My girls were outside playing in the snow recently.  We certainly have way more than we really need!  I guess they figured they would try to enjoy it instead of complaining about it….like their mom.  I quickly ran outside for maybe 4 minutes to take a few shots of them and amazingly a few were in focus - I was shaking a little too much haha.

I’m finally getting a chance to post some of the images from the birth.  There is something about watching a baby enter the world that makes you realize the world is going to be OK - it’s truly one of the most amazing things I’ve ever witnessed.  I was so honored to be a part of this whole experience and just captured everything I was feeling.

My favorite image!

Last week I had the amazing honor of photographing a birth.  Kate is a good friend of mine and we’ve known each other for about 10 years now.  I love all of her children, but I had the privilege of being there when the last two entered into this world.  Last week she called me to tell me she was being induced and I could hardly sleep that night!  I waited a good part of the day for her to call and let me know it was time to get to the hospital.  Finally she said it was time so I got there around 4:00.  I was literally shaking and bouncing off the walls with excitement!  If you know me at all, you know birthing, newborns and everything about it is right up my alley.  That is part of the crunchy side of me haha.  Kate and I are just alike in this.  So, I sat with Kate and her amazing midwife and doula while Kate labored like a champ.  It was hard for me to watch her in so much pain even though I know pain is good during labor.

When it was time for Miss F to enter the world I had my camera ready and captured some amazing shots of her daddy catching her into his strong arms.  There is something about being with your friend during such a special time that really bonds you to your friend and to the new baby.  F entered the world at 7:43 pm - yes, it really was that fast for you, Kate lol.  SHE didn’t think so, but everyone else did.

When I’m done editing I’ll post a few if Kate approves.  :-)  The room was dark and I was shaking so I’m praying I made some great memories for her that she will love.

Here is Baby F the next day when I went to see her at the hospital.

Over 30 vendors will be here!  Stop by to see me  - I’d love to see you or meet you!

Here are some of the details I took of Gabe.  Last I heard he was doing very well.  He’s on oxygen because the doctor was concerned about his breathing, but hopefully he will be off of that by tomorrow.

OK one more for now.  It was pouring outside recently so my girls and a friend decided to run outside and play!  I have a bunch more, but this is all I have time for now.

I’m so guilty of not photographing my own children.  It’s rare that I get out my camera when they are doing something cute or fun.  Christmas and birthdays seem to be the only time my camera is out so I’m making an effort to capture the daily things they do.  Of course that will probably mean it’s just my youngest since she doesn’t mind the camera and the other 2 do!  Here is Madison drawing pictures with 3D chalk.

It was Madison’s idea to shoot through the 3D glasses - it actually worked!

She looks so cute in the 3D glasses!

I love these next 3 of her doing hopscotch!

Mark and I went to Michigan for a few days and visited Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island.

We walked down this pier and we were COVERED with bugs.  It was so gross!  I took this with my baby camera.

The view from our hotel.

One of the entry ways for Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island

There are no cars on the island.  Only horses and lots of bicycles.

Fudge shops literally lined the streets everywhere!

Almost everywhere we walked was uphill.

I think this is the post office.

I think they are serious!  This is the sign for the Grand Hotel.

The Grand Hotel

We found a remote spot walking the back streets that had the most amazing view!

I concur!

This guy seemed confused as to why people were watching him make fudge lol.

Mark took this on the ferry ride back to Mackinaw City.  The ride was SO windy, choppy and COLD.  I was afraid to move so he took a photo of the bridge for me.

It was Shelby’s idea to do the photo session with me.  She needed some new photos and missed out on the career day images we did.  Shelby is 13and is my shy, sweet girl.  When she was little she wouldn’t go to anyone, but me…people would talk to her and she would just bury her head in my legs.  Finally in 1st grade she started to come out of that a little.  She is still shy sometimes, but can talk to people and will let her friends see her totally silly side!

She couldn’t stop laughing!  I love this one because it shows she really is still just 13.

She has amazing eyes!

You can see her shy side here.

Their team was #1 this year!

I LOVE her dimples!  I remember being so excited when I discovered them when she was a baby.

You can see it, but she is wearing the black pettiskirt here.  She looked so adorable.  Shelby has always had her own style and dresses so cute!  She also has the BEST hair!  It’s so curly and thick and she does the cutest things with it.  I’m so jealous.

Recently my girls asked me for a photo shoot.  OK,  yes, at first I really didn’t want to take them out…I have so much to do after all and am already swamped with editing, but I did it anyway and boy was I glad!  We had so much fun and I got so many great images of my sweet girls.  I’m going to TRY to narrow it down a little to show you. 

Madison is so full of life and energy.  She is 10 and super funny and quick-witted.  She is  very sensitive and loving - she sides with the underdog and likes to help people.  Madison is a huge animal lover too!  If Madison wasn’t around, my house would always be so messy - she keeps things clean and organized around here!

I love the contrast of her pretty outfit and the dirty background!

Typical of my sassy girl!

She tried the violin this year, but didn’t really love it.  I think we are going to try the piano next (yay!) and maybe dance.

I love this little area…I haven’t decided if I’ll use it again for a few reasons.

We didn’t have fabulous lighting here, but I loved the spot and wanted to use it.

I love the lighting here and will be going back soon!

I just love this shot of Madison - she is so beautiful and sweet!  LOVE the freckles!

I love her smile!