I can’t believe how big my buddies Levi and Ryder grew since I saw them last fall! Last year, we planned a photo session late in the season…and it was sleeting. This year, we planned it early, and the foliage is delayed. One of these days, we will get the perfect fall colors as a backdrop! But in the meantime, the boys brought their best top model moves, and we had a lot of fun. Congratulations on your beautiful new home, Jayme and Mark! It was great to catch up with all of you.
These two! How is it that Colin is already turning one, and big sis Reagan will be five in December?! Last weekend was rainy and miserable, and while the majority of my sessions in the city were forced to reschedule, the rain stopped and the sun came out in Hinsdale for the hour I got to spend with one of my favorite families there. Reagan and Colin were little rays of sunshine in an otherwise cloudy weekend! Thanks for a great time, as usual, Amber and Jim. I loved catching up with you guys!
I first got to know Stephanie two and a half years ago, when Mike and I had just received Hannah’s Spina Bifida diagnosis. We were introduced by a mutual friend who thought Stephanie might be able to offer us some unique compassion. Mike and I were in the throws of countless terrifying tests and consults with multiple specialists, trying to prepare for Hannah’s special needs care upon birth. We were scared. Overwhelmed. We felt alone. It was a time when no one knew “the right thing” to say to us. Some people didn’t even try, and found it easier to exit our lives. But others came out of the woodwork to offer support and love in whatever ways they could think of. Stephanie was one of those people. There wasn’t a week that went by that I didn’t find multiple emails from her in my inbox. Some were telling the story of their journey with their youngest daughter, Mary, who was born at 25 weeks and spent 5 harrowing months in Lurie’s NICU. Other emails offered tips about how to best navigate what we assumed would be our own NICU experience. How to talk to Eloise about what was happening with Hannah when the time came. Most of all, Stephanie offered me friendship and support, and a whole lot of hope. Because, as you can see from these photos, Mary is a miracle. She’s a perfect, sassy, funny, charming 4 year-old little girl who won an uphill battle against all odds that she will never remember. But her parents and siblings always will, and it’s a true testament to them that they’ve all come this far. MIRACLE.
I didn’t have the words to say how much I appreciated Stephanie’s compassion and friendship. So, I thanked her in the only way I knew how, and offered to take her family photos some time. I am thrilled she took me up on it! It was a blast to hang out with Tom, Audrey, and Mary in Lincoln Park last Sunday morning. Such a special thing for me to do for this lovely family.
Love these guys! Our sessions are always so much fun, filled with laughing smiles and silly faces. And this year…a puppy! Meet Daisy, Dana, Chris, Owen, and Grace’s newest family member. She might give you a run for your money, you guys, but she sure new how to mug for my camera! Thanks for a great morning…it was wonderful catching up with you four again!
I didn’t think I could love this family more…and then I met more of them! I was honored when Lisa and Don asked me to capture some photos of their extended family on Don’s mom’s birthday this year. I not only got to meet Grandma Diana and Grandpa Don, but also Aunt Kim, Uncle Andy, and cousin Sarah, as well. What a great family! Jack and Delaney were pros, as usual…we always get fun, cuddly, smiley photos together…and Sarah proved to be just as much of a top model with her beautiful smile and awesome spirit. They are darling, and these moments with Grandma are so special. Thanks again Diana, Don, Kim, Andy, Sarah, Lisa, Don, Jack, and Delaney for such a wonderful time. And happy birthday, Grandma Diana!