She was welcomed into this world on Valentine's Day, which is fitting if you knew just how much she is loved.
You'd think she'd be just a shadow, but nope, not with Fred...
They see the scoreboard and post-game snacks. Their parents see sportsmanship.
One day, I'll look back on this blog of warm, summery images finally shared in DECEMBER and think:
To you, these are nothing more than a handful of cute images. But to my sister and her family, it's so much more.
Because what's summer without a snow cone?!
When your kids are grown, they won't want the shoebox full of posed portraits wearing outfits they hated. Instead, they'll be fighting over the images that show them doing what they love, with who they love, wherever and whatever that is.
Feelings like this remind me why I’m drawn to documenting, because I know these days of generations together at play are the 'good ol' days.'
Real. Life. The way it is...and the way you'll want to remember it.
It is NEVER too late to get those photos off your phone and into your heart. Read how I stay organized here: Issue One of my Pro Tip Series.
Before we turn the page to 2017, I wanted to relive our year with all my favorites.
The big things in life - the things you'll truly miss the most - are actually the little things.
Just an average weekend with my family. Except in 5 years, or 10, and even long after that, these documentary images of who we are as a whole will be so much more than average...
Documenting. It's what I do. Babies and families and now, lobsters?
I vacationed the heck out of life. And here's the proof.
It was never my intent to tell this story. But it's our story. And I'm tired of keeping it a secret.
OKLAHOMA CITY/EDMOND CHILD AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER.CALVERT'S PLANT GREENHOUSE
We drove 2,000 miles in a minivan to the midcoast of Maine.
Just me, her, and a map made of paper with only the highways we needed highlighted.
For three full days we drove, only exiting every 4 hours for gasoline and Gatorade. I remember the mini-cooler of meals wedged between us for easy access, white knuckling my way through the blinding rains in Virginia, and power walking the parking lot together before crawling into the hard hotel bed.
It was the summer of 2006, and no other memories with my Mom have surpassed it since.
That trek was truly a trip for two, with no phones or Facebook to interfere with what was growing into the most effortless friendship that's only richer today. When I think back to those days, I wish I had more than words to share the details I do remember. Details that I would have Instagrammed today. Details I wish I had proof of, like selfies in the front seat while I spoon-fed her yogurt, or the East coast exits with nothing but a shoddy shack to fill up - our approach hesitant yet hysterical - to the single pump that was so sluggish we had nothing but time to wait for the dreaded dirty wooden bathroom key.
Why am I telling this 10 year old story? Because the story is all we have.
So no matter the moment - road trips with your mom, Saturday morning cereal with your son, or growing your new hobby of greenery and gardening with your girls - it's all about the kinship. Make note of it - snap it, selfie it, print it - just do more than only remember it.
Those memories with my Mom are rooted in my heart, but oh how I wish they were also in my hands.
NEWBORN SESSION.OKLAHOMA CITY/EDMOND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
Everything is better with Ben.
His new, little life has magnified yours in every unimaginable way.
Your happy home? Happier.
Your perfect family of two? Full and familiar with three.
And love as you knew it?
Knew nothing before Ben.
OKLAHOMA CITY/EDMOND FAMILY & CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHER
Force me to, and I honestly couldn't pick my favorite age. Is it only hours old with tightly shut eyes and the newest of everything?? Or maybe 9 months old, with dimples as knuckles that army crawl everywhere, led by drill sergeant drool?
But I don't know, let's think about talking toddlers real quick.
You may be tired of all the words and voices and constant chatter from your littles BUT GIVE ME ALL THE CEASELESS, SENSELESS TODDLER CONVOS.
I love them.
And then there's the age of the tooth fairy. I LOVE missing front teeth and to let the adult chiclets grow in with zero photographs taken before the gummy gap is gone is a sin! (Ok, too far. Maybe just a regret.)
So when your niece has a birthday AND is toothless, it merits a special freaking flower crown (last minute diy birthday present Laura? Brilliant idea! The cussing doesn't count if no one hears it! Keep making all the things all the time!) and a new outfit to celebrate SEVEN because Auntie loves spoiling her 'babies' who now have real knuckles and don't drool (but they're still my favorite talkers).
Hannah, your soul is so good for mine. This garden of new growth and golden rays parallels your personality perfectly. I can't wait for my next favorite age with you. I think it's going to be 13. A teenager! Lemme go grab some popcorn for this, because if I'm remembering my teen years accurately, this oughta be goooood. Don't worry Julie, Mom is living proof she survived it...TIMES THREE! (Woof.)
HOSPITAL SESSION.OKLAHOMA CITY/EDMOND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER.INTEGRIS
His arrival may have been a whirlwind, but the hours after overflowed with grace & gratitude that danced around the room along with his welcoming crew.
He will be a newborn through the seasons, but only this new for what seems like seconds.
