Wedding & Newborn Photography from Hannah Chen of Orange Rose Photography » Philadelphia, PA & Seattle, WA » Available for Destinations Worldwide

A quick confession before I start this post: I will probably gush a fair bit. Why? Well, because this post is about my dear, dear sister, her incredible husband, and my soon-to-arrive nephew! So, consider yourselves warned. =)

Where to start? Well, my sister Airika is one of my best and dearest friends. She’s beautiful, smart, caring, and determined. She is an amazing business woman, a loyal friend, and lives out her faith in every part of her life. She is the one I turn to whenever I’m working through anything… and she always listens, asks great questions, and makes me feel better. She’s supported me through many ups and downs, and as we’ve grown older, we’ve been able to really challenge each other to grow (even though at times it’s been painful). I’m so thankful, though, because in the process, we’ve helped each other become better spouses, better sisters, better children, better friends, and better people. And now, Airika is about to embark on the journey of becoming a parent, and I am so, so excited for her.

Once upon a time, I sort of doubted anyone would be able to really make my sister happy as a spouse. She’s an ambitious, strong woman who wants to see the world and help alleviate pain and suffering. She doesn’t settle, and she doesn’t give up on her dreams. Well, little did I know that she met the perfect man to go along the journey with back when she was in middle school. And, little did I know that Gerald was just as ambitious and determined as she was! It took twelve years and a far different path than he probably would have chosen, but in the end, he got the girl! And, they’re great together. Gerald is funny, always ready to laugh, and instantly makes you feel like you’ve known him forever. He is smart, insightful, and cares deeply about his family and friends. He makes Airika smile, challenges her to grow, and is deeply respectful and protective of her. And, he’s seriously great with kids and will be one of the coolest dads ever (I mean, c’mon, he loves fishing, disc golf, playing the wii, and board games).

Even though we’ve lived across the country from each other for about 10 years now, Airika and I talk on the phone all the time (if I go a week without talking to her, it feels like it’s been forever), and always know the latest going-ons with each other. However, there’s one phone call I know I’ll never forget. This past summer, while visiting Gerald’s family in North Carolina, my phone rang. I answered, expecting nothing other than a quick catch-up during their time with Gerald’s family. Instead, I heard, “Well, I have something important to tell you… I’m pregnant!” While Airika was fairly composed, I simultaneously burst into tears and shouted into the phone, “Are you serious?! Airika! What?! Oh my gosh! That’s amazing! Really?! Oh, I’m crying!” Yep, my sister tells me she’s pregnant and I start shouting into the phone at her. Go figure. =)

To say that I’m excited to be an auntie is about the biggest understatement in the world. Besides texting Airika all of her weekly pregnancy countdowns (as if she’d forget), I’ve already had to work very hard to control my spending. Seriously, forget moms — aunts are totally the biggest baby product spenders! Oh my goodness, this little guy is going to be so spoiled. While Gerald’s brothers will probably give him his first fishing pole, I’m already debating which his first board game will be. =)  Yup, I can’t wait for him to arrive!

Oh, and did I mention that Airika & Gerald are also phenomenal photographers? They make up the incredible team over at The Popes | Photographers. I know they’re my sister and brother-in-law, and all, but man! It’s such an honor — and also soooo intimidating — when another photographer asks you to photograph them! Especially when it’s The Popes. They’re kind of amazing. =)  For their maternity session, they chose to go Discovery Park in Seattle. It’s pretty fantastic, as you can see… forests and woods and trees, dramatic shorelines and petrified wood and sweet lighthouses, tall grasses and old buildings and cool walls… and, I was reminded once more why the Pacific Northwest is awesome (not that I really needed a reminder, though) — there’s green and color at all times of the year! Needless to say, we had a great time and I’m kind of in love with the photos. And Airika and Gerald. And the Asher bump.

Airika & Gerald, you know I love you both so much. I am so, so, so excited for you. You are going to be amazing parents, and I can’t wait for all the incredible, hard, and indescribable changes Asher is going to bring into your life. I’m so excited to become part of the duo of Auntie Hannah and Uncle Josh, and you better know that when I’m around you’ll never be able to hold your child. He’ll be mine. Just saying. =)  I can’t wait! I love you guys!

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