Hyatt. Newborn.

Oh sweet, Rennen. We have been praying for you for SO very long - what a blessing to be able to snuggle this sweet miracle! You are blessed with the best parents and big sisters any boy could ever have. We love you more than words!!

Baby Ducks. Cuteness Overload.

So we did a thing! We have baby ducks for 10 days before we take them to their home on Justin’s family farm, and the kids couldn’t be more excited. Taylor Grace immediately dove into mama mode, and it’s pretty comical to watch. They’ve gotten used to her games and even now follow her around and peep for her. She cleverly named them: Daddy Duck, Mommy Duck, Taylor Grace Duck, and Julian Duck ;). Julian loves to stick his finger near their beaks to nibble - I’m told that’s a sign of affection, but who knows!

Connor. Newborn.

There are few things sweeter than seeing your best friends have babies. Danielle is one of my longest and truest friends, and navigating college, heartbreak, forever love (yep, she introduced me to my husband!), becoming mommies together…it’s the best! She is one of the most selfless people I know, and she loves her people well. It was such an honor to be able to capture this special time with their new baby boy!

It's a Girl!

Baby pigtails, lollypop smiles…what could be better? This BIG SISTER is spilling the beans about the little sister joining their family this year! I couldn’t be more thrilled for the sweetest family.

Elizabeth has the biggest heart and has openly shared about her miscarriage last year. She has such a way with words, and having suffered loss myself, they spoke so strongly to me - I encourage you to read them below!

From Elizabeth:

“Matthew 14 talks about Jesus walking on water. Peter calls out “Lord if it’s you tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus calls Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and he walked on the waves.

We know what happens next. Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink. And I’ve always focused on that: the sinking.

But look what happens next, he begins to sink and he cries out, “Lord save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out and caught him. Immediately.

He asks Peter, “you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (I encourage you to read that again with the genuine and gentle tone of a loving father.)

We don’t get to hear Peter’s answer. They climb back in the boat and those who were in the boat worshipped Jesus.

There’s a lot of little sermons packed into this story, but I’ll point out a few things: Peter may not have had the faith to keep his eyes on Jesus, but he knew who to call when he began to sink. Jesus immediately rescues Peter. Jesus didn’t wait for Peter to figure it out. He didn’t let him suffer even for a minute to teach a lesson. He responds immediately. I’ve always focused on the sinking. On Peter’s shortcoming. But if you look at the last verse in the story, it is exactly Peter’s reckless faith that motivates everyone else to worship. Peter got out of the boat. He was the only one. And then he fell. And it wasn’t cute. But Jesus enters in. And you know what? Everyone else saw Jesus on display. And they worshipped Him.

I’m not strong enough to pick up the pieces of this loss. I’m not in a place to comfort anyone else because I’m freaking broken. But you know what? That was never my job. My job is to get out of the boat. To tell my story in all of its brokenness to magnify God’s glory. And to be honest, I’m not sure how those two things fit together right now. I’m learning to take a posture of grief while juggling everyday joy. I’m learning how to take opposing ideas— gratitude and longing, hurt/fear and hope— and hold them both in my hands. I’m learning to tell a story that isn’t finished. I’m learning how much of this is mine to carry and how much to leave at the feet of a God who is still a mystery. I’m learning more about a God who enters into this grief with me and sits in the hard places. And sometimes He doesn’t bring answers for me. Instead, he asks me if I’m going to continue to trust Him. Not for an outcome, but just trust Him. My flesh says “no.” But my heart sighs relief into the comfort it is to worship a God so big I cannot fathom. He’s so big. So much bigger than I knew. Big enough for my questions. He is my portion when there isn’t enough. He has met me with a peace that truly surpasses my understanding. He’s been there when I wasn’t sure I wanted Him. He is here. In the grief. In the mourning. In the brokenness. In my weakness. In the loneliness. In the dark night and there still in the bitter morning. In the unbelief. In the sinking.”

Julian. ONE.

HOW. How in the world is my baby already ONE?! I thought 2020 would crawl, but it flew by faster than any year yet. I blinked, and here’s my wild one. We had a low key “into the woods” celebration for our wild man, and it was exactly what my heart needed.

Christmas baby.

It was both magical and crazy stressful through the Christmas season, but we’re so thankful we had this sweet little miracle to celebrate with, even if it was all night!

