Very good news about Covid-19… for most | McDaniel Newborn Session

The McDaniel Mama does things her way and always has, which was why I was not surprised when she, a dear friend, called me two weeks before her due date to tell me she was pregnant, due in two weeks and wanted a newborn session. Oh, and it was a secret. Not the session. The Pregnancy! She went 9 months without seeing people or even letting people know she was pregnant.

The session was fantastic. Her boys are full of energy and always bring me laughs. Thom Tom always comes with the questions and deep thoughts. Jack Jack, well he brings the nonstop, and I mean nonstop, energy. Baby Joe is adorable and squishy and smelly in that perfect newborn way. Oh how I have missed that smell this past year. I was worried that since I hadn’t seen a newborn in a year that I would be rusty but everything went smoothly and it was wonderful to catch up with this family.

During the session I learned Mama was feeling many of the same concerns about going forward as I am. For instance, people will have parties this summer and as much as we want to be there, we will have to decline. There is nothing I want more than to see my kids running around with other kids at a party. To see the joy on their faces while jumping on a trampoline or in a crowded bounce house. Don’t even get me started on taking my kids to their favorite place – thewater park.

You may wonder why I am pairing this with a newborn session. The reason is I’m sure the same concerns are going on in this mama’s head. Their first child has Williams Syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental genetic disorder that, among other challenges, has some potentially life-threatening complications such as Cardiovascular problems. Because of Thom Tom’s journey the family has, like mine, been doing as much as possible this year to protect their at-risk child, while still keeping their sanity. There are other parents also making these tough decisions and it is a small comfort to be able to share the worry with people who understand.

Like most people, I was very excited to see the news last week from the CDC that said that fully vaccinated people could “visit with unvaccinated people from a single household…” Then I read the end of the statement: “…who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease.” That’s when it hit me. By summer, life will be back to normal for most. But not all. If I did not have a child with a congenital heart defect, I would be ecstatic. But I do. Until we reach herd immunity through vaccination, or my child can get a shot, my family’s lives will remain unchanged. So please be patient with us and keep sending the invitations. For anyone still uncertain about whether to get the vaccination, or maybe mistrustful about it, please talk to your family doctor about the pros and cons. We are all eager to be social again, at your parties and our own! Boy do we miss parties!

Let Get in Touch

Please email me at alisontheresephoto@gmail.com or use the let’s chat link on top at if you are thinking about having your own Newborn Session. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. It is best to book your session with me about 4-6 weeks in advance (sooner if newborn session). Especially if you are thinking about having your session in Spring, Summer or Fall. Booking opens March 20th for 2021 Spring and Summer Family Photo Sessions.

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