Chloe | Lone Tree Colorado Newborn Photographer

Last time I had the honor of photographing a newborn for this family, I was 8 months pregnant with Harper, and here we are again with their precious second baby.  I am so honored they let me visit their Lone Tree home and capture their family growing again. Their little ones are about 22 months apart- I love that gap. It's neat to see so many of my Colorado families increasing in size.

She was about 9 pounds of delicious baby perfection, and was a complete angel during our session.  Typically is takes babies about 45 minutes to completely relax and fall into a deep sleep, but she was there within 5 minutes.  Gold star for baby Chloe!

Nursing breaks equal sibling photos for me.  I really love the 2-3 year old ages, and how they're so naturally curious.  I just followed him while his mommy fed his newborn sister- I got to see his super awesome bedroom and his crazy cool toys.  He even showed me his favorite books!

I'm sure I've written about this before, but one of the biggest challenges with young siblings and portraits with their newborn baby, is keeping both parties 100% safe.  Some siblings are SOOOOOO in love that you have to makes sure they don't hug the baby too hard during their photos, others are scared to touch baby, and others are just too wiggly in their adorable little bodies to stay put for photos.  Lucky for me I have some tricks up my sleeves!  Cam was so good to his sister though- and Mickey Mouse helped us hold still for a few frames. 

As always, I adore family images. I love seeing them connect with each other.  I love the way love pours out of all of them and into one another. The way newborn babies are immediately loved so deeply, and the way toddlers are loved just as deeply but with the added enjoyment of their fantastic personalities, and so on.  I feel blessed to get to capture such intimate moments. These are the moments I want them to remember.  

Newborn Cam | Denver Colorado Newborn Photography

As newborn photographers, we take even the slightest sniffle seriously.  So when my friend and fellow photographer Michelle got sick, she decided it was safest to refer out her newborn client.  I feel so blessed that she chose to send my name to this amazing family.  Thank you Michelle!  

Baby Cam was so alert and watched me really really carefully during the beginning of our session.  Little thinker!  He didn't want to miss a thing (I have to admit I love when they are awake for a little while).  

I'm sentimental, and so the details of their littleness tugs at my heart strings.  Toes, fingers, their little profile... It changes so quickly. 

Cam preferred the super soft faux furs that I shoot on over the smooth blankets.  He made sure we knew it by making sure those blankets were wet quickly! ;) I can't blame him though- I would snuggle up in them too if I had the chance!  His mommy and daddy met at Notre Dame before they eventually moved to Denver, so of course we had to honor that with the special hat they were given at their shower.  I can't wait until it fits him! 

And of course, my favorite part, families connecting.  Aren't they beautiful?  I hope Cam will always know when he sees these photos, how very very deeply he was loved by his mommy and daddy from even before he was born. 

Thank you P family, for allowing me to capture such a special moment in your life.  I am so honored. 

Baby Stetson | Evergreen Colorado Family Newborn Photographer

Little Mr. Stetson was on oxygen when we did his newborn photos.  Living in Evergreen and being a little early made it so he needed a little help to breathe well at the high elevation, but he did great during our session.  We kept his oxygen on while we got ready for posing, and then pulled it for a few shots, and put it back on.  

I think my favorite thing in the whole world, be it in the hospital when they are just born, or those first days at home, is older siblings getting familiar with their new baby.  They are filled with curiosity and trying to figure out how this new little buddy fits in their life.  Most kiddos say "Why can't s/he play yet?  How much longer until they play??" and are totally in love. Some kids realize baby mostly sleeps and decidedly ignore them until they at least start to smile (totally normal).  This sweet pea adores her new baby and wanted to tell him about everything in the world.

Baby brother needing a nursing break equals special time for me and big sister to take photos.  We got to read books and she showed me her *gorgeous* bedroom, and I might have let her jump on the bed for a minute. 

Baby Isabelle | Denver Newborn Photographer

Sweet little Isabelle was 6 days old when I came to their house in Denver to do newborn portraits. I was excited not only to meet her, but also her family.  2 older brothers means we were going to have a lot of fun, from being really excited to participate to... not as much- but I love those moments. 

