Dear Brooks
Your parents asked me to join you for your first birthday party, and am I ever glad they did.
You were surrounded by family and friends-so-close-that-they-might-as-well-be-family. They laughed with you, took photos with you, enjoyed one another’s company, and reminded me about every reason I have to love my job. You showed off your tricks – like your love for food, your ability to subtly spit out the foods that aren’t to your taste and your habit of putting your feet up on your tray after a good meal.
Cruz was super excited about your party and having so many friends to play with that he did almost as much socialising as you did. When it was time for cake, he was right there by your side – curled around both of your sides, actually. I think you have the kind of relationship that every parent hopes for their little boy and his dog. You’re so gentle with each other! You shared your cupcake with him and he helped lick up your mess before it was time for presents.
Your grandparents were smiling the WHOLE day and could barely take their eyes off of you. I could see that they took pride in buying you thoughtful presents that will help you develop your curiosity (and so did the rest of your family) and loved watching them pass you around for cuddles before they each left for home.
Mom and Dad put a lot of thought into your party. They put water toys out so that you and your friends wouldn’t get too hot; your mom made delicious cakes for everyone and hung photos of you with your parents; your dad barbecued like a boss and made sure everyone was fed and watered (and made sure your cousin was a little more watered than everyone else ;) ). It’s so easy to see how much joy you bring to their lives – their faces lit up every time they looked at you. You make their days brighter and their hearts warmer, just by being the loving little man that you are.
I would’ve loved to stick around to enjoy some of your dad’s famous electric lemonade because it looked pretty tasty, but the time came for me to head home to my own family, so I had to say my farewells. It’s been quite the year for you and I’m grateful that I’ve been there to share a few parts of it with you!
Brooksy, you are so loved! Here’s how I know:
I’m Ang. I’m a Cornwall, Ontario-based photographer offering maternity, child and family portraiture throughout the Ottawa region and further afield. Visual storytelling is what I do best; weddings and documentary family sessions are available worldwide. Laughter is important in my life and in my work, so my clients experience informal, interesting shoots that make them feel loved and full of life. Please explore more of Moment.us Photography‘s site to see more examples of my take on storytelling family photography, whether it’s Cornwall family photography, a Winchester Hospital birth, or Saturday morning family photos at home.
