life with a newborn :: vaida bea

It wasn't all that long ago that I was out at the Rizley's farmhouse photographing them as a family of three. It was snowing then, unseasonably cold. And since then the seasons have changed with an explosion of growth and green, and the baby on the inside is now on the outside. A tiny sister for miss Cora. 

We spent most of this session outdoors, minus a little nursing break inside. They showed me their garden, played on the hammock, tussled on a blanket in the grass, blew bubbles and played in the kiddie pool. Cora was sort of in charge of the show, but baby Vaida is easy going, as second babies have to be, I suppose. :) 

This is a beautiful family, gorgeous on the inside every bit as on the outside. I'm so happy for their newest addition and all that the future holds for them. 

Also, an update: I'm suddenly booked solid through all of August. If you're looking to have your own family photographed, there are still some openings in September, October and November. Please reach out soon to book! After that, I'll be hitting pause on my photography work as I prepare for a new baby due middle of december. Thanks for all your amazing support!

life with a newborn :: nadine gwendolyn

Sarah's big brother has been and continues to be one of the most influential and loved people in her life. So when she found out that her little boy, Walter, was about to become a big brother to a SISTER, she was pretty giddy at the thought of being able to give her daughter the gift that has meant so much to her own life: a big brother.

Nadine arrived a few weeks ago, and her big brother is already showing great love and interest in his baby sister. Following them around for this Life With A Newborn session was like getting the tiniest peek at the future relationship that will unfold over the years between Walter and Nadine - full of humor and affection and gentleness, all protectively placed under the umbrella of their mom and dad's incredible devotion and attentive shepherding. 

What a good thing it is to become a family of 4. This is just the beginning... 

belly :: the jamail family

They're thisclose to welcoming a fourth member -- a boy -- into their family, into this home they've redesigned in the last couple of years, into their hearts and routines. But for now little Audrey is still the center of their world, and these last days with her positioned securely and solely in that privileged role were something they wanted to capture. 

And besides that, Adrienne's beautiful belly needed a little camera time. This is how I capture bellies: like all other things, in context. I'm interested in your swelling, ripe belly going about all the daily normalities, whether that's a date night out with your husband or chasing around the other kids at home. Like anything else, it's part of you, so we don't need to bare it and decorate it and make your husband take off his shirt and then kiss it. Haha, nope. You just be amazing you, pregnant and powerful and on the brink of a miracle... I can't add anything to that that matters. 

I'll stop chatting at you now and let the pictures be the thousand words that speak to the love and affection present in this family as they wait for their son. 

My favorite parts: the drumming and the tossing on the bed. and maybe the rock collecting, too. Um, and the little toddler tantrums that they let me capture (yes!). Oh, there's lots of good parts. You'll just have to see for yourself. 

family photojournalism :: the deboer family

8:30 am and the babies have just woken up and are having their breakfast in pajamas. They're a little out of sorts. Their big brother is running around recklessly as big brothers do. Mom is still trying to get through her cup of coffee while dad wipes messes from faces. This is how we began. 

And then the routines -- so daily, so ordinary -- of getting little people dressed for the day. Then playing music and reading books, and cuddling in soft seats and changing diapers mid-way through. This is the reality of Mel and her little tribe. They're doing life with twin one year olds and a three year old boy. So many days are just about getting through. And the cuddles and kisses and hilarity. Though many days it may feel otherwise, these are the good days. 

family photojournalism :: the stack family

Typically family photojournalism sessions take place in your home, as that's naturally often the seat of your shared life and richest memories. But this is a lovely example of an out-and-about photojournalism session. Katie and her kids chose to use their session time to visit some favorite spots where they have lots of family memories, and with the weather now so lovely this worked out perfectly. 

We started at Riverside Park playground and then drove a short way to Too Tall's -- a hidden gem of an ice cream shop in the middle of a neighborhood on the NE side owned by Katie's family, and where she spend several summers working in the past. :) Noah and Adrianna have the sweetest rapport with their mom -- full of playful teasing and affection. What a treat to spend an evening with them! 

And Katie, I just have to say one more time, THANK YOU for saving my butt as a newbie at the school who suddenly realized the bussing options didn't apply to her. :) Your generosity in driving my girl home from school has made all the difference to us. 

snuggle :: the burdettes

My family and I traveled to Pittsburgh to visit extended family. While I was there, I got to connect with a sweet family that lives just a few blocks from my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and who go to the same Church. In fact, years ago, last time we visited Pittsburgh, I have a faint but lovely memory of them praying over us after the church service, over some wounds in our hearts that were still very fresh and raw. It's that kind of sensitivity and kindness that characterizes Nick and Lauren and the family they've created. 

Three lively kids, all with strong Irish names, sat in a tangle together on the couch with their parents, looking at books and inserting funny faces and random requests for high fives. I can't tell you how many times the tops of their little heads were affectionately kissed by their loving folks. 

And in the tiny sliver of time that is a Snuggle Session (I offered these temporarily during my travels), we made these images. I hope they'll be treasures in the family treasure box for a long time.