We knew both of our girl’s personalities before we knew their faces. We knew that Rachel was a little spitfire and was going to come into the world with her own agenda, own mind and own poking stick to make the world do exactly as she wanted. Sarah Elizabeth, on the other hand, rolled around happily, gave me gentle kicks and was pretty laid back. So, when Rachel was born 5 weeks early (on her own agenda), we weren’t the least bit surprised. And when Sarah Elizabeth was born and just calmly stared around the room taking it all in, it was also no shock to us. Our girls had a way of letting us know who they were before they even arrived.
We first met Sabeena and Marcel two years ago when we photographed their wedding on a very very hot summer day. It was no secret, even then, that they wanted kids. When their friends and family found out that they were expecting, they quickly named the baby “The Ninja”. Aptly named because Marcel is half Chinese and because he had a mild obsession with Ninjas growing up (there were many Halloween’s spent dressed in full Ninja gear at the Tang residence). As the months passed, ‘The Ninja’s” true personality started to shine, as the karate chops were in no short supply and Sabeena’s belly would dance with the display of newly acquired martial arts skills.
On the day of the big ultrasound, it was just assumed that The Ninja was a little boy. Not one, not two, not even three…but 5 generations of Tang’s had been all men. History was making it pretty clear that Marcel’s family didn’t produce girls, so the family was already stocking up on blue onesies and cowboy hats. But history would be creating a new chapter for Marcel and Sabeena as the Ninja was, in fact, a Ninjette!
When Ewan and I found out that we were having girls, I cried both times. I’d always dreamed of little girls in frilly dresses and bows – I’m such a girlie girl like that. Marcel and Sabeena’s first reaction wasn’t tears, or hugs when The Ninjette made her appearance on the screen. Not normally a part of their show of affection for each other, but fitting at the time, they gave each other a huge high give when they found out. Yes, a high five, right there in the ultrasound lab. They’d accomplished great success in the eyes of the Tang family and the Ninjette is quite the little star already, being the first girl expected in over 5 decades.
Sabeena and Marcel, we feel so lucky to be able to document this next chapter in your life together. Sabeena, I know you’re praying for the baby to have Marcel’s beautiful eyes and your ability to shop all day long (both important qualities in my books!) We know that the Ninjette is going to be stunning and will hopefully have some wicked Ninja skills when she arrives next month.But hopefully the family will wait to pass along the nunchucks until she’s a little bit older!
Here’s to wishing you a healthy labour and the safe arrive of the little Ninjette!
- Brianna (photos by Ewan)
by Brianna
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