family photojournalism :: the (other) kuchan family

Sometimes people I love photographing refer people they love to also have me photograph their families. That's pretty much the highest honor, delivering a lot of warm fuzzies to this heart of mine. Such is the case here! The Kuchan family I first met, whose TWO births I've photographed, sent their brother and sister-in-law my way this fall. This second Kuchan family is every bit as wonderful as the first one, with their own unique flavor. 

A vintage flavor! :) Their sweet midcentury modern home features amazing decorating elements that haven't been touched since the 70s (and they like it that way), and is filled with all of Cat's vintage thrift store finds, which fit in perfectly. But best of all is the little love named Meris who entered their lives four months ago and captured their hearts. 

Cat and Daniel and Meris were awesome at just going about their usual rituals and routines whilst I was there. Because of that, we captured so many tiny ordinary details and activities, the kind of stuff my documentary heart delights in. 

Side note: You'll see in some of these photos that Meris is being held naked over the bathroom sink. Why? Elimination communication! It's a method of toilet learning that starts in early infancy and sometimes results in diaper-free kiddos by age 1! It was fun to see this in action and I'm feeling a bit tempted to try it out with my new arrival, too. 

family photojournalism :: the kranzo family

Somewhere outside Lansing, MI a family of 5 resides in an artful midcentury modern home. Their days are spent almost entirely together, as Kyle works from home as an independent designer and Melissa parents full time and whole-heartedly their three small children. The amount of thought and love invested in every detail of their home and family rhythms is hard to miss, from the daily walk to the eldest daughter's bus stop, to the regular playing of Chopped at snack time, the gallery walls of kids' art, the annual photo albums spread on the coffee table, the dance parties, and the good coffee always ready at a moment's notice. They live deep and close, this family. So to spend an afternoon in their company, observing and documenting it all unfolding was such a treat. SUCH a treat. 

It's December now, and that means I'm on maternity leave. My baby is "due" in about 2 weeks! So though I won't be shooting again until probably March, it's absolutely okay to reach out between now and then to book your 2017 birth, fresh48, family photojournalism, or life with a newborn session. Be patient with me, as my response time might be a bit slower, but I'm here and booking for Spring onward.

family photojournalism :: the focos

Life with BOYS! One of my longest-standing friends, Kristin, has this beautiful family she's building with her husband Jeremy. And it's composed of 2 little boys and one more due to arrive this winter. They've very recently moved into their first HOUSE, a new construction that they commissioned and helped design. Though Kristin says it isn't as unpacked or decorated yet as she would like, it already feels like home. Behind their house is a huge expanse of meadow, undeveloped and wild, and they're positioned in a quiet neighborhood that's definitely the sort of place one would want to imagine raising a family. In this short story (yes, only an hour!) there was time for pumpkin bowling, bike riding, wrestling and dancing, blowing bubbles, making popcorn and general shenanigans. Never a dull moment with small and high-energy kiddos, am I right?!

life with a newborn :: xavier james

This story, this family -- Shawnna and Justin and Mya -- has captured my heart and taken up some serious prayer real estate in the last couple of years. Because there were until recently just three of them, but they knew that adoption was the next step in growing their family. About a year ago, they endured a rather devastating failed adoption. It was a hard, hard season, and the tenacity of their faith through it all was brilliant. In the midst of a season of grief and unknowing, they found out they were pregnant! And then, rather suddenly and very quickly, a birth mom on the brink of giving birth chose them to adopt the son she was carrying, Xavier. So now a family that once seemed "stalled" at 3, is approaching 5 in record time. If you're so inclined, you can read their story, in Shawnna's words, on their adoption consultant's blog HERE and in Justin's words HERE. 

And below, you'll see a little glimpse of life since Xavier came home, at 6 weeks old, on a Sunday afternoon, eating, playing, snuggling, wandering their property, and all the other good good things that make up a family life. Look closely and you'll see that Shawnna has a blossoming baby bump. Their newest addition is due this Spring and will be almost exactly 6 months younger than Xavier. It's a unique season, ripe with a million emotions and so much life. 

Love makes a family. 

Amen.

life with a newborn :: lochlan kale

About 6 weeks before these photos were made, Lochlan made her entrance into the world in a birth pool in the dining room, and I was there to document that sacred moment, too.

Now, she's already smiling up into the faces of her daddy and mama, getting kissed and caressed by her big sister Tatum, and living the good life mostly on her mama's chest or between her parents in bed. Shauna has been rocking her postpartum season, resting well and often while drinking good coffee as Tatum plays nearby. I love seeing a mama who takes the liberty of abundant rest in her fourth trimester, and the effects on both her and the newborn, which are contentment, joy, and bonding. 

During my visit with them, Lochlan got her second every bath, got dressed, nursed, enjoyed some time on the front porch, and dozed off into a cozy nap while Tatum and daddy did yoga nearby. :) I sure do love this special family.