It all started in 2006 when Jade and I met at her boyfriend's [now husband] house. We hit it off pretty quickly and soon realized we had a lot [ ok .. a WHOLE lot] in common. Jade and I only got to see each other every once in a while, but our friendship quickly grew and we stayed in contact through occasional visits and phone calls.
Not too long after we became friends Jade and Dustin got serious and we all knew a ring was not far away. When they got married and welcomed their first baby into the world I knew Jade was going to be an amazing mother and wife. I remember the day Jade found out she was pregnant. I rushed over a few days after the news so we could die her hair one last time and get things in order!
On 7.7.07 Dylan was born. He was born early but was healthy and ready to be home. I remember seeing Dylan for the first time. He was a week old and more than adorable. I remember thinking he looked so much like his dad, Dustin but now at almost five I think he resembles Jade. Dylan is one of the smartest kids I have ever met. Not only does he do an amazing job in school, but he is very eloquent, artistic, and can drive a 4-wheeler and truck [yes.. I'm dead serious] by himself better than most adults.
When I moved to a town 30 minutes from Jade I was so excited! We finally got to hang out more than ever and I loved having a friend near me in a new town. After living in the area for a year I lost my job. I was worried that I would have to move back to my hometown and I just wasn't ready to go. I was having so much fun where I was and had met some great people. I needed a job and I needed one fast. After much thought and research I decided that I needed to make my passion for art a reality. I had a lot of handmade gifts and paintings and found a local antique mall that had space for rent. After figuring out my final numbers I knew that a small dream Jade and I discussed years ago needed to happen. In the summer of 2010 we opened up our custom design store; Strawberry Leaf Design. We sold painted wine glasses, beer mugs, paintings, jewelry, candle votives, tote bags, gift baskets and more! Our little store was so much fun and we had a blast sitting and crafting during the days. After five months, as badly as I wanted to stay, I knew I needed to move back to northern virginia. Money was tight and we all know the term starving artist.. so in the fall I set up the road home.
The September before I moved home Jade and I took an amazing adventure together with my boyfriend, Adam. We drove head on into Hurricane Earl and embarked on a trip that I will never forget [read my post hurricane earl to hear more! located to the right of this page]. When we returned from the OBX I started packing my bags and boxes.
When I moved back to my hometown and lengthened the distance between Jade and I words cannot describe how sad we both were. Jade and I hung out every day. We were each other's rock in hard times and she was the first person to know about my love for my Adam. We have been through thick and thin and I can truly say she is one of my best friends, my twin.
When I got the phone call nine months ago that Jade was pregnant with her second child; I was more than ecstatic. As I sit writing this entry Jade is having contractions, three minutes apart, and baby girl Taylor is on her way. Its such a surreal moment for me. I have never been pregnant but watching/hearing Jade so closely through pictures, emails, phone calls and visits these past nine months have made me feel like I'm pregnant too haha. It was amazing to feel Taylor flip inside Jade's belly and even crazier to talk to her and have her move toward my voice. I have never thought of pregnancy to be so beautiful [no offense ladies haha] until seeing Jade pregnant with Taylor. I watched Dylan grow in her belly as well.. but this time it was just different. Hey .. what can I say .. maybe its a girl thing .. :)
I knew as soon as I got the news of Jade's pregnancy I had to do her maternity photos. I had so many ideas rolling in my head I needed two days to shoot her and the family. I threw Jade a surprise baby shower and she was more than happy! Lisa, Jade's mom, provided an amazing amount of scrumptious food and the shower location. I sent out invites and planned with Jade's husband to come into town with out her knowing to throw the shower and do her maternity shots in the same weekend. Lisa and I had discussed a theme for the shower and we both knew how much Jade [and I] love owls. Everything at the shower was baby owl print and Jade made out like a bandit getting all sorts of owl printed blankets, stools, clothing and more! We had a blast and I am so excited to share my photos of Jade's maternity session on my blog. In just a few hours Taylor will finally be here and I cannot wait to see her next weekend, at one week old, same age as when I saw Dylan, in all her perfectness.
My little owlet baby finally arrived at 3:13 AM today. 7lbs. 2 oz. and beautiful. Her newborn session will blow this maternity session out of the water and I can't wait to hold her. Look out Jade, you're gonna have a fire cracker on your hands for sure! I love you both so much. Congrats!
