It was the first supremely warm day of spring. Grayish melting mountains of snow revealed blades of fall grass. There was happy chatter along the street–voices effortlessly rising through the leafless neighborhood. Surely those crazy college kids on campus were in flip-flops. And yet through the double doors, life with a sleeping newborn and toddler was securely and serenely insulated.
Fritz was just beginning to arch and stretch, fooling us to thinking he was ready to wake. Louis was dreaming in his crib. The house exhaled into the sweet silence. Warm rays started to stream in at an angle later in the day, reminding us the dark days of winter solstice were behind us. Emily and I moved from light-filled room to light-filled room with a happy and now hungry Fritz. Louis woke all bleary-eyed from his nap, while Andy prepared his afternoon snack. Maizey looked on, waiting for a treat to fly her way. All so perfectly ordinary.
We padded around their cheery space, reaching the boys’ bedrooms for snuggles and stories. There, we had some rocking, some swaying, a diaper change, a re-swaddle–all to the melodious notes of Dr. Suess and Spot. And then to an outdoor living space–a screened porch so large that it feels as though the house footprint has doubled. The lovely sixty-eight degree afternoon allowed them to swing and play and read on a cushy sofa this mid-March day. Neighbor kiddos sweetly peeked in to say hello as the first-gorgeous-evening-of-the-year ‘hood comes alive. Skateboarding, scootering, joyful parents hanging on porches, winter coats shed. The best.
We headed out on a walk to the park–Louis munched on homemade chocolate chip cookies in his red wagon, took in the busy sights of a bustling neighborhood. Fritz snuggled in the stroller. Maizey was in step with her whole crew.
In documenting, I gravitate to all the beautifully ordinary events of those first few days at home: feeding, changing, pacing, holding, sleeping. Being real. Because real is perfect. It is such an honor to witness those quiet/noisy, sleepy/sleepless, fumbling/calm first days at home, and that gift is never lost on me.*
If you are expecting a little one (congrats!) and are interested in an at-home documentary session, please contact me. I’d love to give you the gift of an ordinary day in the life of your new bundle.
xo, Jen
Beautifully Ordinary is a trademark of Jen Lucas Photography, LLC.