First days are so incredibly special to me, I feel like everyone is still getting to know each other, learning how to connect in a new way.  The transition is beautiful.  I love coming to people just for that reason.  There is so much changing, mom is recovering from her hard work, and I can't imagine packing up to leave home in that moment.  I feel like kids feel best getting to just be them selves, theres no studio to mess up, you can maintain a semblance of routine.  We also get the best of both worlds, posed photos and family centered photos.

Thank you so much for trusting me with your family!  

Impressions from January & February | A personal project | Denver Family Photographer

I have so many unedited images from these months, which I suppose is a good thing in a way, because it means I've been using my "big camera" at home more.  Now I need to get them all prettied up and printed before they collect technological dust. (print your photos my friends!)

January is always a tough month for my mommy heart.  We are coming off of a kiddo birthday and Christmas, straight into 2 more kiddo birthdays and a half birthday.  They all kind of "level up" all at once!  

I've made a habit of doing a portrait session with each of them on or near their birthday, and so in January we set up an area and went for it.  A few months ago, when Teagan had first gotten her hair cut, she had a moment of worrying that she didn't look like a girl. So, we googled women with short hair. Twiggy popped up and she said "HEY! I look like her! Can we take a picture?" Um, YES! So we did a photoshoot and I am in love with the result (it's a canvas in our front hallway!). It has now become a special project where she chooses an iconic woman and a portrait of her that she loves and we recreate it in her own way.  We revisited google and found an image of Anne Hathaway in Vogue as her hair grew out from Les Miserables, and knew that was the one! It is so special to have this little project together.

I think for most mothers, there is a secret hope that their daughter will choose a little piece from her wedding for her own. I'm not certain that will happen with my girls, but to see her precious face through my wedding veil, the tiniest glimpse of the future... be still my heart. I can't help but tear up a little.

My sweet messy faced 3 year old, my precious 8 year old who always wants to make me smile, my little pistol... I feel so blessed to have them.  They're growing too fast.  I owe Hailey a snow photo shoot.  She wanted her 10 year portraits to be in the snow.  She's crazy.  I'm happy to oblige her though.  Hopefully those will be ready soon. 

‘Impressions‘ is a creative project by an eclectic group of female photographers from around the globe. We aim to share the inspiration behind what we do through our bi-monthly posts.

Every other month, we will be sharing 8 images that tell the story of what inspired us in the previous weeks: our families, nature, weather, or maybe even work itself! We are free to explore the meaning of ‘impressions’, and it is likely to change month to month.

Now that you've visited here, head over to Leslie's website and see what she's been up to.  Her work is stunning- you won't want to miss it. 

Crazy Hair Day

It was crazy hair day at school this week.It's kind of our thing.  Hailey and I started doing over the top styles in her kindergarten year and just haven't been able to stop!  Now that T is in kindy, she is getting in on the action too.  She looked forward to crazy hair day more than she did Christmas I think.  

Poor boys kind of get the short end of the stick though on the super crazy!  Noah loves CHD but his options are limited.  He did a bug garden this year and made all the bugs himself and we pinned them in his hair. Last year we attempted to make a volcano and pinned dinos in his hair. Even though it's not as big as the girls, we still rock it out.  Our big thing has been to avoid wigs- but I might compromise for him if he wants to next year. 

Zombie Minion was so much fun to make, and there is less product in her hair than you would think!  I am thinking about making a step by step tutorial of how we do crazy hair every year. Is that something you would like?

10 Ways to shake up your Easter Baskets when you're totally bored of plastic eggs

Last week I busted out my March Calendar after complete denial that February was already gone, and realized we have another March Easter this year.  I love traditions, but I am a little over the plastic eggs and green plastic grass that ends up in the trash every year.  So this year I decided to dig into Etsy and put together some of my favorite alternative easter treats we hope to get this year, and while I was at it,  share with all of you!  

1. Basket Filler

Like I mentioned above, I hate throwing more plastic in the trash, even after it has been used several times. Carbon footprint, y'all.  So, this year we decided that we wanted something safe for our compost bin.  Well, I happened upon Wrappily on Etsy, and I am smitten.  Not only do they sell the cutest basket filler, but a ton of gorgeous wrapping paper and other products, all printed with soy ink so you can recycle or compost it completely guilt free. 

