A Special 5th Birthday!

Dear  5-year-old Mackenna Joy,

From the moment you made me a mommy, you have changed my life all for the better.  We chose your middle name long before we knew exactly how fitting it would be for you.  You are such a joyful little girl and you really do bring SO much joy to my life! 

You are silly, creative, imaginative, game for anything, tender-hearted, out-going, sweet, inquisitive, so intelligent, fun, and helpful.  Just about five months ago, a new quality emerged from you that we had not yet realized was there.  Brave...and courageous!  You have been dealt a difficult hand, sweet girl.  One that I cannot take from you, although I SO wish that I could.  Diabetes is now a part of you.  And it stinks...really stinks!  The Bible says that in ALL things, God works forthe good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and although I had a hard time seeing any good in that hospital room five months ago, I now see His goodness every day when I look at you.  You are amazing.  You are brave.  You are strong.  You are healthy.  And you are His!

Happy 5th birthday, Sugar Booger!  I love you.  I'm SO proud of you.  And I am incredibly humbled that God gave you to ME!

Love your biggest fan,
Mommy

 

 

Miss B--1 year old!

Meet Miss B...she's a gorgeous little 1-year old who enjoys dancing, climbing stairs, and playing with her mommy's pearls.  Her mommy had the most adorable outfit for these pictures...from her one-of-a-kind party hat to her lace leggings...no doubt this is a girly girl!  Combine all that cuteness with the amazing natural light in their house and this is what you get...a really beautiful set of images to document this little princess at age one.  Would you believe me if I told you that Miss B is going to be a big sister in a matter of weeks?!  That's right...next month I'll be photographing her with her big brother and newborn baby sister!  (Consider me WAY excited!!)

 

 

 

 

 



Baby E turns one!

This little pumpkin has a special place in my heart!  She was my very first milestone baby...the first baby (that didn't belong to me) that I would get to photograph throughout her first year.  And what a seriously CUTE year it has been for us!  I am sad that I won't get to see her in a few months...no one really does 16 month photos, ya know.  But I hope to see her and her family again in the future!  Happy Birthday, Baby E!  (To see how she's grown, check out her other sessions here: newborn, 4 months, 8 months.)

 

 

Baby J turns ONE!

It's at this time when I wonder if I have to start calling him Mr. J rather than Baby J...he's ONE now! I have had the incredible pleasure of photographing this little guy every three months over the past year and I will honestly miss not seeing him this Spring. He has these amazing big blue eyes and flirty little personality that just make him totally adorable to work with. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your first year Baby J...it has truly been a pleasure!

(These photos were taken at a natural light studio in the Chanhassen area. I was really happy with their set up and would be more than happy to return for another session...SO if you are wondering where to have your kiddo's winter photos taken, shoot me an email and I'll give you the details!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Golden Birthday Girl

It's October 4th, and four years ago today I became a mommy.

Today is Mackenna's fourth birthday...her golden birthday.

Thinking about how she has blessed me in the course of her first four years brings tears to my eyes.  How am I so lucky to have her call me "mommy"?  She is amazing...really!  She is smart...too smart sometimes, and soaks up new ideas like a sponge.  She is funny...I mean really, goofball, hilarious, funny!  She is sweet...empathetic, caring, and concerned.  And I get to say "good morning" to her every single day!  So. lucky!  Last night I wrapped her birthday present and thought about how, on the night she was born, Justin handed her to me.  She was all wrapped up.  I held her, full of anticipation and excitement, and slowly unwrapped her blanket to count her toes and to watch her belly rise and fall as she breathed.  She is a gift. 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above."  James 1:17a

Happy Golden Birthday, sweet girl!  Mommy LOVES you!