Very few people can grasp the depth of sacrifice our #military families make— except, of course, military families themselves. 
Three weeks after the birth of their third child, Sebastian Zaki said goodbye to his wife, new baby and two sons to serve a six month deployment in Kuwait. 
During that time, his wife Jaimie held down the homefront— often in tears— raising their children on her own, putting her business on the back burner, all while witnessing many of baby Amelia’s milestones without her husband. 
He missed many firsts. 
The first time she rolled over.
The first time she crawled.
Her first tooth.

As well as significant changes in his other children.
His middle son beginning to talk.
His oldest son swimming on his own.

An entire spring & summer of sunrises, sunsets, morning kisses and bedtime tuck-ins. Two full seasons—and multitude of little moments forever forfeited during his absence.

So when Jaimie reached out to me to schedule family photos upon his return, I immediately recognized how important they’d be— and ultimately, the emotion they’d embody. 
The renewed passion between husband & wife.
The restored connection between father & child.
The reflected joy & relief of a family reunited.

When I look at these images all I can see is the beauty of their embrace. The strength in her stance. 
The gentleness. 
The gratitude. 
The love. 
But more than anything, I see the overarching resiliency of this family who—despite distance & time— have fortified their bond after what seemed to be an insurmountable deployment.

But here they are, whole again— savoring every precious moment together, at last. (09.16.19)