INHOME Session: Baby sister G

I have one graduating this Spring.  

I tried to go back in time, in my mind...to remember when she was this itty bitty...

To be honest, those days were long and the nights were longer...

My older two daughters were incredibly colicky and overly sensitive to the outside world, as well as their digestive systems...it made for some quite exhausting days with no real relief, except for the occasional break when a sympathetic grandparent could come for a couple hours, once in awhile, just so I could escape the crying.  

I don't say that to insight sympathy, but just to reiterate the strong survival and LOVE that occurs during hard seasons...and we did survive...and that daughter, that once seemingly drained every ounce of energy out of me in the early months, is now a tall beauty with hopes and dreams on the horizon. 

I know it sounds cliche or even trite to say this...but, even though those days were hard and long...I can look back on them with sweetness and even longing from time to time...not that I would trade this season of life for anything in the world, but there is a joy that comes from weathering the hard things and seeing the amazing GOOD that comes from it...

This sweet baby sister is a JOY to her older siblings and parents...she brings a new dynamic to a family in the midst of balancing life...she's the reminder to slow down and enjoy...she's the tiny babe that reminds everyone just how blessed they all are...

AND they will be her biggest cheerleaders, the ones that protect and fiercely love her...so that she will one day be that tall beauty, heading out on her own...grateful for the foundation of love given to her.

Read more...

InHome LIFESTYLE: Baby boy #2

When I entered their home, it felt like I was walking into a sacred place where the walls told stories and where legacies had been born.

They remodeled a 90 year old home...their forever home...a place where their stories add to the history...their lives are woven into the floorboards and ceilings...

if only the walls could talk...

If they could, I imagine, in future years you'd hear them say, 

"I remember the younger little man...when he entered the stage...ohhh, he was precious...

I remember his wide eyes and how his daddy would swaddle him tight..."

"Their oldest gentleman was indeed, a gentleman...

...such a sweet nature, with a smile that made you happy just to be in his presence..."

"I remember the quiet patience of their dear mother...the way she and her husband spoke with authority and yet such respect and kindness to their sons...

...even then, they were building character into their children..."

"I remember most the commitment and love that was evidenced on a daily basis...their steadfastness in a crazy world...what gifts they were to anyone they met"

I often wonder what the walls of my own home would say...watching us live day in and day out...

this sweet family plans for the future...they are purposeful in their parenting, thus creating safe boundaries where their boys learn to become men of integrity...slow to anger, quick to listen...

I was so impressed and felt so welcomed...it is an honor and joy to document this chapter of their story...

Read more...

INHOME LIFESTYLE: You're only 6 months ONCE...

In less than 2 years, I'll have a daughter in college.  I remember when I left for school, leaving behind a younger brother and two younger sisters.  I was marching off into a new, independent unknown...I know I spoke often with my family, but I wasn't there in the day to day...the dynamic had changed.

I missed band performances and swim meets and even a couple musical performances because I, myself, was traveling around the state in my own troupe performing and representing the school. I missed cookie making, fort building and doll playing...

The point that I'm attempting to exhibit is that "life" changed in the everyday...and in all actuality, it continues to change day by day, month by month, year by year...etc...

Because of that fact, my storytelling heart always yearns to capture those accounts...to document the memories...

I'd love if my quick snapshots of my personal everyday life looked magazine worthy every.single.time.

ahem...but laundry, dishes, children....

And so, sometimes it takes a certain amount of purposeful preparation in order to aesthetically record the events of everyday life!

AND THIS IS WHY, lifestyle photography is so fulfilling!!!

Working around Ohio weather...whether it be rain, heat or snow...well, it can always be a challenge.  This family was so gracious in our dilemma to find a day that would work...but, through the icy roads and impending "perilous" forecast, we made it happen!!!

I'm so glad we did too...because you are only 6 months old ONCE in your life!  The gummy grins, the happy giggles, the tummy time...these are all things that are worth remembering!!!

It's obvious the security and love provided in this home from mommy & daddy...a place where gentleness, sweet squeezes, and laughter is valued and encouraged...

Each day is worth celebrating!

Read more...

InHOME LIFESTYLE: Natural Baby Girl...

I find it incredibly appropriate that my last session of the season...the last gallery to be delivered...is an InHome Lifestyle session...

It's a story...a celebration...a beautiful HAPPY!

It's what this "Job" is to me anyway...and I have much more to share on that in the coming weeks...sooo many more "words" to share...

However, this session was all about this baby girl...the joy to her mommy & daddy's hearts...

Her whole hand only just fits around daddy's finger...she won't stay this tiny for long...

Such a precious gift...of her, of time, of memories...

I loved the natural simplicity of it all...and such a strong focus on what matters most...

What a beautiful and gentle reminder of the gift of new life and being in the moment!

Happy Merry Everything to this lovely family! 

Read more...

InHOME LIFESTYLE: Two boys and a pup

This little nugget is not my nephew...even though I DID become an Auntie again with the arrival of my baby sister's 3rd son just a couple weeks ago...

And since we are in this busy season of life with teenagers (not to mention a full schedule of photography sessions) I haven't had the opportunity to meet the newest member of our family just yet...

THEREFORE, when I had the chance to cuddle this little guy, my heart soared!

Oh the tiny toes and squishy cheeks...the big eyes trying to focus and the wonderful smell of BABY!

The last time I had photographed them with their firstborn son, they were in a different home and I was all confuzzled thinking "I must be losing it...this doesn't look familiar to me from before!"  It wasn't until I arrived that they reminded me of that fact...

Their new home has a history and a story in it's walls and they are continuing the legacy...

I so wish walls could talk...that they could tell us of the baby cries and the toy cars that have raced along their sides...

Big brother is still getting used to his "role", but it will settle in soon enough...

brother are meant to be 'buds'...

he'll be the teacher of all things cars and trucks, Paw Patrol and how to be the loudest!!!

Yes, things will be hectic for a couple years as everyone learns the ebb and flow of a household of four...but, it's a journey, as is life as a whole...

This is just a snippet into their life...their new chapter...the story that will be passed down for generations...the pictures that will be shared with grandchildren one day...they'll remember their pup, they're recognize a painting hanging on those historic walls...they'll see the pitched roof and all the memories will flood back...

...pictures tell a story...

of lives well-lived...

Read more...