2.  Pretend Play Food

All of my kids are big on pretend play, but sometimes pretend play becomes "Jelly all over the kitchen set" play, with the reason being that the plastic food from the store is "just too boring".  So, we are actively switching out our pretend play food for felt play food and Melissa and Doug food.  The best part about felt food, outside of it being ADORABLE, is that it is soft enough for even the baby to play with, but not so baby that my older kids will turn up their nose. When I was searching through etsy, Ruffle Peach Mint's store stopped me in my tracks and I just had to click it because it's so pretty. Then I saw felt Macarons and it was all over for me.  The kiddos are lucky if I don't steal these goodies from them.

3. Easter Crayons

I love all things office supply and coloring, especially unbroken, still sharp crayons. As you can imagine, those rarely last long here. This year I wanted to give them a set of crayons that was special to each of them, and easy for the little kiddos to grip. CustomCrayonsbySara is an answer to that wish for me.  I can get the boys dinos and trucks, the girls will get classic Easter shapes, hearts, and Beauty and the Beast.  If you can't give up the plastic eggs, she even has an option to get the crayons packaged in eggs, and, best of all?  You can get Sparkles. The kids are gonna freak.

4. Family Game Night

Here's the point where I start geeking out over the stuff I'm linking to. Etsy is a freaking amazing platform for creative businesses- I'm seriously overwhelmed by all the awesome.  For example, The Idea Box Kids are geniuses. This is a family game night in a box.  We are working hard on having a game night at least a few times a month, and it is like Christmas every time we try something new.  My kids LOVE games. This is a box of game ideas. They have so many boxes I hardly know where to start.  Life skills, big sister, big brother, date night, science- the list goes on and on. Good thing I have a bunch of kids so I can buy a bunch of these boxes.  So. Stinking. Cool.

5. Dress Up

My poor kids.  They wear things until they die, so right now their dress up collection is a little sad right now. What a perfect opportunity to refresh their collection a little.  I love all the options Ann's Craft House has - she even has felt puzzles!  That could be a perfect diaper bag activity for Sam and Harper!

6. Custom Stuffies

My sister gifted all of the kiddos with personalized monsters and owls for Christmas last year, and it has been so much fun watching them take a little extra pride in their stuffy, because it is theirs and theirs alone. My 6 year old told me a little over a week ago that her Owl needed some friends, and I immediately thought of getting some more bird or forest friends for her. PitterPattersons even has Unicorns- and they can be made in different sizes. That way I can get something the right size for all the kids.  YES.

7. Mess Free Sidewalk Chalk

Easter equals Spring to me, and Spring equals lots more outside time.  Bubbles, Hula Hoops, and Sidewalk Chalk are some of our favorites.  The thing about sidewalk chalk that bugs me though is that it breaks, makes a mess of hands, and is hard to store. That is until I happened upon Fine Motor Time's etsy site. Chalk the twists up and has a lid?  Be still my heart.  Chalk for all 5 of my kids, coming right up.  There's even glow in the dark!  I shouldn't be so excited about chalk, but I totally am.

8. Learning Toys

I need this whole shop.  I'm having serious learning toy lust here.  The colors, the simplicity, the quality... *swoon*  Do you think the kids would noticed if I donated everything plastic and just replaced it with these and other wood toys?  I know, I'm that meanie mom who wants to make every opportunity I can educational, but when it's all this pretty, can you blame me?

9. Wood Animals

Yeahhhhhh... They're so getting their toys replaced.  Ooh Look It's a Rabbit just filled my etsy favorites folder.  I'm putting this elephant in my own basket, and then maybe I'll take a little of everything else in their shop. Look at this dinosaur .  I can't even. 

10. Personalized Water Bottles

It's dry here in Colorado, and when you add in elevation, you need a lot of water.  My kids are okay about drinking water, but the struggle is so real about getting them to use ONE cup through the day and not TEN. Having a cup with their favorite character is bound to keep their attention a little longer. CraftStudioD has every style of cup with a lid that you could ask for, and so many color and theme options I couldn't feature them all in a single photo.  Let's just say I don't have to worry about finding something even my 10 year old will love. 

