life with a newborn :: evie

Evie is six weeks old. Her papa, Ben, recently finished up his medical residency, and their whole family is settling into new normals in the wake of both her birth and the change in seasons for his vocation. But these four take it all in stride. This is a naturally-minded, plant-growing, espresso-loving, good-humored family that doesn't sweat the small stuff. And they did a great job of not showing off for me, which means the rawness element that I so cherish is really present and beautiful in these images. 

While I was at their home, Evie woke from a nap and got changed and nursed with her mama Alisha while Ben and Ginnie made coffee together. They all had a porch sit, did sidewalk chalking, and sampled herbs from the garden. In the backyard, we picked cherry tomatoes and gathered eggs from the henhouse, then moved to the back room for a breastfeeding break and some creative art time. Lastly, Ginnie showed me her cardboard airplane and got some rides in it before they all loaded up to walk to nearby Riverside Park as I waved them off. 

Wishing this family all the best as they continue to find their new normals and dig deeper into their life in Grand Rapids (they're from Australia)! 

life with a newborn :: liesel

After years of living around the Unite States, Meghan came home again. Because home is the place you go when it's time for a daughter to be born. Especially when that home includes your mother and grandmother (your baby's grandmother and great grandmother) and nearly a century of history in that small town, and nearly as long of a history in the very house you're renting out. There are roots here, and from deep roots one can grow the tallest branches. 

Liesel is a lucky baby. 

life with a newborn :: naomi rae

Since their freshly-turned-6 son was born, I've been photographing this beautiful family. I can't tell you what an honor that kind of longevity is, and how amazing it is to see them expand and make room each time for another tiny human. This time, a daughter, their first daughter, sweet Naomi Rae, the one whom the Father promised and predicted in answer to their son's prayers. He is good. All the time. 

Lindsy (the mama) has begun homeschooling their three sons this past year as well, and so their home has this beautiful flavor now of curiosity, experimentation, creativity, and learning. I ended up taking many detail shots that give evidence of this beautiful venture in their home and family life, as I hope that that also will be sweet to reminisce about with the help of these photographs in the years to come. 

life with a newborn :: arlie jack

Sweet Arlie Jack was born almost exactly 24 hours after my little Maeve! Since I've been photographing his family for over a year now (including his big brother's birth and newborn session) and have grown in friendship with his mama, Karissa, I was really excited to be able to come out and spend a little time with him. He's so squishy and yummy! Oh my! 

This family loves one another so well and so heartily. Together with their bullies, they're a pretty darn adorable family. See for yourselves!

life with a newborn :: elizabeth mae

This is a little snippet of life with Matthew, Katie, and their 2-week-old baby girl, Elizabeth Mae, who was born in this very home in the room that will one day be her nursery. She is, as far as I can know, the fourth baby born in this house, and the first two of those four were my own babies, for this home of theirs was once my own. This sacred, special place, this quaint little farm-y home in the middle of a city neighborhood, suites these three just perfectly. They're filling it with the light that they carry, the faith and wholesome food that nourishes them, and the love that just tripled in size on the night of Lizzie's birth. It's been a joy getting to know and befriend them, and to have them as neighbors. 

life with a newborn :: raela jane

She's two weeks old, though it somehow seems like she's been here much longer. Being so big at birth, she in some ways perhaps seems older than she actually is. She's happiest on her mama's chest (of course), and is enjoying the tender touches and kisses of her daddy and big brother. This family is complete with her arrival, and the future is bright.