Being the youngest child of my family, and married to a first-born, I used to find it bordering on the ridiculous when my mother in law would lovingly say, “there’s just something special about the first one.” I’m not getting myself into trouble by posting this. T’s mom has long known how I felt by my eyerolls and elbows to T’s side.

But, I have to admit, it’s true. Not that the first is better or more loved. It’s that this child made you parents for the first time, and in the most traditional sense, a family. Right or wrong, so much of the joy, fear, excitement, stress and love that comes with that shift gets associated with your first child.

That’s what I was thinking about when I met this sweet and calm new family. Welcome to the world, baby A!

Three generations…

First, Happy New Year to all! I am very aware that 2009 was not a kind year to many. I am filled with gratitude that I was able to start a business that I LOVE in such a tumultuous time. Huge thanks to all of you who have worked with me, encouraged me,  spread the word for me and generally cheered me on. Exciting things are coming soon as I approach a year since launching this blog which quickly (more quickly than I expected!) turned into my business.

May 2010 be a good year for all of us. May we cherish every good thing, especially the people, in our lives, and may the bad be bearable, short-lived, and meaningful in the long run.

Here is a sneak peek from my first session of 2010! I know since mom and dad are on my Facebook, that they are anxious to see them! You may remember this little guy from here.

This time, big brother joined us. And, oh my goodness, they were so sweet together! I swear I did not ask them to pose for any of these. I just plopped them on the grass…

Baby B is one very loved, and kissed, little boy.

This one with mom made me want to cry. I just know (and LOVE) that feeling.

Lastly, a couple of big brother. As a friend of mine says of her daughter, this look feels like a little preview of the teen years…look out!

And then just like that, he’s back to little boy.

 

Whew. October and November were so busy. I’m incredibly honored and grateful to all of the families who trusted me with their family’s portraits this year. Now that the Holiday Mini Sessions are all complete, I have just a few more sessions to fit in this month and then I am taking a couple of weeks to enjoy my family and get ready for 2010. There are a lot of exciting things in the works, including a new blog, travel calendar, and a big giveaway! Please stay tuned!

Since so many of my recent sessions were intended to be surprises for Christmas, I can’t share too many of those pictures. That’s all the excuse I need to squeeze in a few of my own family. My girls are lucky to have great relationships with all of their grandparents, great grandparents, and even one great-great grandmother! I cherish every opportunity we have to bring the generations together. These are from Thanksgiving weekend.

VC and her “Papa”

CM and “Memo”, her great-great grandmother.

Miss “Inependent” is turning one this week, and although I heard she was walking, I was surprised by how mobile she already is. Not just walking, but running! This bitty thing made me work! I had so much fun chasing her around in Ortega and Avondale. While I love going into a family’s home to photograph them on their turf, I also have enjoyed exploring our historic neighborhoods on recent sessions.

Many thanks to Let Them Eat Cake! for letting us make a bit of a mess!

I love how you can glimpse Mom and Dad watching attentively from inside and outside the bakery window.

Share this…   …and a few more pics from this session will be on the JMP Facebook page ().

I love my job. I love getting to spend time with families spending time with each other. The B family was so sweet. It’s always even better when dads (in this case, aka JB2) are willing participants as this dad was.  And JB3 (see his shirt)? He didn’t even need a second to warm up. He had his own shots, even wardrobe changes, planned before I arrived!

Everything about this family – the way they spoke to each other, the way they cuddled and played, and the way they looked at each other was so warm and comfortable.

Thanks, guys, for letting me in on your Sunday morning. I really enjoyed getting to know you a little. I’m excited to hear what the next week brings for you!

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JACKSONVILLE – Just a few slots left for Holiday Mini Sessions! See Investment page for details.

If the image above looks familiar, it might be because you saw it here. Mom wasn’t kidding when she told me that really captured her son the first time around! This time we were on the beach and at their home in Fort Lauderdale.

Baby M is not saying much with words yet, but those eyes are definitely talking.

And they could be saying, “have you heard I’m going to be a big sister?! I’m not sure what to think about that yet.”

Congrats to the whole W family! Thank you for being such generous hosts and friends to me and my girls. Next time, really, we have to get A in there…along with the new baby!

I have too many favorites of these guys to post here. Check out the JMP Facebook page to see more!

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JACKSONVILLE – Just a few slots left for Holiday Mini Sessions! See Investment page for details.

I met the M family on a recent muggy morning when we got together to do a quick mini shoot at their new home.

I love this series of father and son.

But don’t forget baby sis.

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JACKSONVILLE – Just a few slots left for Holiday Mini Sessions! See Investment page for details.

I am honored to be invited into the homes and lives of amazing families through my job. The H family has so much going on, but it is clear that family is their priority. They have three boys. One in utero, one with special needs, and one with a brand new puppy. As if that wouldn’t be enough to keep you busy, they are in the midst of a MAJOR home renovation. So major that when I arrived I wasn’t sure where the front door was!

You know what’s important to them when the first things to be done at their house are the playroom, pool and outdoor play area. They even have their own ball pit!

Unfortunately, our shoot got cut short by a health scare that was both terrifying yet normal to them. Full plate, I told you. I can’t even imagine. Still, in the short time I got to spend with them, it was clear that this family is full of love and optimism despite their challenges.

K and M, good luck with the weeks ahead. I hope to get to pick up where we left off, next time with the new baby in the new house!

It’s been such a busy few weeks that I’ve not posted as much as I would have liked. These are from a mini session on the beach that I did recently near Fort Lauderdale. This shoot was late in the morning and it was HOT! We had to hide out under the pier to have any hope of finding shade. Miss E is beautiful, but wasn’t too keen on getting her picture taken by me! Thankfully, Daddy helped me bring out her smile.

So serious…

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JACKSONVILLE – Just a few slots left for Holiday Mini Sessions! See Investment page for details.

ATLANTA – One Day Only – Saturday, October 17 – until 2010! Contact me at jenmen@gmail.com

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