I am SO excited about changing up Easter baskets this year.  I'll just keep the Reese's Eggs and Black Jelly Beans (Don't hate y'all- I love them) and they can have sugar free awesomeness instead. 

Do you have any Etsy shops you adore?  How are you shaking up Easter baskets this year?

The G Family | Denver Family Photographer

If you live along the Front Range of Colorado, you know our winters are usually pretty mild, and you never EVER know what you're going to get.  Some days we will have 65-70* and sun, and then the next we get snow!  I couldn't ask for a better way to have winters, I feel like we get the best of both worlds.  It's so fun to plan for both scenarios with winter portraits.  We might be playing in the snow or basking in the sun, but either way we get to play and have fun.

Christy is a super talented photographer in Northern Colorado, and the owner of McGonzo Photography.  I'm always super duper honored when another photographer trusts me with their family portraits. I got to photograph Xaiden's newborn pictures, and have loved watching him grow.  

We met just outside of Denver for their Family photos in one of my favorite little hideaways in the city.  Xaiden was a rock star- not one sour moment- he made me laugh the entire session!

I don't think Colorado's Winters get enough credit- it doesn't have to be green out to have portraits taken- I love the way the light is in the winter here, and whether there is the amazing, beautiful snow,  or melted and we see the way the grass is that beautiful golden brown there's NO BUGS!  Yay!  (heehee) 

Thank you Matt and Christy.  You are such a beautiful and kind family, I am blessed to call you friends.  

Impressions from November and December | A Personal Project| Denver Family Photography

I have the cutest nieces and nephews in the world.  Call me biased, but it's true! Some of them live here in Colorado,  some are in Texas, and I don't get to see them nearly enough.

In November Harper and I got to hop a plane to College Station, Texas to spend a couple days with my husband's family. I love them all so much and consider myself lucky to have such a great relationship with all of them.  I wish we could fold a map and have them near us without forcing anyone to to move.  Since we can't, I try to land on their doorsteps a couple times a year, because it is so easy to let connection slide in the day to day or busyness and distance.  I think we are all trying our hardest to have our kids all know about the awesome family who lives far away.

Harper is the best flyer. She even got to sit in her own seat when we rode a puddle jumper from Houston to College Station. She thought it was the coolest.  You know what else is the coolest?  Playing legos with your nephew. We had epic battles.

Can you believe the cuteness?  There are some serious good genes doing on here.

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We also had our photos taken in November by the amazing Ashlee Kay Photography.  We had so much fun, and our kids were very much themselves, which I had hoped for.  That means we have lots and lots of Sam looking like "I have so many other cool things to do"- that's where he is right now and I am so glad we captured it.  I also got a much healthier perspective on outfit planning.  I seriously spent a month on it!  You know what though, I had so much fun planning what to wear for photos that I think it would be a blast to plan again!  (Etsy is your friend!) It's all about coordinating and not being matchy matchy.  

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In December Harper decided she loved her Daddy and there has been little cooler than him since. I am so glad I had my camera nearby. 

Teagan had her 6th birthday, but her portrait session is getting it's own blog post. I hope you will come back and visit for it. 

I only took 1 photo on Christmas.  I am working hard to be fully present for them, and this is part of it.  We have a tradition of having the kids sit on the steps before they can come down and see the gifts- this is mostly as a photo op and so that we parents can enjoy tormenting our children with a little extra anticipation.  I am excited that someday I will be able to line these up side by side and see their growth through the years and the honesty of who they are in that moment.  

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‘Impressions‘ is a creative project by an eclectic group of female photographers from around the globe. We aim to share the inspiration behind what we do through our bi-monthly posts.

Every other month, we will be sharing images that tell the story of what inspired us in the previous weeks: our families, nature, weather, or maybe even work itself! We are free to explore the meaning of ‘impressions’, and it is likely to change month to month.

Go visit Natalie and go through the circle to see what everyone has been up to this month!!

