This is Mike & Lara.  They are two of the most amazing people you will ever meet….and they are about to go from a family of 2…to a family of 3.  I went to college with them.  Lara was a bridesmaid in my wedding.  Whenever we get together- I feel like I’m 22 again.  I love that.

I had a great time taking their maternity photos.  We laughed, did silly things, saw a crazy lady on a bike in downtown Prior Lake, had many great laughs (Lara-your laugh is so contagious…I love it, and Mike- keep the jokes coming!), and when I looked through their photos the night after our session I had an overwhelming feeling of being so blessed to capture such a unique time in their lives.  I am one lucky woman to have some amazing friends and to capture all of those little things for them in a photograph that they may have otherwise long forgotten after the fact.

Baby Pedersen will arrive at the end of July.  I am smitten to meet him.  (yes HIM….finally a friend who is having a BOY!  I cried when I received the call that they were having a little Mr.)  And take his photograph.  And kiss his little toes.  And see two amazing friends grow and change and feel more love than they ever knew was possible in their hearts.  Cheers to be coming parents friends-the best is yet to come.  Love you.  xo.

Believe it or not-these two brothers have the SAME BIRTHDAY! I absolutely love watching families and children grow when I get to see them each year for their birthday photo sessions!  This year was extra special for the Kes family…Mr. Cole (baby boy #2) shares the same birthday as his big brother, Mr. Mason…only 2 years apart!  Happy Birthday to Cole and Happy 2nd Birthday to Mason!  Thank you for having me capture your cuties!  xo.

Mason’s 2 Year Session:

thanks for the smile Cole! xo.

Cole’s Newborn Session:

Meet The White Family.  I went to high school with Mrs. White (isn’t she GORGEOUS!!).  This beautiful family of 3 is becoming a family of 4 this summer, and Mrs.  White will no longer be out-numbered by boys!  Baby number 2 is ALL GIRL!  Thank you for having me capture some oh-so-sweet images of your growing family.  xo.

Just a few smiles to brighten your day!  I sure love my happy boys!

Today is April 23, 2013.  Usually the sun would be warmly shining, the snow would all be melted, and my boys and I would be playing at the park.  However, this year Minnesnowta has had more snow in the month of April, than it did in December and January combined (weird, right?!).  This morning my boys and I made the best of the Winter weather on our “Spring” day.  We drove around, drank coffee/chocolate milk, listened to some summer tunes, and I brought my camera along to snap some photos of the stunningly beautiful snow.  If you look closely…there is a little sign of Spring with the water drops of melting snow!

We are forecasted to hit 70 on Saturday….only in Minnesota can you get 6 inches of snow on a Monday night, and 5 days later the temperature is in the 60’s and 70’s.  As much as I want the warmer weather…the view driving around today was breath-taking!  Today I am thankful that I was able to share it with my boys!  Enjoy!  xo.

My Connor Boy turned 1 year young on March 10th (I’ve been a little behind on my blog posts….).  Over the past month I have been working on his baby book and here is a letter I  wrote for my littlest to go in his book.  xo.

My Dearest Connor,

I can hardly believe that it has already been 12 months since we welcomed you into the world on a Saturday morning the 10^th of March.  The first time I held you, it seemed as though the world had stopped and all that existed was you and I.  You are my sweet baby boy-the 4^th member of our family.  There could be no better way to complete our family, than you.

I loved examining every little detail about you on the day of your birth.  From your big eyes (everyone told me you looked like me…I absolutely loved it!) to your wrinkly little feet and tiny hands-every detail was perfect.

Those first few days in the hospital were an exciting time for your Dad and I.  You had LOTS of visitors, and Auntie Kimmy and Uncle Jeff even brought your big brother, Noah in to meet you.  Your Dad and I cuddled you the entire time we were in the hospital and every day since.

Before I knew it we were home and back to our every day life.  You rolled over, held your head up, sat up by yourself, crawled, and suddenly walked-all in the blink of an eye.  And now you are one.  You have grown into a determined little boy who is sweet as can be.  You love to play tag with your big brother and be tickled by Mom & Dad.  Your favorite food is pizza and any kind of fruit.  You love to snuggle with me and I never want that to change.  You can say three words-Mama, Dada, & car.  During naptime Noah climbs into your crib and wakes you up.  You both jump up and down in your crib as long as you can-all while laughing and giggling hysterically!  A few weeks ago after bedtime, I found Noah in your crib, hugging you tight while you slept.  Your big brother loves you more than you will ever know-and so do I.

Connor-Boy is what we call you.  Our sweet baby is growing up and changing but some things will always stay the same.  Your beautiful brown eyes will always look at me with so much love and warmth and your smile will always bring joy to my heart.  Even when I am old and grey, I know that I will look at those two things and I will always see those eyes that looked up at me with so much wonder when you were just one day old, and that smile that lights up the room.  I can’t wait to see you grow and change every day for the rest of my life.  I love you to the moon and back my sweet baby boy.  Hugs & Kisses,  Mama

Every month I take photos of my darling niece, Addelyn.  Here are photos from her 3 month session.  I ❤ her chunkiness….she is ADORABLE.  xo.

Back in September I FINALLY signed my 2 year old (then he was 19 months old) up for ECFE class in our local school district.  I had no idea how many wonderful women, children, and families I would meet.  I am so lucky to live in such a great community.

One of the families in Noah’s class asked if I could photograph their newborn baby girl-of course I jumped at the opportunity!  Here is a peek at their newborn/sibling session.  These three little ladies are going to have a blast the rest of their lives.  xo.

Kendall turned 2 on January 13th, 2013.  This sweet little curly-haired girly is A DOLL.  Love you my sweet niece :).  xo.

Meet baby Julia-just 2 weeks new.  This little sweet-pea is my newest niece and is cute as can be.  Big brother Zach is one lucky big brother!  xo.