Dear Imogen,

Our summer was filled with nature trails, swimming and hunting for bugs in princess dresses.  I had such a wonderful time with you in all of our adventures.  

You are so imaginative.  We had to remove a tree in our yard and you were concerned it might be feeling pain.  When I asked you what we should plant in its place you quickly answered a "Magic Beanstalk".  You said we could wait until it grew all the way up into the clouds and then climb to the top.  You described how we might be able to see the whole world.  It made me think of a time when I used to believe in beanstalks or at least believe I would see the whole world.  After you have kids you forget about those things in a way.  You made me realize that I do still dream of seeing the world and I want to see it with you.

One day this summer you came running into the kitchen yelling about how you needed to Go West.  You said you learned that the sun sets there and you must see it.  A couple weeks later your dad had a business trip to California.  You were so upset you couldn't go to see the sun.  That week he sent you a picture of the sunset and it made you smile.  

This summer you have talked a lot about True Love.   You caught me and your dad kissing.  You asked us to "Go ahead and stay in true love and you would be back in a minute."  I hope that we will be able to instill in you an accurate idea of love despite all the "Happily Ever After" messages.  I need you to always know how amazing you are and you deserve to be treated.  

At the end of the summer you turned four.  On the morning of your birthday you jumped into our bed and told us we had to wake up because the sky was awake.  One of your favorite presents was an ant farm.  You spend the mornings observing their behavior.  You make sketches of their tunnels and write messages from the ants for me to read.  These messages are made up entirely of scribbly lines in which I have to interpret.

September 14th 2013...

Burying the Bourbon is an old southern wedding tradition.  You bury a bottle of bourbon in the spot you will be married exactly one month before the wedding.  It is believed this little ceremony will keep the rain from making an appearance on your big day.  Annie and Matt will be married where Annie grew up, an adorable country home.  I love the chemistry between these two.  Their personalities really seem to balance and complement each other.  I am anxious for their September wedding.  

Here is a glimpse inside of 6-29-13...

Suzie's shower was absolutely perfect.  A radiant mom-to-be surrounded by friends and family, Pinterest-worthy decor paired with creative food presentation and shower games that were actually a lot of fun to watch.  

Eight month old Lilly is so much fun to photograph because she is such an expressive little baby.  I also love the way the light reflects in her intensely blue eyes.  She was pleasant throughout the shoot until we tried to put her in the grass barefoot.  That was the only thing that seemed to make her upset.  This was my second session with Lilly and I look forward to future dates with her!

Stella is the happiest little 6 month old around.  She smiled almost all the way through her session with her parents. I always enjoy hanging out with a family who is full of warmth and love. It was great to see how Stella has grown since our last session.  She is strong and ready to explore.     

These past couple of months have been all about questions.  What do pterodactyls eat?  What does the word important mean?  Mommy, could you please tell all the cars to stop being stinky?  Each question is followed up by another question and I find myself quickly running out of answers.  However,  I love your curiosity and inquisitive nature. It reminds me how important it is to ask questions.  

Recently, you had your first real encounter with fireflies.  It is probably one of my favorite things I have experienced with you.  Watching you spin around in the grass barefoot, with this face full of amazement.  Fireflies dancing around you while you pretend to catch them.  Squealing with delight when they fly out of my hands.  You made us laugh when you said, "  I am so impressed there are fireflies out here!" Your dad and I were so impressed that you used the word impressed.

There is nothing more special to me than watching you and your dad together.  I love listening to the two of you sing your made up songs or watching you dance to the strum of your dad's hair brush guitar after a bath.  Seeing you squirm out of your dad's "Baby Trap" or sit in his "Robot Chair" gives me such happiness.  The other day I watched your dad taking careful instructions from you on how to comb your fairy princess doll's hair.  I could not be more in love, seeing him listen to you and hold that tiny doll in his huge hands.  You two have created this unique relationship separate of me, that only the two of you fully understand.

In the mornings you beg him to play with you before he goes to work.  You say " Daaaaaady, come on...."  Most the time, even when running late, he will sit in the middle of the floor and play with you.  When he finally insist he must leave, you select a toy that he has to take to work with him.  He has a collection of these very special toys at his desk.  

Milo is such a sweet little boy.  I enjoyed being able to hang out with him on his special day.  He was all smiles being surrounded by family, friends, and farm animals.  I believe a farm party for a 2 year old is genius.  You could tell he had a blast because at the end of the party he gave his mom a "you're the best mom ever hug."  

Claire was the perfect little birthday princess.  Her pink and orange accessories matched everything down to the cupcakes.  She did not have any problem being center of attention and there was no hesitation when digging into her cake.  Lots of family and love for this little girl.

You can't help but notice how much Chris and Sarah adore each other.  I truly enjoyed watching them interact.  Chris is quite the comedian.  I found myself laughing out loud a few times editing their session.  Sarah is gorgeous, with this uninhibited, infectious laugh.  I can not wait to see these two walk down the aisle.  They have a great story and are completely deserving of happily-ever-after.

Dear Imogen,

This month I really enjoyed our car conversations. You said things like, " Sometimes...... Spiders cry....." or  " I know a fly could workout just the same as you do." Each statement would make me think...  I couldn't decide if you were just saying random things or if you had an important message.

