52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 27

He may not be mine, but he's pretty adorable. This little guy knows how to charm the ladies.

There's enough cuteness, the tiniest traces of babyhood left, yet the earnestness of a boy on a mission, to learn, to explore, to endear him to us all. Such a fun age!

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 26

We are already half way through this year!

I love making my kids laugh, they are so cute. My girls, as of this week have matching missing teeth, in spite of the two year age difference. Well of course I had to capture it, before it changes (any excuse).

They are sweethearts and they do humor me. I have learned over the years that if I keep our little shoots lighthearted and fun and short, everyone is pretty happy. I get a few shots, I do it all before they have a chance to start whining, I make them laugh (yep, I can be pretty funny), I capture them together and we're done...before they can complain that they're bored. I try to make it a positive experience, that they can enjoy and therefore maximize my chances of a favorable response the next time I ask them to let me take photos. Now sometimes, I will admit, there are groans when they see the camera, but for the most part I think we've found a little rhythm and that makes me incredibly happy.

Love them SO much!

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 23

It's not easy being the middle child; not the baby, not the older responsible one. Throw in being tired and having a long day at school and all of a sudden life can seem SO hard. When a strong willed, middle child feels hard done by, or even wronged, it can sometimes lead to storming off, or even a little fit, of sorts.

Sometimes a mother, who is just as tired, has very low tolerance for such antics and is happy to let said child spend time on her own in her room. Thankfully though, there is a wonderful daddy who can recognize that maybe that same child actually just needs a bit of extra attention and one-on-one time and all of a sudden the joy and laughter is restored.

I am so grateful for a husband who does not see things as black-and-white as I do, who has compassion and grace for his children, in different ways than I. I am grateful too, for this daughter who holds so much promise and really does bring so much happiness to our home.

It was wonderful to walk in and see this sight and just step back and be able to document it.

Mine

I know I may be a little biased, but I think she is beautiful. That's all!

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 14

Ah my baby girl. A true sweetheart, full of joy and generous to a fault. She is growing up so quickly. No child can ever be perfect, but she has my heart and I am so blessed to be her Mama.
 

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 5

Remember that silly poem about what little girls are made of? Sugar and spice and everything nice? Well what I love about my daughter (and what sometimes drives me crazy, if I'm being honest) is that she is no pushover. She is wonderful and sweet and caring and kind but she is nobody's fool!

I am glad of it. I want her to be independent and strong, not swayed by popular opinion or peer pressure. I want her to stand up for herself and for what she believes in. Sometimes that means, as she tests our boundaries, that there is inappropriate behavior, but that is part of our role as parents; to teach her how to handle herself and be heard, without anger and spite. This is the safe training ground, surrounded by those who love her, who will never reject her or take revenge. This is her place to bloom.

She has a spark and a joy and the ability to laugh at herself and they will carry her far. She is determined and I know that will serve her well in life. She will be one who take risks, she will go for it when others are standing back. I pray that she will be bold and courageous, even though at times she feels afraid.

Right now she is my little girl and as much as I would like to keep her that way, I cannot wait to see the woman she will become and all that she will achieve!

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 2

Ok - so I may be slightly biased, but I happen to think my son is incredibly handsome and he's a total sweetheart too!

Six and Sassy! {Marin Child Portrait Photographer}

She started kindergarten last year and after making friends with several little girls who had no fringe (or bangs) she promptly announced that she too wanted to grow hers out . So over the last year we have invested in countless headbands, Alice bands - anything really to make the process a little easier. As of last week what was left of her fringe was well below her chin and she came home asking me to cut it again! She didn't give a specific reason why, just said that she wanted to cut it...after all that work! I told her we would wait a week or so, to really make sure that was what she wanted to do, after all it would take a year to grow out again if this was just a rash decision. Well it appears it wasn't, she really wanted to do this, so yesterday was the day.

She looks so different again, but I do love it and so does she. Love this sweet girl with all her enthusiasm and zest for life, she is an inspiration and joy to our family.

Nelson Family Sneak Peek {Marin County Family Portrait Photographer}

We all mean to have family photographs taken on a somewhat regular basis. We know our children are growing and changing daily and that by next year they will be in a completely different stage. It will be harder to remember exactly what our family is like now, a year from now. Life does not slow down and before you know it more time has passed than you would have liked.

I love looking at our family photos from over the years, seeing the changes and the progression. I love helping to capture that for others. These are important memories and times worth capturing!

This lovely family have had a tough year. An adoring mom, who truly found real joy in her family; her children, who cherished being a stay-at-home-mom like few I know, was forced to return back to work. I know it was not what she would have chosen, but sometimes difficult decisions are forced upon us. She and her husband are a team though and she recognized that this was what had to be done. It's at times like these when we cling to what matters most: our faith, our family and friends. Life is not always going to be easy, we were never promised that.

I love the love that they have for each other, that at the end of the day, they are each others safe place. I am so glad that this shoot finally took place. It was a beautiful evening, with gorgeous light, for this beautiful family.

It was hard to narrow down a few for this post, but here is a sneak peek. Enjoy!

Happy Father's Day!

How does one describe a Father? I know there are many examples all around us and, unfortunately, some of those are far from inspiring. Yet it is such a vitally important role. I see my children and the love they have for their Daddy. He loves them unconditionally, he wants the very best for them, he has sacrificed for them and prayed for them, he encourages them and teaches them, he is present, he is there for them!

Nobody is perfect and I am sure as we reflect on our own childhood, where parents who loved us just as much, still made mistakes, we sometimes wonder what our children will think of the job that we do. When they are parents themselves, then they will of course understand. We love our children, we do what we honestly feel is best and we trust God to take care of the rest.

There are times of exhaustion but also of pride and pure joy. What is better than to see their sweet smiling faces? Sure there are challenges but the rewards far, far outweigh any hardships. To all the fathers out there, do not undervalue the importance of your role in your child's life.To my own father, thank you for the years of friendship.

To my wonderful husband and partner in this parenting journey, thank you for all that you do and all that you are, you continually give above and beyond what most would consider more-than-reasonable and we are eternally grateful. I love you, your children love you, you are amazing!

Happy Father's Day.

52 Week Project - Week 24 {Marin Child Portrait Photographer}

Aaaah summer is in full swing for us. School has been out for three weeks and we have been hiking and playing at parks and going to the beach and meeting with friends. Life is more relaxed and much less structured.

Any time there is water to counteract heat it is a huge bonus, the kids could not be happier. We spent time this week visiting friends and playing in the San Anselmo creek, which my friend's mom's house backs onto. Water, sunshine, shade, friends, snacks...they really make for the best of times.

How is your summer shaping up?

52 Week Project - Week 20 {Bay Area Child Portrait Photographer}

Light is not just light. There is harsh light and there is beautiful light, and timing is everything. The first and last hour of sunlight, when the sun is low in the sky, bathing everything in a golden glow...well it can be quite magical. Turn your subject around to back light them and the end result is gorgeous, hazy light wrapping around them.

My sweet mischievous girl gave me a few minutes of her time, which with this light was all I needed, then she was done. I love the results, I love that these photographs capture so much of her personality, the person she is, right now, so fun and full of joy, yet obstinate and stubborn, she is three!

And just because my girl and the light both take my breath away, I have to post a few extras.