Fresh

It was time. Time for a new look. Time for a fresh start. Time for a Soares-Krantz family photo shoot. Gulp. That was the only part of the redesign equation that gave me pause. Family photos come with a mixed bag of emotions for us. They will never show a complete picture, as we will never be a complete family. Not to mention that I’m not in love with my 4 months post-partum bod. But Ellie is 2.5 years old today. Dorey is pushing ten. And Mike and I are ready to start seeing in color again. (If not exactly ready…we are willing.) I had a definite vision for the JSP blog update. But I knew taking our own family photos, the biggest part of that vision,  would be an adventure. Our personal “sessions” are always fraught with a lot of scrambling, excitement around my big ideas, some coercion,  an abundance of frustration when some of those ideas fall flat, and wild joy when they actually turn out. Not quite as calm and seamless as a family session I would typically shoot for another family. At the end of this session (read: when Ellie had reached her limit and stopped cooperating), Ellie had won the great all-yellow wardrobe battle, the tripod was perched in a strange, helter-skelter angle,  it was a mystery whether my big ideas had turned out, and mommy was in a seriously grumpy mood. Then another idea hit me. I moved the tripod back a few feet, flopped onto the couch…and this shot…the last one of the afternoon…happened. Although I am really happy with how my black and white vision turned out after all…I do love this shot. Does it actually showcase our everyday? Not exactly. That photo would include double the toys and books spewed all over the floor, and I would most likely be wearing sweat pants. Eloise would probably be watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse while Dorey ate abandoned goldfish crackers off the floor. But it captures a genuine moment. Smiling through the chaos. Hope despite a change of plans. Love…always.

Welcome to my fresh space, friends. I hope you enjoy the change of scene as much as I do.