{About Me} Letters to Our Sons | January

I am involved in a project this year where I will be writing a letter to my son each month. I knew from the start this was going to be difficult. I am an okay writer. I can spit out a report like it's nothing. This is different, though, because it is important to ME and needs to express emotion. I could have chosen to share this on my personal blog, but my hope is that this will reach more people here and that clients can get to know a little more about me through the project. Here goes!

Dear Abram,

Someday, most likely when you have kids of your own, you will wonder what you were like as a toddler. Through my eyes, you are fun-loving. Every moment is a chance to play. Lately, you play Avengers (you always get to be your favorite, Iron Man, and I always get assigned to be Captain America). I see why you don't always have good days at school. You are rarely serious, always seeking smiles by making a funny face or noise, or by wiggling or dancing. Someone might descrive you as "silly" and mean that you are hyper or don't do what is expected. I see that you are light-hearted and want everyone to be part of your fun. You are a happy child.


Through my eyes, you are eager to learn even if you don't appear serious about it. Your latest is wanting to read. You only know a few sight words, but when you look at a book with me or see the words to a song that is playing, you make sounds like you are starting to sound out each word as you hear it. This makes my heart skip a beat every time - it is the kind of thing that makes a teacher-mommy proud. You also want to share what you know - in a kind of excited way that I can only hope will last. Your Papa Steve says you are "windy", but I see it is just your way to solidify what you know. You NEED to share and will tell what you know to anyone who gives a hint that they will listen. You are friendly.

Through my eyes, you are smart. You make up words of your own constantly like a tale from Dr. Seuss. Even this morning you were telling me how some toy was a "zuzzer". "What does it do?" I asked. Zuzzes. Silly me! You love learning about animals from Daddy and have quite a repertoire of animal facts you can spout off. You can build a complex car from Legos - perfectly symmetrical with exhaust and headlights and a fancy spoiler. You are amazing.



Most of all, you are loved.

I love you big,

Mommy


Please head over to the next Letters to Our Sons blog in our link-up. Check out the beautiful work of Deitra Sisk while you are there! DSisk Photography | Indiana Portrait Photographer

Nolan turns 2 | Willoughby Farm child photographer {Collinsville, IL}

I was excited when I received a beautiful Christmas card featuring this photo from Nolan's fall session at Willoughby Heritage Farm in Collinsville.


He looks like such a little man in his handsome sweater!

The G family | Photos in Bee Tree Park

This fun, relaxed family met me in Bee Tree Park for their photos. Although it was a bit of a drive for both of us, we had a beautiful day and a fabulous time resulting in lots of captured memories! It took the 4 year old a few minutes to warm up, then watch out! Model extrodinaire if you couldn't tell by this shot. And baby brother, at only 3 months old, already trying to pull her hair!

Happy little guy

A special photo with Mom and with Dad


Beautiful big sister
And her photos with Mom and Dad



LOVE!

Want to capture your own family memories? It is not too early to book your spring family photo session. The trees bloom in mid-April!

Gabriel {3 months} | Baby boy photos in St. Louis

Sweet Gabe was a perfect model for his 3 month portraits. I love when parents want to be in photos with their babies. Not only will these parents love having photos of their precious boy on their walls, but he will have beautiful photos of his family to look back on.

Mommy and baby is always one of my favorites!



Check out this adorable face!




Can you tell this is one of my favorite sessions ever?

Henry {18 months} | Willoughby Farm in Collinsville, IL

This handsome boy was fun to photograph. He gave lots of smiles and was ready to run and play. He has gorgeous eyes and lashes to show off, too!



Thanks for looking!

Olivia {2 years old} | St. Charles, MO Child Photographer

I loved photographing Olivia again. I first got to take photos of this sweet little girl with curly hair when she was 6 months old, and I had the priviledge of taking family photos back in April. You can see those here. The beautiful location for these photos was Herman's Farm and Orchard. The owners were nice enough to let us hang out a little after close to finish up our photos. May have had something to do with how unbelievably cute this girl is!
So sad and sweet, rubbing her bunny's ears.
Mommy and play time made her happy again!
 

Thanks for looking!

The B family | St. Jacob, IL family photographer

Three goldens and a 3 year old on their best behavior made for a fun session!

According to Jayden, this is her best friend.  So sweet.

Admittedly, things were easier once the dogs weren't involved!



Jayden was an adorable model and gave me lots of laughs and personality!


Daddy picked out this adorable outfit, and check out her boots!


Hope you liked looking!