They were all in her room. A room that had once been a dark guest room, but dad spent hours making it perfect for the baby they didn’t think they would have any time soon. Emily wasn’t planned, it kind of just happened. As I looked around a room full of love and details, I realized a lot of that family wasn’t planned. Like their rescue Odie, a pit bull who had been abused, then placed in foster care. Jes didn’t plan to fall in love with him the minute she saw his picture. Or Marvin, the cat, who she drove 3 hours back home after meeting him for the first time. However, just like Odie and Marvin, Emily just happened, and what I saw was a mom a dad who were born to be parents to not just animals, but this little girl who stole their hearts. Between Lucy, Odie, Marvin and their 2 turtles, I would say this family is complete! 

Jes is one of the most successful photographers I know. She’s a true artist, and an amazing business woman. She inspires me with how well she juggles her full life. 

I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days with them, and cooked them my favorite dish: Brazilian Strognoff! Little did I know I would wake up the next morning to homemade waffles (like, the best ever!!!), and bacon, then have THE BEST Mongolian Beef with rice for lunch. It resulted in me going home and ordering an Instant Pot, because wow! 

And can we all just agree Emily’s “My Best Friend is a Pit Bull” is one of the cutest things we’ve seen in a while? 

J&A, you guys were born to be parents, and inspire me to just be a better person. Thanks for welcoming me into your home and making me feel like family!