I’m not afraid to admit to you one of my deepest fears. If all goes well, it is bound to happen. It is my girls becoming ‘tweens and teens. I have fretted about how I will handle it since before they were born. Seriously.

Last week, I met an amazing 11 year old girl who gave me hope. Sweet, smart, talented, athletic, mature and self-confident. Wow. I was so impressed by how at ease she was with herself and how gracious she was with me. I wish I’d been that together at her age. I pray that my girls will be.

Here are highlights from a session I had with a  sweet tree-climbing, spiderman loving big brother and his spunky princess of a baby sister.

Big brothers rule. Thank goodness, K seems to use his power benevolently.

I often joke with CM that a princess’s life is pretty boring. I mean, what do they actually DO? Miss L informed me that they dance with princes all day. Then she showed me her moves.

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.

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!

I recently got to photograph one of my favorite young families. We first met back when big brother L and my own CM were both still in the womb…a few years and states ago (for me). I am lucky enough to still see them occasionally when they come down to Jacksonville. It’s always fun to check in with them, because when we met we were in that twilight period of expecting our first babies, entering that unknown world of parenthood. Now they have their beautiful two boys, we have our two girls, and we’re comparing notes on kindergarten and sibling rivalry….oh, and college football. Some things don’t change (guess their team by the their wardrobe).

You just know that it won’t be long before these  boys will be too cool for PDAs with daddy, or to take their lovies anywhere and everywhere with them. But for now…

The last time I saw J he still had that baby look to him. This year, I was surprised by what a little man he’s growing into!

D and J, I’m so glad that our paths have continued to cross. I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed spending the time with you. See you again soon!

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She sings, she dances, she’s bilingual, she’s charming, and she’s a SURVIVOR. I could eat her up.

Not to mention the glasses!

Miss R is a Patrons of the Hearts beneficiary, and the newest member of an amazing family. If you are not familiar with POTH, check them out. It is truly an admirable organization.

This recent shoot was abbreviated by a sudden burst of rain, but we will pick up with this South Florida family in a couple of months (long story, but they happened to be in ATL the same week that I was)! Stay tuned to find out exactly when I’ll be heading south (for a change) to the Fort Lauderdale area and will be available for family, kids, or couple sessions.

We met up at one of the most pristine public playgrounds I’ve ever been to, John Howell, in Atlanta. But boys will be boys, and Z managed to find the little bit of dirt and sand there was to be enjoyed. He was so much more into that than any of the fancy playground equipment!

This is exactly what I mean about wanting to capture kids being themselves and not performing for the camera! Mom, T, said something to the effect of, “if you want to get a true picture of my son, this would be it!”

He may be the big brother, but there is still a lot of baby boy in him.  I love this swipe at an itchy nose.

And baby M…what a doll! There’s a lot going on in those eyes.

7 months and already more than a handful!

She loves her mama…and the camera, too!

Sorry you got soaked…can’t wait to come see you guys!

P’s mom told me it was just going to be a simple little get together with family, but there was a little more to it than that. I had fun being a part of the party and getting to document the fun.

 Captain Character was on hand to provide the entertainment. Despite the rain, he gave the kids a fun dinosaur lesson…

made balloon hats and swords…

painted faces…

facilitated an archeological dig…

erupted a volcano…

and shot off a rocket! Not sure how this related to dinosaurs, but P loved it.

The beautiful and delicious cake was from Sheila’s Cakes.

Happy Birthday, P! I hope to get to celebrate many more with you.

This week, I had the pleasure of photographing some young heart patients who are benefiting from the incredible work of Patrons of the Hearts. POTH helps children from around the world. These kids in particular are from Liberia, Morocco, and Grenada. Despite the challenges these families have already endured and still have ahead of them, smiles were plentiful on this morning. These pictures were taken at the Ronald McDonald House, another great organization that partners with POTH to care for the families while they are away from home.

This young guy came off as an average teenager. Kind of shy, sweet, and trying hard to be cool. But then I spoke with his mom and realized that his life does not conform to our idea of average at all. After coming to Jacksonville from Monrovia, Liberia for successful heart surgery, they’ve been told that they need to return annually for check ups because there is no adequate care in his home. His mother wonders how that will be possible with the lack of funds, support and reliable communication (phones, internet). But for now, she’s grateful for his health.

This family, from Morocco, has been here since the beginning of the year and is still not close to going home.

This sweety from Grenada barely spoke a word to me, but she clearly LOVED getting her picture taken!

This pretty girl may have had the biggest smile of the group. She and her mom were headed home to Grenada the next day. So smart and well spoken, she was looking forward to the homecoming party that she knew was waiting for her!

While the jury is still out as to whether our family is finished growing, it continues to be very unlikely that we’ll be adding any four-legged members to the household. I’m not naming names, but a certain blue eyed, blond haired, Y chromosome carrying person is the primary obstacle. And he may be right. But these might make him think twice…two cute little girls and their happy lovable dog…

The original plan with this Atlanta family was to get outside but the weather was not cooperating. It actually worked out great for me because I got to do my favorite thing which is to follow them around the house, starting with breakfast…

Just a few more…don’t they have incredible eyes?!

Thanks K and C for letting me in on your family time. Your girls are beautiful and I enjoyed spending the morning with you.

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