18 months old | Denver Child Photographer

December and January kick my rear emotionally. Three of my babies have birthdays, another hits her half birthday a few days later. It's like a constant barrage of reminders that they are growing up too fast. I apologize in advance for another giant mush-ball post about my babies (there will be a lot of them this year).

Parenting is overwhelming sometimes (okay, like, a lot of the time), and I certainly have moments where I wish they would be more responsible,  less likely to draw on the wall or paint the toilet seat with bright red nail polish (it doesn't come off!), that they wouldn't feel like they need to be in the bathroom with me, or that they might for once clean up after themselves without me having to loom over them.

For the most part though?  I absolutely and unequivocally love the "little".  When the world is new, and the hardest thing in your life is emotionally coping with mom telling you that you may not have a cookie. They aren't jaded, they still think I'm reasonably cool, and they see the best in everyone. 

I try so hard to drink it all in. To take joy from everything. To laugh at the newly decorated toilet seat.  To relish the early mornings when I'm tired but they come running to me still with such enthusiasm for their morning snuggles. I want them to see they are so wanted. Write it all over my face. You are SO wanted. I am SO excited to see you, even if you kept my up all night.

I never imaged being without a baby in the house.  Harper is 18 months old today.  She has an opinion and a vocabulary to back it up. Her chubby thighs are beginning to thin out from running and climbing. Her soft shoulders and chubby tummy are starting to change- build muscle- and are no longer pure dough baby. She is headed directly toward full on toddler, and I am watching the baby slip away. Normally I'm growing a sibling at this point... but since she is our last, it's a whole new adventure to know her firsts are also my last firsts.  

She's already so desperate to be a big kid... I imagine I won't be able to contain the baby for long. She's the beginning of a new chapter, the closure of another.  She's can out sass her sisters and is as sweet as honey. She's as daring as the boys and as smart as they come.  She wants to know what everything is- and can say most words she learns very very clearly. Her favorite word is No. She love love loves her daddy, and knows if mommy or daddy says no she can go work one of her siblings to try and get it (watch out little stinker!)

She thinks nursing is still the coolest.  She's my most selective eater yet, and if it isn't chicken, cheese, pasta, avocado or something frozen she probably won't eat it. It will be interesting to see if she keeps that or starts to explore more. 

She loves to be held and not always by me.  She reverses into our laps to sit down- we've taken to saying "beep! beep! beep!" like a truck backing up when we see her spin around to sit down. She loves music and to sing.  Her favorites are Itsy Bitsy Spider and Bunny, Bunny.  She counts to 2, holding up her fingers then says "shush!" and is really good at shouting the parts of the alphabet she knows. She can command the siblings to move the remote "Down! Up! Side! Side!", and very suddenly loves Mou-mou (Mickey Mouse).

I am so thankful for the invention of the smart phone, because I chronicle the day to day so much better with it, both in videos and still images, and she won't wonder why, as the 5th, she has less pictures- because I take a LOT. I am sure in the days that come, there will be much mischief making, and I will try my hardest to laugh through it (and remember to take pictures before I clean it up), because soon enough it will be gone, and my walls will be cleaner, as will my floors, but it will come at the cost of the "little".  

Happy Half Birthday Harps.  

10 years old.

I'm going to cry through this whole thing.  Just have to warn you now.  It's a side effect of being a sap.

10 years... How?  I'm so overwhelmed by how quickly you've grown Hailey. It both shatters my heart and fills me with pride in the same moment (weird mom thing... you'll understand someday)

You decided to make us into a family well before my "5 year plan", and while I cried in fear at the time, I don't think I could have fathomed the love and joy you would bring into our lives... into everyone's lives. Any time I question anything in my life- any "why me?" or trial- I just look at you, my sweet girl, and I am reminded how much good there is in our life.

You were the beginning of it all for us. You taught us how little sleep we could live on, how much crying we could actually tolerate (Your poor little colicky tummy), how little we knew about adulting, and how very little we knew about our capacity to love before you were in our arms.

Hailey, when they say someone can light up a room, they're talking about you.  You bring light and joy with you everywhere you go- it radiates from your soul. I pray every day that teenage years (that are approaching far too quickly for my comfort) don't try to rob you of that. 

