I met Jillian, Chad, Reese, Shep, Charlie, and Taco for the first time the evening of our Northfield family photo session, but they are one of those families that immediately welcomes you into the fold and make you feel as though you’ve known them for years. Which is great, because they’re practically neighbors and I can’t wait to run into them again on the river trail.
Reese was on the eve of her first birthday, and she fittingly got goldendoodle kisses in the ear, hugs from her big brother, snuggles from both parents, and even a few memorable shots with her honorary late auntie Kristen. She was so expressive and her hard-won smiles lit up her whole body in the most amazing way. Plus, her bow + Georgia Peach-inspired outfit, I mean…
Big brother Shep was so much fun, and so active it was tough to catch him solitary for more than a second. He already has the arm and aim of a future MBL pitcher, as demonstrated by both rock tossing and backyard baseball with his dad. A true highlight of the evening was when we all stood for his full singing of the national anthem. At three, he already knows the entire thing. My jaw dropped as he powered through “and the ramparts we watched.”
Jillian radiated southern hospitality, and Chad felt like one of those cool yet humble dads from the small town I grew up in. Hanging out with them in their backyard as Chad tossed the baseball toward Shep, Jillian bounced Reese, and Charlie ran about happily had the feeling of a Rockwellian summer eve painting come to life.
Jillian & Co., thank you so much for reaching out and inviting me into your joyful family for a bit!