Grow Baby Grow!

While I was pregnant with Taylor Grace, I had a fun time taking a picture with the “baby is the size of a ___” fruit or vegetable each week. I looked cute every time I went to the grocery store so I could hunt for the perfect produce and get a nice picture. This go round, 1) I don’t care to look cute most days (SAHM of toddler, no makeup or desire, you know the drill) and 2) I thought it would be fun to involve Taylor Grace to get her excited and learn about baby growing.

I have to say, it has been more fun than I expected! Seeing her excitement, watching her grow as our sweet baby grows, and hearing her pronounce (and want to eat) everything has been a blast. Was there some fruit throwing? Sure. But there sure were a LOT of giggles!

Grow baby grow! We’re so close and can’t wait to meet you soon!

It also became a tradition that Taylor Grace had to take a picture of Mama first. I mean, photographer’s dream?!

Here are a few favorites…because, I know I’m biased, but…she CUTE.

Pretty excited we made it to 39 weeks to get a cute pumpkin picture…perfect for our October baby :)

Lilly. One.

Madison. 9 Months!

Can you even handle the cuteness overload?!

Lucas. Newborn.

It is so fun to watch lifelong friends become moms. And it’s even more fun to have the honor to photograph their first few days! I’ve known Dana since middle school, and we lived together for a few years in college and after. That was just yesterday, right?! We’ve come a long way since all day PJs and takeout ;) So excited for your sweet family, and congratulations on the most adorable little boy!

Madison. 6 Weeks.

I don’t know if I have ever seen a sweeter, more chill 6 week old! Madison takes after her mama and was as happy as can be, even though she was sleepy ;) Rossi - Thank you for having me in your beautiful home! Looking forward to watching this sweet girl grow up :)

Lucy. One.

Tutus, rose pedal cake, and birthday crowns? Could this sweet girl be any cuter? Happy birthday, Lucy Goose!

Camden + McKinley. 1st Birthday.

It seems like only yesterday that we were taking newborn photos for these sweet blessings. Fast forward to their FIRST birthday party, and it was full of people who love them and their sweet parents, as well as amazing decorations by their talented crafty mama. Could they be any more precious?! Happy birthday, sweet girls!

Also, let’s not forget the big moment when Lauren’s brother (with help from her precious niece) opened the box to reveal that the girls are IDENTICAL!

Nolan. One Year.

Has anyone else been having as much fun watching this sweet family grow as I have? How is time flying so quickly that baby Nolan is already ONE? It seems like yesterday this was Lyla. These little cuties get more fun each time I see them! And really - those baby blues are already breaking hearts!!

My baby is 1.5!

Everyone always says the days are sometimes long but the years are short...it couldn't be more true! I love being able to spend more time with my baby, who it turns out, isn't so much a baby anymore. She is such a mama's girl right now, and it is so fun to see her sweet personality continue to come out more each day. She seriously waves and says HI to everyone we see, and even no one ;) Here's to trying to remember all of the small things!

Saletta. Family.

I have known this sweet family since I was little. Mrs. Saletta was one of my favorite teachers at church and has always been a blessing in my life. What an honor it was to be able to take pictures of their family as it grew by FOUR feet with her first grand babies! These girls were troopers in the chilly NC weather and oh so adorable. Thank you for letting me capture this special time for y'all! 

Taylor Grace. ONE.

One blog post couldn't do it justice, and I took a little time to take pictures of TG on her actual birthDAY.  My mama brain unfortunately kicked in on the day we were getting our own pictures taken when I drove 45 minutes at 7:30am to realize I had left her adorable outfit hanging by the door. Oh well, like I really needed an excuse to take more pictures ;) 

And what's a one year post without the monthly pictures?

Raelyn. Newborn.

Welcome to the world, sweet baby girl! This little girl is an answer to SO many prayers, and we couldn't be happier for Brice and Emily. Congratulations - she is perfect!

Shelby. First Birthday Party.

I'll tell you what. Shelby's mama gave her a fabulous, sparkling first birthday party! Complete with stars, glitter, tutus and homemade (sugar free) cake for the birthday girl. Happy first birthday, Shelby! You are so blessed and so loved. So glad I was able to be a part of your celebration. 

Lyla. One Year.

Happy first birthday, Lyla!