Photographing this sweet family during their First Day session brought me right back to when I was in their shoes—two girls, two years apart, and a heart that doubled in size overnight. 💕

I remember wondering if I’d be able to love another child as much as my first (Brenna). And then Cora arrived, and it was as though she was always a part of our family. I remember Brenna walking into the hospital room wearing her Big Sister t-shirt, clutching the stuffed giraffe “from Kowa” (thank you, MGH gift shop 🦒). After showering Cora with kisses and cuddles, Brenna didn’t want to leave and pitched a fit. I had to be wheeled down to the lobby to help transition her.

It kinda shattered me to have our family split up, so I asked to go home…bad decision. Overtired from a marathon labor, I made an emotional decision and left the hospital that day in sweltering July heat. That first night at home, Cora screamed like a banshee and refused to eat. My on-ramp to being the mother of two was trial by fire, but the first moments at the hospital were glorious!

Watching this mama hold her newborn while her oldest gently leaned in—so eager, so full of love—reminded me exactly how it feels. That bittersweet mix of awe and adjustment, the realization that love doesn’t divide, it multiplies. This big sister was pure joy, ready to take on her new role with all the pride in the world. 💗