Today, we say goodbye to single digits. I didn't imagine how hard it would be for me - to recognize we are coming to a place where our relationship is going to change, that we are coming to a place where our years of being with you every day are less than more. I just want to keep you!  Yet, in that same breath, the excitement I feel for you and the years ahead is just as overwhelming.  (Again, weird mom thing)  

I love watching your relationships with friends blossom. I love the crazy plans you make together (winter dog wash... no.) - but most of all I love the ease you have with each other.  You do you.  They do them- and none of you feel the need to be anything else. My hope for you is that your friendships can always stay this way, and that you never compromise yourself in an effort to "fit".  There will be people who love you and see the amazing that is you and won't ask you to change it.

Your love for volleyball inspires me.  You've worked through so many hard things- and even if you might have wanted to give up, you never said a word and kept going.  Your dedication through those moments is going to last a lifetime- and I am so crazy proud of you.  You achieve a goal and you keep on trucking to the next.  I want to be more like you. I am so glad you have that to share with your Daddy, and hopefully will also have to share with at least one of your siblings.  It's been so cool to watch your relationship with daddy grow this year.

Thank you for being so amazing. I know there will be times in your life that you might make choices that aren't super, and that's okay.  We will be here for you.  It's part of growing up!  Thank you for loving your siblings so much.  I know they make you crazy sometimes, but I also know you love them dearly.  Thank you for always having a heart for service.  Sometimes when I tell you not to help, it's because I want you to savor being a kid.  It's okay not to grow up too fast.  You'll look back and wish you were 10 again someday. Thank you for loving us despite being the oldest (a.k.a. tester child) as we navigate the craziness that is parenting all you little personalities.  Thank you for conversations, and always wanting to fill me in on every part of your day.  Thank you for giggles and our silly jokes.  Thank you for still holding my hand in the car, and for only rolling your eyes at me when I'm being EXTRA nerdy.  

10... a whole decade.  I am so proud of you Hailey.  I love you. 

Today, Noah is 8.

Today, my precious Noah is 8.  He's got a tender heart, and an intense sense of justice for all things. He is a fast (yet stubborn) learner.  He loves animals & Pokemon, Minecraft & music.  His favorite song this week is Fireflies by Owl City.  He just got his own pinboard on my pinterest and has been pinning up a storm!  You can check it out here. (Can I just say, it is SO neat to see them start doing this kind of stuff?)

Noah is an avid animal lover- so much so that he never really took an interest in cars/planes/trains.  He would just sit and line his toy animals up 2 by 2... heehee- I'm kidding. For Christmas, he asked for a baby lion.  So, my parents "adopted" a lion cub in his name from The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, CO.  He has a certificate, a photo, and can visit any time. To say he is over the moon is an understatement (added bonus, telling your friends you got a REAL lion for Christmas... AND your mom backing you up- score.)  He is currently dreaming up ways he can save up to buy things Leonardo the Lion needs when he gets to go visit. *side note- this is an awesome program to donate to if you are ever looking for a great cause to give to*

His reading is really starting to gain speed, and he is always asking what signs mean when they say __________.  I am so excited this reluctant reader is starting to see that reading can, indeed, be fun.

We play pokemon together (only recently with cards), and on the nights that he is struggling to fall asleep, I ask if we can meet in our dreams to have a battle.  It works almost every time to help him sleep, and the next morning I get a full detailing of what he dreamt of.

I constantly wonder what kinds of adults our kids will be.  This has been particularly on my mind as our oldest 2 are quickly approaching being tweens- and, as most of us do, I worry if I've entirely screwed them up, or if they will at least turn out okay.  Then, things happen that remind me that they are resilient and incredible.

