In this season of our life, there's space for them to explore. And if this place didn't give us anything else, this would be enough.
Being a kid in the Pacific Northwest has its perks.
Baby M Comes Home
Bringing home a new baby.
It's a true definition of adventure. Parenting isn't an easy job. It's never-ending, expansive and full as more little folks are added. New babies create a time of exciting adjustment, sprinkled with sleep, playtime, messes, hugs, diapers, half consumed cups of coffee that have been microwaved 27 times.
Babies alter the lives of those involved forever. A mom and dad have kids now, not just the one. A little girl becomes a big sister. The family has expanded into something very different and just as wonderful.
As hard as it can be to take on more in parenting, these new little people are a rich ingredient to a fruitful life. They're something to be cherished and cultivated. As a parent, you have the most important external role of shaping this person...your person. Watch how life, how these little lives, have such a big impact on your world.
Parenting is a hard job, but such a worth while one. And I do love documenting it :-)
Jaxon
Jaxon. 12 weeks (ish).
He was such a gentleman, well-behaved and friendly, with so many smiles. AND to top it off, content to just sleep when he needed it.
Babies. Happy Babies. They spoil this photographer.
Skagit Valley Spring
Some friends of ours invited us on the Skagit Valley Tulip Route back in April. We were a little early to the tulip party since this past winter was colder than normal. Still, it was a fun trip. I didn't get too many photos, obviously. Between keeping an eye on kids in the crowds,making sure the one strapped to me was happy, and conversing with our travel buddies, there wasn't much time to shoot. That's totally fine. It was great to explore a new area with some great friends we've made.
Kate & Charlotte
Meet Kate & Charlotte. Two independent, smart, energetic, and stylish gals who make a trip to Boulevard Park super enjoyable.
Charlotte is an expert runner, climber and explorer. And man, let me tell you, Kate can keep up like it's nothing, all while growing a human. I'm impressed. Growing people is hard work.
So glad I was able to photograph this special time before Charlotte becomes a big sister, and Kate has two to chase after. Thank you for being great photo companions, ladies!
Bike
Shout out to this girl, who after only two months of a push bike is demanding a "purple bike with petals."
Charlotte 3.5
Back in July we went on a "little adventure" in the field behind our house for some pictures. Charlotte wanted to wear one of her special occasion dresses, which was a great idea. She's growing fast, and I wanted to get photos before this particular moment in her life was past. The result was super sweet, and very much Charlotte. Outside exploring, but still in a dress.
We only spent maybe 15 minutes, but she really enjoyed herself. Kind of funny how that works. Some times I feel like I need to plan some huge thing, bursting with activities or "learning" projects, when in reality, the simplest things will do for this age. Like traipsing around in a field with a nice dress on.
Matthew
He's ten years old, curious, and super active.
All of those things, and he did a great job working with me for an hour one Sunday this October. I've been shooting his portraits since Matthew was five, looking forward to doing it again in a couple years.