I had such a great time catching up with Adam, Claire, Lorelei and their parents Jill and Tony last Saturday morning. We had a lovely Spring day to explore Promontory Point together. The perfect backdrop for this beautiful family. I was especially excited to capture some sweet, snuggly shots of Jill with each of the kids right in time for Mother’s Day. Every mommy deserves to have these treasured moments with her little ones to hang on to for all time. It was wonderful to see you five again!
What have I been up to lately, you ask, while I’ve been neglecting my blog? For the most part, it’s a typical, boring answer. Mike’s slammed at work, and the girls have been keeping me jumping at home as I plan and schedule for a fun summer packed with photo shoots. But most recently, I got to spend a magical week in my Happy Place with my little family. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t stress for a month beforehand about this vacation. Or should I say “trip,” because as a dear friend pointed out to me, “Honey, you’re traveling with young children. It won’t be a vacation!” She was right, and it was the perspective I needed going into it. But, despite my anxiety over how our little wild card would be during this adventure (if Mae is unhappy…it’s game over), I am so glad Mike and I made time for this getaway this year per our tradition. Visiting the beach…a beach…ANY beach…every year is a promise we made to each other on our honeymoon. The tradition has become even more important to me as the years have gone by. My yearly beach time has become sacred. A deep breath, a prayer answered. A chance to wind down, to simplify in a way I can’t seem to do elsewhere. To reconnect with Mike. To bond with all three of my girls on a deeper level. This year, we were back at our favorite spot: Marco Island, Florida. Beautiful, familiar, easy. Marco Island also has the added benefit of being the place we visited when I was pregnant with Hannah…before her 20 week Spina Bifida diagnosis…before our world caved in and our lives changed forever. I always feel especially close to Hannah here. She is in the fresh breeze and the gorgeous light. And she must have been smiling down on us, because it was a perfect week. Amazing weather, happy, light-hearted moods, awesome food, great sleep (yeah, Mae!)…it exceeded every tempered hope I had for this time together. Watching Eloise and Mae’s joy as they explored and played on the beach filled my heart in a way I can’t honestly describe. It’s a feeling we share with each other…something basic and natural and inherent inside of us that connects us all. I feel so incredibly blessed to have made these memories.
In honor of Mother’s Day approaching, Yelp put together a list of 5 star mom-owned businesses in Chicago. I am excited and honored to be included on that list. Thanks, Yelp! And many thanks to my clients who posted such terrific reviews for Jen Soares Photography. As a consumer who regularly relies on Yelp reviews in my personal life, I’m extremely grateful for and very appreciative of the kind shout-outs for my own business. Check out the list, Chicago friends. What a cool way to celebrate Mother’s Day…by treating yourself, and supporting a local mom-owned business.
Congratulations Jen! That is just awesome for you, well deserved! 🙂
Dad and I are so very proud of you. Look what you have accomplished, all while raising two beautiful young ladies!
Mother’s Day is coming up! (Mike snapped this photo of me and the girls last Mother’s Day as I was setting up for mini sessions in Lincoln Park…and it’s one of my favorites. Look at how small and bald Baby Mae was!) Now is the time to order a mini brag book as the perfect gift for the mom or grandma in your life. (Or as a treat for yourself, Moms, because we all know you deserve it). They are adorable, affordable, and come in packs of three, so it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Gift cards for family photo sessions are also available. Email me for details.
My family had an exciting time celebrating Easter yesterday. The kids were pumped, the sun was shining, and we were all happy to enjoy the moment together. For those of you who celebrate Easter, I hope you had a lovely holiday. Spring has finally arrived in Chicagoland! Here’s to enjoying the sunshine.
Jenny,
These photos are SO beautiful, they actually made me teary eyed.
You captured the full glory of your beautiful surroundings, and, most importantly, the feeling of fun and happiness you experienced on Marco. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
Your talent never ceases to amaze me and you make me SO proud! Your great grandfather must be so incredibly proud, too!
Love, Mom