The D family | Photos of the whole family at SIUE gardens

This family had to reschedule a session back in December, and it took us until March to find another time when the whole family would be together again. Somehow despite horrible weather forecasted, we ended up with the perfect afternoon. Good thing, too, as two of the family members were getting ready to move to California!

There are four generations in these family photos and THREE little girls - the third just hasn't made her arrival yet. I am lucky I will get to meet her for her first photos with big sister in August.

Letters to Our Sons | March

Dear Abram,
This month you turned 4 years old. On your last day of being 3, you did your normal. Playing with toys, singing a song, talking talking talking. We read together at bedtime - one book for Dad, one for Mom and, as always, you read a book to us, too. You have a growing list of sight words you can read: go, see, my, you, the, is, up, red, Mom, yes, Dad, and no. I rarely see you being serious, but you put your whole heart into getting all the words right each night.




You had a Ninja Turtle birthday party with your friends, and family came over for cake and ice cream to celebrate your day. You were excited about the Legos, superheroes, Ninja Turtles, cars, and books. Not surprisingly, even after all that fun with your friends and an hour of swimming, you weren't ready for a nap. You have always had more energy than I could drain with any amount of fun or exercise.



For a special treat on your birthday, we took you bowling for your first time, let you play in the arcade, then out for ice cream. I tell you all the time, but seeing you smiling makes me happy.





Before your birthday, you promised that you would continue to visit us, but just for a little while. I am so glad you decided to stay!
Love,
Mommy
Enjoy reading some other letters and lovely photography by heading to the next blog in the circle: Alice Kowalski Photography | Kansas City life&style Photographer

Letters to Our Sons | February

Dear Abram,
You make me happy.
I love to hear your voice and the sweet and silly things you say. Out of nowhere and always in the middle of dinner, you look over and say "hug" and throw your arms out wide.
It is fun to have someone to dance with me or make up a crazy song and sing REAL LOUD with me. We have dance parties in the living room. You have a signature move: hands on the floor, one foot in the air, bouncing on the other. During the drive to school in the morning we sing "P U R P L E purple purple... Purple grapes on the VINE!" Top of our lungs.
I am glad that sometimes you pull me away from the couch and make me chase you in circles around the staircase or play hide and seek. ("You'll never find me!" followed by giggles is such a joyful sound.)
You let me be a kid with you. I think life would be pretty boring if it weren't for that.
Love,
Mommy
Please head over to the next photographer in the blog circle. Mel Karlberg Photography

Wes {2nd birthday} | Troy, IL child photographer

Look at these faces! With a 2nd birthday and Valentine's Day approaching, presents AND kisses on the way, who wouldn't be happy?

Plus tickles from Mommy can't hurt.

Adalyn {5 days old} | Ballwin, MO Lifestyle and Newborn Photographer

Baby Adalyn Jean belongs to my cousin, Bobby, and his beautiful wife, Amanda. I just adore Adalyn's squishy face!

I know it can make parents nervous wondering how their newborn photo session will go. Handing over your precious little one isn't easy, especially at just a few days old. This baby girl didn't want to spend any time naked OR sleeping, and we were still able to get beautiful photos because Mom and Dad were willing to be in the photos with her. I always ask that new parents be prepared to at least have their hands in photos, and I always hope they are willing to be in at least a few photos with baby. These are the kind of pictures that make my heart happy. These are the photos that your little one will look back at in the future and see not just how squishy cute she was, but how much love she received from the moment she was born.

{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!