We all have those moments… the ones that stop us in our tracks - and force us to realize just how quickly life is moving. That split second you instantly feel grateful and also a little bit mad, that you have been reminded of the fact that the days are long… but the years are short. Yep - that’s what happens to me at senior sessions. What an awesome milestone to be capturing - life is about to change drastically for these kids and their parents too… and I know my time will come soon enough. My eight and four year old surprise me every day with how quickly they’re growing up… So until then, I need these little reminders… to, let the kids have ice cream as we watch the sunset together, stay at the park a little while longer than I’d like too… and play in the rain when all I feel like doing is taking a nap! Because these little moments will soon turn into bigger moments with them much farther away from me… and that day will undoubtedly come sooner than I’d like.
Family Strong
Every once in a while, a family comes along that touches my heart in a really special way… and I leave the session feeling truly alive. Alive in the sense that some tiny part of me, a part of my heart and a part of my soul are sparked - and reignited.
That was my session with this beautiful family - whose story can be told through the love they share for each other… the love that they give, the great love that was lost, and the love that is yet to be.
This family right here has a very special story, and I feel so grateful to have been chosen to capture it - even if just for a moment.
Please visit aroundforrylee.com to learn more, and to support a beautiful cause
#ryleestrong
A Walk In Her Shoes...
One of the greatest qualities a parent can have, is empathy… being able to take a step back and put yourself in your child’s shoes to understand the why, the how, the when and the what. It is also one of the best ways to get past any frustrating situation - but it’s so damn hard!
Now that she’s growing up and having her own ideas, plans and struggles - it is something I strive to improve on the daily… and it is also something I am deeply trying to instill in her own heart.
My baby girl - growing up right before my eyes… This is 6
Halfway There
6 months ago a tiny wrinkled baby boy was born into our world and we haven’t been the same ever since. We named Giovanni after his Great Grandfather and his Great Great Grandfather, both from Italy, who equally shared a deep love for family and a great pride for working hard. I think Gio will carry these same traits with him into his life, because already we can see the deep love he has for his sister and the careful way he explores his toys and the world around him. He’s our little lion… and we are so very lucky to call him our son.
It’s so hard to believe we are halfway to his first birthday, it almost isn’t fair how quickly children grow up! So instead of dwelling on how fast time is passing us by, we’re going to grab his chubby baby cheeks and kiss them for as long as we can… because we’re halfway there BABY, and each day with you is oh so sweet!
The Heart of a Sister
Having both little ones at home with me every day, I never really know what sort of excitement awaits… so, yesterday morning when I brought out some of Giovanni’s toys, Ava learned all about what it means to be a “sister”. It was a rough lesson with a few tears and a lot of laughs… and something that I hadn’t really anticipated, but it was an awesome moment that I was so grateful to capture.
I never would have thought that a stack of blocks could evoke so much emotion and excitement from two siblings trying to figure out their roles in the family. After we mastered the “sharing” part, I explained to Ava that being a big sister means she gets to be a teacher for her little brother, to watch out for him as he grows up and to be there for him when no one else is. So after some time passed and more block stacking and tower smashing ensued, I could tell she was putting some thought into what we had talked about. Then she turned, looked right into my eyes and said, “yes mama… I will take care of Gio”.
I think in that moment my heart exploded - because it made me realize that no matter where life takes the two of them… I know they will always have each other… her goofiness and his laughter, already they have such a love for each other… and for that I am forever grateful.
You're Gonna Miss This...
You’re gonna want this back… You’re gonna wish these days, hadn’t gone by so fast…
You know the song… every time I hear it I get choked up because it’s so completely true - Yet in those hard messy moments that are real life, I miss it. I miss it all… I miss the way her hair falls in her face when she concentrates so hard while dressing her barbie dolls. I miss the random collection of toys thrown about the living room floor that somehow has important meaning to her and her beautiful 4 year old mind. I miss the little smiles and giggles that the two of them share when no one is looking. I miss his gorgeous blue eyes and how they sparkle like nothing I’ve ever seen before, only for his sister.
I miss it all, and it makes me want to rewind time so I can go back and soak in all their little moments - because they’re only little for so long.
So, thank God for Trace Adkins or I don’t know if my type A busy body could slow down long enough to remember to take it all in… and thank God for photographs, beautiful unscripted photographs that freeze time - if only for an instant.
