What does it feel like to be the first born- an only child until you’re a toddler, so used to having all your parents attention- and then you get a sibling?

Being the middle child, I never gave much thought to it. I didn’t know what it was like to not share my parent’s attention, my sister’s clothes, toys, even a bedroom. And I never thought to ask my two and a half year older sister what life was like before I arrived. I wish I could go back and ask her what shifted when I came into the picture, and into her life? What emotional, mental, and even physical adjustments did she have to make on my behalf?

I think about that a lot now when I’m photographing newborn’s in a family that has a child already. Rebecca and Gavin, the parents from this Victoria BC Family Photography session are a wonder to watch. They didn’t blink for a second in making sure Jane, the firs born, felt totally loved, all while being completely attentive to little baby Gabe’s needs as well.

Before getting pregnant myself, I never would have thought how much my clients from these family photo sessions would become inspiration to me on my own journey into parenthood. And I’m especially lucky with this particular family because I get to see them somewhat regularly. I get to see how their family has grown- how everyone has adjusted, and it’s admirable. I first photographed Becca and Gavin’s Hornby Island wedding, and then I photographed Becca’s maternity session when pregnant with Jane, Jane as a newborn, a family shoot when Becca was pregnant with Gabe, and then Gabe as a newborn! I am seriously blessed.

Thank you so much to the Mather family for continuously inviting me into your precious familial space.