We played Risk for the first time with Hailey and Noah on New Years Eve.  We played and everyone laughed hard as Mommy (me) got SO angry at Daddy for beating me so handily.  Midnight came and went, and since I am a big wuss when it comes to staying up late, we decided to finish up another night.  Sunday evening, we pulled the game back out, set up the pieces according to the photos we took of the word, and got back to playing.  I was out within 5 minutes (thanks for wiping out my last 5 men Chris... HUMPH) Hailey was out shortly after, and it was down to the 2 guys.  Noah did a great job bolstering his countries, but he started to get overly excited and cocky.  "You're gonna get it!" "BOOM!" etc.  It was fun to see the excitement, but a lesson in getting overly confident (and a little nasty about it) too early was about to happen.  Chris's turn was up, and once he turned in cards, counted up countries, and added bonuses, he got to add a whopping 54 armies to the board.  Roll by roll, Noah's army dwindled, and soon he realized he was going to lose.  Do you know what he did then?  He kept rolling.  Tears were silently falling, but only once, at the end, did he say "I don't want to roll"- but he did anyhow, and with that, Daddy won the game.  Instead of stomping away or having a "fit", he crumbled into Chris's arms and cried for a few minutes.  "That was really hard>" was mumbled into Chris's shoulder- Yes, it was.  Most of us would call it before it was official defeat and walk away without truly finishing.  I asked him to shake his dad's hand and say "good game"- and then I asked him to say "I played well" (which he really didn't want to do, but I'm a meanie and make them say these things out loud and clearly so they can hear themselves)  These kinds of moments give me the most hope for their futures.  Facing the hard stuff and seeing it through.  I am so SO proud of him- heart burstingly proud.

Dearest Noah, I am so excited to find out what this year has for you.  Thank you for choosing us as your family. Thank you for being my buddy, even when you think moms are totally gross and embarrassing.  Thank you for retorting my taunts (like, "you're a NERD!" with "I got it from YOU MOM!"), and for always saying "I love you more! There's at least 1 possibility".  Thank you for being so enthusiastic about Minecraft and Pokemon, always making it highly interactive for us all.  I love that you love comfy clothes and soft things.  I love that you scream when you're excited and that you can't contain yourself sometimes (okay, it makes me a little crazy too), and I love that you cry when something touches your heart.  I love you more than I can express, bug.  I am so glad to be your mommy.  Happy, happy birthday.

The year to write it all down. | Denver Lifestyle Newborn Photography

We recently decided that Harper would be our last baby.  This is the first time I've actually written it down, so forgive me as I wipe away some tears...

See, I would have a dozen babies if we had the means.  I adore being a mom to many, and Chris loves being a dad- we simply recognized we probably shouldn't go on having babies forever.  We are allowing our family to grow in new ways.

This has been particularly hard for me as my oldest 2 turn 8 & 10 this week.  It goes SO painfully fast.  That old adage "The days are long but the years are fast" has never felt more true.  My days of nursing are in the near future, going to draw to a close.  The newborns I cuddle will go back to the arms of their mommies.  My babies are quickly becoming kids and tweens.

In reflecting on all of this, I decided I need to write it all down before I forget.  That means lots more personal posts this year.  I'm planning on writing down as much as I can recall, the good, the not so glorious, the beautiful, and the not.  I'm going to do my best to do bits and pieces, photos included of course.  It is really mostly for me, but I hope it will also be for my kids, and maybe there will be something helpful in there for you too.

Impressions from September & October : a personal project | Denver Family Photographer

I feel like September was a few days ago, yet here we are at the end of November, Thanksgiving no less!  What a perfect time to share impressions from September and October on today.  When you finish here, be sure to go visit Vinita to see her Impressions.

September started school, Hailey off to 4th grade, Noah to 2nd, and Teagan to Kindergarten.  Sam gets to be home with me, but he couldn't bare not being in the first day photos.

Harper's personality has blossomed, and she is full on toddler now.  Forever moving and exploring, she brings so much light into our lives.  She is opinionated and sassy, but so loving.

I was honored to photograph a couple weddings for loved ones in September and October, and our family got to attend those. It's pretty neat when they get to watch me work, and I get to take some unique images of them that I normally wouldn't at home (probably something I should be better about, as I absolutely love the image below and I wouldn't have snapped this if I wasn't in work mode.

Teagan saw a photo of Twiggy at the end of September, and said "Hey!  I look like her! Let's take a picture!"  So I busted out the mascara and we ventured outside.  It's pretty much my favorite ever.  Doesn't she totally look like Twiggy here?

