Father's Day Session

My last session of the weekend in Chicago was a blast!  I met with mom, dad, grandma and 9 month old little Miss E in Lincoln Park and they were up for anything.  Little Miss E started out tired but she was an adorable ham for the camera and loved being the center of all of our attention (of course!)  I got a mixture of family shots as well as some great individual portraits of baby E.  I finished up by taking some shots of just mom and dad, who are obviously very much in love and so sweet.  Thank you Lori, I loved doing your session and seeing you!  And thank you to my wonderful friend Amanda for referring me to her!

More Sweet Sisters :)

I had the pleasure of photographing these cutie toddler sisters in their home and backyard.  Little Miss V is about the same age as my little boy but she is on the move and walking like a champ!  Her little baby monster walk was too cute for words and she had the sweetest innocent expressions.  Older sister was all about being my little model.  I really enjoyed my time with the whole family and of course got more adorable pics.  What an awesome day I had!  Thank you Melissa, it was so nice to see you!

J Family!

After my morning session in a west suburb I headed back to the city to do a family and newborn session for my former practicum boss from my counseling years.  Being a family photographer is a blessing to me for many reasons and one of the things I love about it is how it reconnects me with past friends and and associates.  It is an honor to be chosen to meet the families and capture their memories and spirit.  Thank you Kim... your family was a pleasure to photograph and it was so great to see you again after all these years!

S family!

I was in Chicago for a good friend's wedding and so I of course had to line up some photo shoots!  I planned to only do a couple but I couldn't turn down all of the interest... and so I did 4... alllll over the Chicagoland area!  It was a whirlwind weekend but I had an amazing time doing what I love- chatting with nice people, playing with kids and babies and capturing amazing moments.  My first session was with the S family.  I went to college with mommy and they have 2 adorable boys.  Little Mr. A was all about playing with his daddy while little baby F was content to be cuddled with his mommy.  So sweet.  Thank you Jenny for choosing me to photograph your adorable family.

Tea Party mini-sessions!

Today it dawned on me that Avery is finally old enough for her glass tea set that her Aunt Lisa gave her.  After half an hour of digging in the attic I finally found it.  She was so excited that I decided to host a tea party for her in my studio and capture the precious moments.  Going through the images later brought a tear to my eye.  I have never been a girly-girl but Avery brings out all things girly in me and makes me want to be a better mother, woman and person on a daily basis.

I have decided to host tea party mini-sessions in my studio so that others may have these "little girl" moments captured for a lifetime as well.  Before I know it Avery will be all grown up but I will never forget her having tea parties with her teddy and I am so grateful to have photographs like this to keep the moment frozen forever...

Ander's FIRST haircut!

Today I took Avery and Ander to a "A Haircut & A Playdate" coordinated by a great local moms group I recently joined.   Both of them loved the "play" part, especially playing with other kids... but Ander didn't know what he was in for with the "haircut" part!  He was so so pitiful... he just cried and sat there motionless and sucked on his paci.  My heart broke and it took a little getting used to seeing him with less red hair and curls but it was short-lived and I think he looks great.  Such a big boy.  He also chose today to take some of his first solo steps.  Today has been one giant bittersweet day.  The last storyboard shows his before and after shots.  I'd be fibbing if I said I didn't shed a little tear today...  they do grow up so fast!  But we are really looking forward to many more playdates!

 

Audrey Girl Products!

A few months ago I was contacted by a woman who went to my high school and saw my photography fan page.  She wanted me to do pictures of her tutus, headbands and bows and I of course was delighted!  When I received the package in the mail I was more than impressed with the obvious hard work that goes into creating such amazing products.  Oh and have I mentioned how much I love having a little girl to dress up like this???  If you have a little girl I would highly recommend dressing her up in audrey girl!  I will also be using these for photo shoots so if you want pictures like this of your little girl just let me know.  I am currently running a great special for the months of June and July :)
Thank you again, audrey girl!

Today is our anniversary!

Jay and I have been married 4 years today!  I've been reflecting over it all morning and what a whirlwind it's been.  We've experienced joyous births, devastating losses, major moves, career successes and financial strains to just name a few major life events.  We've changed, learned and grown as individuals... a couple... and as parents.  It's been hard but it's been wonderful.  Trusting in our higher power, ourselves and each other has led us to where we are spiritually, emotionally and physically.   We are blessed and grateful and I can hardly wait to see what today and many more tomorrows bring.  Thank you to all of you who have supported us through it all.  We couldn't do it without all of you!

I love you Jay and am so happy and proud to have you as my husband, best friend and the father of our children.