Since the conception of the Day in the Life documentary family photography, Ashley and I have been excited by the idea of getting to revisit some of past couples to capture the newest phase in their lives. So when Ashlee and Serge mentioned they were interested in a session, we were so thrilled! And I got to be the one to hang out with them and meet their little girl, Serena.
And let me tell you, she is freaking awesome.
Far and away one of the most precocious two year olds I have met, Serena is equal parts fashionista, high powered executive, and super sweet. From the moment I walked up to her as she was climbing out of mommy’s car, she was bubbly and completely unafraid. She took mommy’s hand and welcomed me inside, pausing throughout the garage to show me all the things in there.
When we got inside, Serge asked if he had to do anything while I was there. I told him no. Just do what you normally do. You absolutely do not need to do anything special for me when I’m with you for your session. He took my words to heart, and found his comfy chair and put on Black Panther. Hey, it’s a great movie – can you blame him?
Ashlee and Serena, meanwhile, got some paints out. The super ultra washable paints that every parent loves to have. They’re so washable, they barely color the paper. But Serena didn’t care. She loves these thick squishy paints. She and Ashlee made several works of art, including hand print art. Serena painted her hand with utmost care and attention. All the while, their dog Mocha, watched from her little bed in the corner.
Once painting time was over, we made for the great outdoors. Despite the threatening weather, Serena and Ashlee got some quality bubble blowing time in. As we went to head back inside, Serena tripped! Poor little girl skinned her knee up. So, first aid time! Mommy went upstairs for the antibiotic cream and some Paw Patrol bandaids, while Daddy came over to hold the wounded warrior princess. The three of them standing together was a tender scene and one that made me think about all the times this same scenario was being played out all over the place at the same time. A shared human experience.
Once the battle wound was taken care of, Serena and mommy watered the plants outside. The watering can was almost as big as the sweet little girl carrying it, but she didn’t let it stop her. She watered all the plants, including the ones that were already beyond needing water. Once everything had been satisfactorily watered, it was time to make dinner.
While Ashlee started getting things together, after a very helpful little girl lent a hand with the dishes, Serena got some toys to play with by herself. She’s so beautifully independent at times. Just grabbing the toys she loves and traveling into her own little world. A world which included grabbing her little play pad and declaring that she had to go to school. I watched as she made her way to the front door, waved goodbye to mom, and tried to open the door. Mommy gave her a hand, and out she went. For about ten seconds, and then right back in. She is a trip.
I hope that I get the chance to hang out with this lovely family again soon and see what new imaginings Serena dreams up!
