teeny, tiny Madelynn Grace

at 15 days old, little Maddie is smaller than either of my two children were at birth, we're talking under seven pounds here...she is like this sweet little porcelian doll I could have cuddled with all evening...but don't let her size fool you. she is a strong-willed little thing and already has determined she knows what a girl wants....and with a ridiculously cute face like this, I am pretty sure she will always get it.

this image below may just be one of my most favorite images ever. I know, I know, ever, really? because I NEVER use words like that....ever. I don't know what it is about it but really, I could just frame it and hang it on my wall because it would just make me smile every time I walked past it (I think you will know exactly what I mean, Erin....) too bad my baby has seven weeks to go still....sigh. but without further adieu (and much contemplation of should it be in black and white or baby soft skin color, which eventually I just asked my five year old daughter to choose for me....) THE image.






and I absolutely love the joy in this image...especially since Erin was willing to just keep shooting, even after an alien-like yellow substance suddenly appeared on her lap...I adore moms.









what sometimes only daddy's gentle touch can do....




seriously. porcelian doll. with a ton of gorgeous black hair already. love it.

yes she is really that small and yes the flower is really that big...but really could it get any cuter?!

already deciding what daddy will buy for her first....

perfect little toes....

just plain perfect.

when all is said and done, aren't all babies really just sweet, little, innocent angels? that is what we tell ourselves and that is all anyone ever needs to know....

it's the peaceful moments spent alone with our children when we truly realize what a miracle life is...no matter what alien-substance may have happened to us the night before.

Archambault family, party of four

though this was technically a family shoot, I must start with one of my favorite images from the day of the adorable Maura, who just turned three....for I remember when we first met years ago when my three week old son was the same size as three month old baby Maura...yes, I had a giant son. some things may have changed since then but those big, joyful eyes and wide smile I will never forget...

yes, I see a supermodel career in her near future....definitely.

I love vintage looking images...especially of sweet, little families..

um, adorable.



ridiculously cute. really.
























I'm quite sure those big, brown, doe eyes will be the end of daddy in the years to come.....








this so reminds me of Hawaii...










I love catching moments like this...completely caught up in the joy of their children.

though it was a wicked windy day, we managed to make it through before the infamous naptime face could make an appearance....






well, almost.

the beautiful barker family

really. could a family be more adorable if they tried? one of my very favorite family shots (and to be dramatic as only I can be, EVER.

having the opportunity to meet and work with such a sweet and loving family while they were in Grand Haven for vacation (from Indiana) was such a pleasure. sweet little Alexandra may have had something to do with that....

she had more ideas than I did and pretty much naturally posed everyone (including herself) without even giving it a thought...now if only she could assist me on other shoots....

love, love this image.



just one of the many hill sprinting jaunts that took place that evening....

I was exhausted just watching. Isn't it fascinating where children get all of their energy from? I think of this often, especially as bedtime is approaching and toys are still in motion....



I realize I am getting redundant but I absolutely love this image, too. see what I mean about Alexandra being a natural?? it's ridiculous. and I love it.

both a daddy's girl...





and a mommy's girl....

my obsession with hands continues....I just love how it reminds me of simple happiness I guess...

wherever they are going, it is going to be a yellow brick road every time.




thank you again Julie, Bob, and Alexandra for such a fun evening! your sweet, little family reminded me yet again of what is important in life....that all you really need is love to be truly happy.....and maybe a few fabulous outfits wouldn't hurt either.