The story of Janet, Greg and Ro starts many, MANY moons ago. While I did photograph their wedding in 2014, our story technically began when we were just tots in elementary school and Janet’s mother was our Girl Scout troop leader (Go Troop 390!) It’s funny how all these years later, at her core, Janet is still the same person – incredibly generous and selfless. I remember her having the same admirable trait all those years ago. This time around, Janet and Greg wanted to document Ro’s first birthday with some photos! There is a Creamery near where they live that has the BEST ice cream I’ve ever had (seriously, you haven’t lived until you’ve had some!) But there was also another request Janet had. More on that in a bit…
That’s an awfully big cone for such a little girl, but don’t worry, mom was right there to help out.
Ice cream, view, and smiles courtesy of Bellevale Farms Creamery in Warwick, NY
How about that view though? Perfect spot for a first birthday family photo they can look back at for years to come.
Here was the twist. Janet wanted to see if, as part of our session, we could take a photo that held special meaning for their family in Ro’s first year. A photo that showed the sheer volume of love they gave to other families. It turns out Janet donated 30 gallons of breastmilk to babies who would otherwise not be able to get any. Yes, you heard me right, that is not a typo 30 GALLONS.
Here’s what Janet had to say about it:
“Many thanks to Amy Fotino for all her help over the past year. I went to her seminar not sure if I wanted to breastfeed, I didn’t want the pressure while being a working mom. I walked out from her seminar with a feeling of empowerment. Little did I know this seminar was the start of something much bigger than our family. After Ro was born we learned we fell into a category of moms and babies with oversupply. As a family we decided to use it for the greater good and we donated over 30 gallons of breastmilk. Greg packed milk, sorted milk and cleaned countless bottles and pump parts. These photo were captured by the one and only Jenna Perfette.”
The 30 milk jugs were a fun prop and memory to represent all their hard work! Takes a lot of milk to get you to your first birthday (photo session)!
I suspect Ro will be instilled with the generosity and dedication that her parents are already showing her in her first year. I can’t wait to see the little lady she becomes!