seen it online since but this just goes to show you can find great maternity dresses anywhere. Look for long and flowy!)