The weather was warm (in comparison) on Saturday and I was fortunate to have a maternity shoot set up.  The clouds were overhead, but we headed up towards the mountains, just in case.  I love the scenery around here and the fact that even if the mountains aren't out we can still find beauty. 
Baby girl is due in a few months and that means major changes coming ahead.  The love between these two and their baby girl was palpable. It was so nice to be able to work with this beautiful couple and I wish them all the best on their journey ahead. 

The last shoot that I had the pleasure in doing while I was in Belgium was a family shoot at a park in one of the smaller villages in the area. I had heard great things about this park, but hadn't had the opportunity to visit it while we lived there.  It was a gorgeous setting for this family's last photo shoot while they are in Europe. 
Although this family has been through much this past year, they have continued to lean on each other and God to find their strength. It has not been an easy task and I hope that as they return to the States that they find healing and that they remember the times in Belgium not only for the difficulties but for the joy that they had there as well. 
Best to you and your family and watching your girls grow has been a pleasure.

When our good friends from Poland learned that we would be in Belgium they decided to make the trip over to see us.  And since they made the trip they also decided that a photo shoot would be appropriate for their daughter's birthday (we met during our birthing class).  It was fun to wander around our dear city with old friends looking at new and broken down things.  These is so much history and class in this city, I miss them and the city already. 
- Thank you for taking the time to come and see us and for the opportunity to see old sites again.

When one of my best friends asked us to go back to Belgium to see them before they returned to the States and to take some family photographs for them we decided that fall break would be the best time.  Last time I had seen them D. was deployed and I had forgotten to take any couples pictures for them before he left.  I remedied that unfortunate mistake by doing a just-couples shoot for them this time. 
The shoot was a lot of fun and since I had planned on it being inside the Belgian rain didn't stop us.  They laughed at attempts to guess music off my playlist and it was lovely just watching them interact and be together.  The days behind and ahead may seem dark at times, but these two have much to lean on and have a deep inner strength that they can rely on.
Thank you both for showing your love for me to capture and you are in my prayers in the days ahead.

I finally had the opportunity to photograph a family outside and the weather was perfect.  I was worried when there was snow on the ground the day before (seriously snow, in September).  But thankfully the weather warmed up and the leaves are beautiful and I found the perfect spot for a session. 
This lovely family has welcomed us with open arms since we arrived.  With two kids similar in age to my own, they have been so helpful in our transition and move to a new country.  I am thankful that I got to work with them in this capacity and I hope that it is a good reminder of these days here and now.

This last weekend I had the privilege of photographing this family up in Pennsylvania.  This past year I have photographed them every three months so I have been able to watch J. grow and change from a newborn to a one year old.  When we moved this last month one of the most difficult things for me was to lose all my clients and everyone that I have grown to know and cherish.  When J's mom contacted me to let me know they would be visiting family in PA and she wanted to know if I could come up and do a family shoot I tentatively said yes.  But as the time approached I grew grateful for the opportunity to work again and to see a recently familiar family face. 
Thank you for putting your faith in my work and for allowing me the chance to see this year through with your family.  We enjoyed the snow and the time with your family.  All the very best as you figure out your plans for the next year.

This little lady was 10 days old when I had the opportunity to photograph her.  She was a lovely sleepy baby who had adorable hair.  She loved to be warm and wrapped and had a big brother that was eager to give her snuggles.  
I hope that the juggling between two children comes quick and easy and that you all have a wonderful Christmas.  Thank you for allowing me to photograph you during this special time.

On Saturday I got to see R. again.  A little after a week after his birth and I am so grateful that he was such an adorable sleepy baby boy.  He loved being wrapped and curled up and snuggled.  His big sister was very interested in all that was going on and obviously adored him.  The days ahead may be long but they will be filled with love. 

My favorite images are those that show emotion, or an emotional connection.  One of the key times to see those connections is during the first meeting of siblings, so I am thankful I was able to continue the journey of the W. family as M. met her brother R. for the first time.  M. was so excited to have a new playmate and loved giving him kisses and made sure to count some of his fingers and toes.  She was also very excited to see her Mama after being apart since the day before. 
I am so glad I was able to once again capture these moments with this family and have loved watching them grow over the past year.  My very best to you and I hope that your new normal comes soon.

Throughout the past 9 months I have been doing pregnancy progression shoots with this family. So it was fitting that I was able to be there when this little boy was born in the wee hours of Friday morning. 
It was a very early morning for M. and by 5:00 pm (when I arrived) she still had a ways to go.  Soon after my arrival her water was broken and pitocin was started, so her contractions got pretty intense.  By 11:50 she was ready to push and baby R. arrived at 12:35 on Friday morning.  M. was a champ and had good control throughout the process and I am continually impressed by the human body and the pain that it endures to give life.  C. was a good support through the long night and throughout the contractions, pushing, and after; this little family was strong together. 
Stay tuned tomorrow to see R meeting his big sister.