Baby William Richard. You’re arrival is a little bit epic…is that even possible? You’re kind of a big deal around these parts.

Here are a couple of thoughts I’ve been wanting to share with you. First of all – I love your parents dearly. The whole Hartman Clan in fact. You and that Midland crew are a solid bunch of friends and I’m in love with each and every one of you. As you’ll soon learn I grew up with your mom and your aunty. They have become my summer sisters, my cottage people – some of my favourite chosen family. I think I’ve known them longer than I’ve known any other friends. My own sister and I have a long history with those two. A lot of messy summer memories. Some quite distant, from when we were just small people, others much more vivid from just days and weeks ago. I’m certain, as you grow up on the shores of Lake Bernard and Georgian Bay you too will find your summer family. Likely not summer sisters, as none of us have been able to produce more than a single, blond, precocious, little girl. You will find your summer brothers. You will all do things your mothers cringe at. You will sneak around, light fires, dig holes, ride to town, play on the raft, watch movies on rainy days, and learn to love this cottage life as if it is your very best life ever. I hope that you remember your cottage life as fondly as we do, our own.

What I want you to know is how deeply you are loved, from the moment we found out you were coming – you have been loved. I spent just 3 short hours with you and your parents this week and do you know what they did? They watched you. Just looking and loving. They watched you with an incredible sense of confidence, that I don’t often see in first time parents. The looked at you, then each other, and then back at you. They talked about who you look like and who you might be later on. They talked about whether you’d like basketball or volleyball. They agreed that it didn’t matter and that you could like anything you wanted…maybe you’d be an artist? Your parents are an impressive pair. They seem confident and calm. And let me tell you, if they can keep that vibe going (most of the time) you’ll be one happy kid.

So Will, I can’t wait to see you again. I can’t wait to photograph your family, as you and your cousins grow up. And I can’t wait to find out who you will be.

We love you, very, very much. xo