This month you counted to 29 and then insisted the next number was 2010.  I tried to explain to you that I was 29 and I would be 30 next.  You said I was 29 and Mimi was 2010.

You have been telling me recently how happy you make Mimi and how much she misses you when you are not around. I wanted to take pictures of you and Mimi this month because I love watching the two of you play.  Since you were born, Mimi has changed so much.  We had a rough year at the beginning of 2010, but when you were born everything changed.  I saw Mimi smile for the first time in years.  Truly smile.  She all of the sudden had a whole new outlook on life.  She lost over 80 pounds just so she could keep up with you when you started walking.  Now she has more energy than anyone I know.  Seeing her happy and healthy is such a gift.

I know everyone always says this, but after you have your own baby, you find a new appreciation for your parents.  When you were born I needed Mimi more than I ever imagined I would.  I remember my own childhood and how she filled it with magic.  She made it all look so easy.  I feel so lucky that we have her today.  I hope you always know how you were heaven sent, and how you changed our lives into something wonderful.  

This is such a special project for me... I love the idea of documenting change and transformation.  Emily was my first ever photography muse.  I have lots of pictures of her around 5 years old in angel wings and dresses.  Now she is about to become a mom and is beginning to evolve.  She is readjusting her life and starting to imagine motherhood.    

This was my first - first communion....  I felt honored to be there to capture such an important event.  The whole Frantz family was dressed to perfection, and Connor was a great sport enduring all the family photos with a smile.  I loved seeing all the boys in their handsome little suits and all the girls wearing their white dresses and veils.  

Thanks again to Frantz family and congratulations Connor!

Juliet could definitely be a professional baby model.  She was a natural and the light loves her little face.  With her sparkling eyes and adorable smile, I had to resist the urge to pick her up and cuddle.  It was a wonderful experience all together.  It is always nice to be around a warm family with a truly happy baby.

This family is one of the happiest little families I have had the pleasure of knowing, so I was thrilled with idea of photographing them in their home.  This is a magical time for their family.  Erin is 33 weeks pregnant and absolutely gorgeous. Their little one, Addie, is such a sweet and funny girl, excited to be a big sister.  It made my heart melt listening to her talk to her mom's belly.  I can't wait to meet new addition.

It was so great to see old friends with their new family.  They seemed to have transitioned effortlessly into parenthood.  Smart, beautiful kids and a happy home.  

It was a challenge getting 3 kids, ages 3 and under, together for a shot.  Kind of like herding cats.  However, it was fun trying and I enjoy the candid group shots the best anyway.  It is more interesting to see kids being themselves. 

    The Ferry family is a treasure, with abundant long flowing red hair, a wonderful location, and baby chicks.  It is all a photographer could ask for... I really wanted to experiment with a lifestyle session.  I always enjoy capturing candid moments, but I still spend a lot of time trying to get specific formal shots. I wanted to document a Saturday morning with a family doing what they do.  Something natural where I could disappear into the background and just observe, forcing myself to be creative in a new way.  I also feel as a parent, a sense of urgency to capture such a beautiful time in a family's life.  These sunny Saturday mornings are numbered.  I love being able to capture that for people.

   It was difficult for me to not give direction, I had to stop myself a few times...  At one point we did have the girls get together just so I could capture all 3 of  them in one shot.  We also did a candid family shot.  It was a great experience and I hope to do lifestyle shoots more often.

Dear Imogen,

This month you started to develop your critical thinking skills. For instance, I asked you if you would like to try some turkey, and you said it would be silly to eat turkeys because they have wings and feathers. I didn't know how to argue with you.  

I feel so inspired by you every day. One of the best things about being a parent is being constantly reminded of the wonders we overlook. How thrilling it is to see a helicopter fly by or how much fun it is to play with rolly poly bugs. The other day you watched the water drain in your bath and when the water formed a funnel you said "It's beautiful".

You are beginning to have such a fantastic little voice. I woke up the other morning to you singing a beautiful melancholy song about being alone in the dark.  You sang it with such emotion and held this lovely note to finish. It made me cry. 

I have to tell you that one of the best parts of your age right now is that you always tell me the truth, even if you know I won't like it. When you are in the other room and it is a little too quiet, all I have to do is ask what you are doing. You will say "poking Glennie's eye" or "painting on the walls." Sometimes you will just tell me "Mommy, I took my diaper off and I am peeing on the couch." If you could always be that honest with me that would be perfect.

I love how you think band-aids can fix anything, especially if they are the right kind. When you notice I am upset or frustrated you ask me if I would like a band-aid. One with butterflies bought from Target. You asking me if I need a band-aid almost always works for me.

This was definitely the most adorable first birthday party I have ever attended.  The yellow submarine theme was fun and Beatlesque - without going overboard.  Every little detail was thought out so well.  It was such an honor to be a part of this fabulous party.

Hudson holds a special place in my heart, not just because he is practically family, but I have been taking pictures of him since he was 3 months old.  I have to admit I got a little teary-eyed when singing "happy birthday" and watching him dig into his cake.  He is such a happy little boy,  full of expression.  He is surrounded by so many people who love and adore him.