Hiding Spots

I love how as soon as Brayden walks into my studio he goes right for his secret hiding spot under my tables.  My mirrored tables.  That he gets lots of fingerprints all over.  I try not to care.  Because it’s his spot.  And I was the lame one who bought mirrored tables.  He colors under there, plays games under there, eats lunch under there.  And his sister can’t get him there.

Canon 5D Mark II, 50 1.2

F 2.0, 1/200, ISO 1000

Where do your kids love to hide?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

So thankful to have my redheaded lass to celebrate with this year

Canon 5D Mark II, 50 1.2

F 2.0, 1/640, ISO 125

Happy 7 Month Birthday, Kennedy!

Dear Kennedy,

Every month I find new reasons to love you.  I love you because:

Sleep training only took 3 days.  You go to sleep without crying.  That didn’t happen for 3 years with your brother.

You give the best, juicy, wet gummy kisses.

You think Eskimo kisses are the funniest thing ever.

You love to eat real food.  When you get hungry you start making “nom, nom, nom” sounds.

You go with the flow.  You just love to be with your family.

You bury your head into our chests when acting shy.  You even do that when you see your own reflection in the mirror.

You love to sit up in your car seat to watch your brother in the car.

Instead of crying when you wake up from naps you just yell “Hi!!!” until someone comes to get you.

You still let me snuggle you.

You have no interest in crawling.  I’m pretty sure you’ll go straight to walking.  But, the longer you are immobile is fine by me.

I love you more and more every single day!

Love,

Mama

Who’s whooooo?

The most favorite thing I ever bought for Brayden when he was a baby was his owl hat.  I made him wear that thing all the time.  Boy clothes just aren’t all that exciting and when I saw it I fell in love.  I’ve been counting down the days until Kennedy can wear it.

A lot of people say how much Kennedy looks like Brayden.  Sometimes I see it, but most of the time I don’t.  She’s definitely not as chunky, has much more and much darker hair, and I see way more of myself in her than I every saw myself in Brayden.  I do think they have a similar smile.

Can you tell who is who in these pictures?  It’s super obvious just by the backgrounds because we’ve moved since B was a baby.  Try and ignore that and guess who is who

Picture 1

Picture 2

I just asked Brayden and even he guessed right!

Our Day With the Wildflowers

6 to 7 months is the age that I tell all of my clients to get their family pictures taken with their babies.  It’s my favorite age.  My favorite, favorite, favorite age.  I love the gummy smiles, chubby hands, and baby giggles.  I try to get pictures of Kennedy and I together with my handy, dandy remote trigger.  But, I knew I wanted a real session to capture these fleeting moments.  These special mommy / baby girl moments.  I knew I wanted gorgeous light, pretty dresses, a dreamy field, and my Grandma’s quilt.  And I also knew Joy from Wildflowers Photography (the very talented photographer behind the UP themed engagement session that’s ALL over Pinterest) had to be the one to photograph the session.

She lives in a dream world complete with chickens, boats, home grown produce, and three beautiful children.  Joy just makes everything seem oh, so pretty.  Kennedy and I took a little road trip yesterday to visit Joy in her dreamland and I was not disappointed.  I feel that so many people who have a big online persona are such a let down in real life.  It’s so much easier to be funny and cool behind a computer than it is in real life.  (Disclaimer: I am totally uncool online and in real life!).  Joy is just as wonderful in person as she seems online.  She is calm and easy going.  She makes you feel like you are the most beautiful person in the world.  Her real life is just as dreamy in person.  Her kids are just as cute and even funnier in real life.  I can’t comment on the chickens because, sadly, I did not see the chickens.  Next time!

*** iphone pic taken by 5 year old Gracie

Joy gave Kennedy and I such a special gift.  These pictures are better than anything I could have every dreamed in my wildest imagination.  I don’t even have the words to express my gratitude.  I just hope Kennedy will treasure these images of us one day as well.  Thank you from the very bottom of my heart, Joy.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Joy and her family are going on a road trip up the California coast and into Oregon and they leave on Wednesday!  They will be shooting a few sessions along the way.  If you live anywhere along her route I beg you to book her.  It will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.  I want you and your family to be able to experience being in front of her lens and having magical photos that you will treasure forever too!