A BIG BROTHER TO BE

The first time I photographed Eli was at his first birthday party. His family had just moved to Atlanta, and they were celebrating with family and new friends. I watched as he took careful steps around the house with his hand tightly clasped around his grandmother’s finger. Since that day, I have gotten to photograph Eli many times, and each time there is a conversation about how great of a big brother he would be. Knowing how long his parents had been carefully considering this decision, I was beyond excited to get the news that they had started the adoption process.

While Eli is lucky to have neighborhood friends who also feel like family, I can’t wait for him to get to be a big brother. He is caring and sensitive and has wanted a baby brother since I have known him.

I know adoption can be a long, tedious, emotional process. I know families are made in many different ways. I love this family, and I hope this journey goes well for them. You can read more about the adoption and support their process here.

black and white image of young boy hugging a stuffed animal

a boy and his mom practice their floss moves as the dad watches

a picture from behind of a boy holding his dad's hand

a black and white image of a boy on his dad's shoulders hugging his mom and dad

image from behind of mother placing her hand on her young son's back

a mother and father sit on a couch as their son and some neighborhood kids run all around them

children's bedroom with colored drawings posted all over the walls