There are all of these in-between stages with your children as they grow. I've gone through several myself with my girls. This is one of those moments where she's not quite a baby anymore, but not quite a toddler yet either. These moments where she relies solely on you to take care of her, but she's also starting to explore her independence. These are the moments, those in-between moments, that need documented just as much as all the milestones.
Last year I had every intention of blogging my sessions more thoughout the year. Well, I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but I did a real bang up job on that. Though I may not have followed through so well last year, I’m also a believer that it’s never too late to revisit past intentions. So, consider this your forewarning of many more sessions from last year to come!
It’s so hard to believe that this session was done close to a year ago. It was such an honor to get to follow along with this family through their pregnancy journey. I was lucky enough to capture their maternity, hospital stay, and then we followed up with this session once they were settled in at home.
I love in-home sessions for a few reasons. There is the obvious that we are no longer at the mercy of mother nature, no need to reschedule if there is bad weather. I think the thing that I love most though about in-home sessions is the comfort and intimacy that comes along with them. It’s almost an immediate ease into the session that creates just a nice, relaxed, and easy vibe. It’s always a privilege to me when a family invites me into their home.
Please enjoy!
xoxo,
M
There are so many monumental moments in each and every one of our lives. Most of those monumental moments begin with our firsts. First steps. First day of school. First love. First day of college. First day at your new career. The first time you realize that the person you are in love with is also the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Your wedding day. The day you find out you are expecting.
The first child comes with so many emotions. None of them are the exact same for anyone. Most of them are full of fun and excitement. Envisioning what your child will look like. Trying to imagine which characteristics of yours they will inherit. Planning of the nursery. Coming up with a list of names. But you have also not been through this before so there is definitely a sense of unknown involved as well. Then comes the waiting. Waiting for the day when they will actually make their first appearance into this world.
Thank you, you two, for inviting me in to help you document this first in your life.
Our family has been so lucky to have this girl living next door to us. Our girls love and adore her. They love when she gets to come babysit and they love it even more when they wrangle her in to just hanging out and playing. It's so hard for me to comprehend that she is a senior this year.
I was able to photographer this beautiful child for her One Year Session last month, just before her birthday. We ended up having an absolute gorgeous Nebraska night with some amazing light and colors that were just one the verge of changing for fall.
This girl had such a sweet and mellow personality and was just full of observation. Such a fun part about this age is that they are still just taking every little bit in. From the touch of the grass, to the feel of the rocks, to finding leaves and flowers.
Even though this session was all about her, I can't help myself and always have to grab just a few images of her and her mama getting some snuggles in! Big brother even made a cameo towards the end.
Back in August I met up with this family for the 3rd time to capture their family photos. It's not only fun to see their family grow throughout the years, because I would get to see that regardless, but to see my own growth as I take their images each time.
I've know Sierra since I moved to York in middle school. There was a period after high school where we didn't keep in touch, but it is so amazing how life works out and how someone re-enters your life and becomes such an important part of it. We have go to see each others families grow. We get to celebrate birthdays together. We make each other laugh...though I'm pretty sure that Sierra is the one that keeps us laughing. We get to do life together.
I'm almost positive that Sierra was the first person I ever mentioned the idea of pursuing photography too. She didn't laugh at me or tell me I was crazy or that I had really no clue what I was doing at the time. She told me that is was awesome and she supported me. And she continues to support me to this day. Having those people in your life is important. The people that believe in you before you are really ready to believe in yourself. If you have one of those people in your life...hold tight to them. And also, make sure they know it! Like maybe write a blog about it or something ;)
Okay this sweet little guy has given me puppy fever! Serious puppy fever! Sweet little Zeus seems to be the perfect fit for this family. Jenny just kept saying, "Am I crazy? I mean who gets a dog the same day they have their family photos scheduled!" I say more people should do it that way! They now will forever have images of them getting to know one another. It was so fun to watch Gavin just in total bliss as he fell in love with Zeus. It was also pretty fun to watch him and his mom fight over who's turn it was to hold him. And can I also say what a sigh of relief it was for me to see what an incredible relationship this mother and son have with each other. Middle school years can be tough and it can be tough on that parent/child relationship. I often wonder what the dynamic of my relationship will be with my girls as they hit this age. Seeing these two together gives me such hope that I can have that kind of relationship as well. Thank you for letting me snuggle your pup and I'm sure my hubs thanks you for the puppy fever I now have!
It overjoys my heart when a family asks me to encapsulate their family in photos...and then it about makes my heart burst open when they add that they would like your help announcing their pregnancy! You know you have captured something special when you look back at the photographs you have taken for someone and you smile and you laugh and you cry and then you smile some more. Congratulations {B} Family! We are beyond excited for you!
