So many of us have been anxiously, eagerly awaiting Suvi James’ arrival, none more so than her glowing parents. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the wondrous presence of a 2-week old baby. Suvi nearly made my heart stop with her perfection. She already has wise, searching eyes and a range of emotional expressions. Whether she yawned, wailed, or smiled, it was magic. All photo shoots have an element of sacredness for me, but knowing how brief Suvi will be this tiny and fresh to the world gave this bearing witness a special quality. I delighted in every moment of the shoot itself, as well as the editing.
There’s also nothing like seeing your dear friends in the throes of early parenthood. Courtney and James seemed so at ease with her, and beamed watching the other hold — and change, feed, comfort — their daughter. Elsie, Suvi’s older sister who was born still just over a year ago, felt both more present and absent with her nearly identical little sister wriggling about, so alive. Their sun-drenched home was filled with deep gratitude, happiness, and joy woven with grief and sadness. Both of the sisters’ gorgeous Ashely Marie paintings, each with its own personality, were visible from the couch where Courtney fed Suvi.
I can’t wait to see Suvi’s personality unfold, or until she’s big enough to fit into the embroidered jean jacket her mother hand-stitched while she waited for Suvi to arrive. Courtney and James, thank you for giving this most proud and loving auntie a chance to share this space and time with all of you. Welcome to the outside, Suvi.
