How often do you see a new mamma take her seven-month-old baby on a three-hour road trip for an 18-hour stay in Ocean City, MD…just to see her best friend one last time before she crossed back over the states to Arizona? Me personally? I have only seen it done once.

During my trip to Maryland, I only had a few free days where I wasn’t working. And most of those days were booked for a short trip to the beach with my grandmother.  Even though I was able to spend a day with Rebecca and our little Monk Monk (Lily Sage) it just wasn’t enough. It never is. So Rebecca decided to pack Lily Bear up and come see me in Ocean City for a quick overnight visit. Friends like Rebecca are hard to come by and I never once take her for granted. She makes me feel unconditionally loved, always checks in and gives me updates, and makes me a priority in her life just as much as I make her and Lily priorities in mine. The best way I could think of to say thank you for being there for me and making sacrifices to see me when I am in town was to wake up at 5 a.m. (while still stuck on Mountain Standard Time) and capture two of my favorite girls on the beach.

Lily dipped her toes in the sand and stared at the joggers passing by while listening to the crashing of the waves, and reaching for the seagulls nearby. She was in awe of the beach and the calm that came while most other visitors were still fast asleep. Watching her grow and learn new skills like clapping her hands, waving, and sitting up all by herself brings so much joy to my heart. I hope her smile brings just as much joy to yours today!

See other blog posts with Lily Bear!

No. 1 | Lily’s Sage’s Journey Through Hip Dysplasia

No. 2 | A Cozy Fall Maternity Session