Another wedding of a loved one- and my hubby even snuck a photo of me loving on our son Noah. He was overwhelmed by the volume of the music in the small room for a short time, then he was back on the dance floor showing off his moves with his brother and sisters. 

Halloween 2015!  We had so much fun, and only went to about 15 houses before the kids were ready to go home.  It was the perfect amount of treats for them.  Hailey was Joy from the movie Inside Out, Teagan was Disgust, and Sam was Anger.  (Everyone LOVED Sam's outfit- he was called "boss man" a lot!).  Noah was Pikachu, and Harper was a little bitty skeleton, because we wanted to have her be a rainbow unicorn and couldn't find the right outfit.  She sure loved carrying a bucket and getting lollipops.

H Family | Denver Family Photography

I'm always honored when a family I've photographed comes back to me for yearly photos. Last year I photographed little Miss M's newborn photos, and they are still some of my favorite to date. When Katie emailed me this summer to set up fall photos I was so excited to see them all again. She had been sending me photos through the year of how big the kids are getting (seriously, like one of my top 5 things ever- kiddo updates)- so I couldn't wait to see them in person.

Drew & Alyssa | Part 3 of 3 | Denver Wedding photographer

This is the final installment of Drew and Alyssa's wedding in Dobbin, Texas at Olde Dobbin Station. Some of my favorite reception highlights are below. 

It's not every day that you get to make such a FABULOUS entrance into a room!  

It wouldn't be a proper Texas A&M Wedding without all the Aggies gathering together and rocking the reception hall with the Aggie War Hymn. If you haven't ever witnessed this- you need to look it up online- though it really doesn't do it justice to seeing it in person. Talk about crazy energy.  Makes me wish I was an Aggie (Though, I claim to be one through marriage)

These two tucked away mid-reception to talk about the day together. I haven't ever seen a couple prioritize finding a quiet moment during all the fun to just reunite for a few minutes. I highly recommend it.

Congratulations you two!

Drew & Alyssa | Part 2 of 3 | Denver Wedding Photographer

What is your favorite part of a ceremony?  I know for me, there are several, but the two that easily top the list are 1) The way the groom looks when he sees his bride coming down the aisle.  Whether they have a first look or wait for that moment, it always catches my heart the way they look as she rounds the corner. 2) The way a mother or father looks at their children as they walk down the aisle. I can only imagine it is an incredible cocktail of emotions- pride, joy, love, sorrow, excitement... 

They're genuine reactions. Nothing staged or posed, just the true moment.  Those are my favorites.

Can you believe how stunning this little church is?  St Mary's Catholic Church in Plantersville, TX- it's been there for nearly 100 years.  All of the walls and statues were hand painted. Such a beautiful choice for a ceremony.

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Texas in June = Humid and warm!  We decided keeping the men in 3 piece suits and tuxes out of the sun was the best plan for portraits. I think the building at Olde Dobbin Station was a pretty awesome alternative. 

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Part 3 coming next week!

Impressions from July & August | A personal project | Denver Family Photographer

In July we visited Texas, and my kids saw the ocean for the first time in their lives. We only spent a few hours on the beach, but it made me long for a place that had both our stunning mountains and the ocean. There is something so... "home" about the salty water. 

My son took a photo of my hubby and I at Texas A&M under Century tree. Pretty special- and I see his future involving shooting with me someday. 

Little Miss also turned 1 in July.  I love doing cake smashes for my kids, because it tells us a lot about their personality. She politely tasted her frosting, but have very minimal interest in "smashing" her cake. It will be fun to see how that plays out for her. Our 3 year old only would eat his cake with a fork, and he is the tidiest of our kids already. 

Because her birthday is on 7-11, we had to get her a slurpee from the store 7-11 just for fun with her birthday buddy. Kind of a neat little tradition to start.

My family also attended a wedding I shot- so... of course I had lots of extras of them for my own personal stash ;)

‘Impressions‘ is a creative project by an eclectic group of female photographers from around the globe. We aim to share the inspiration behind what we do through our bi-monthly posts.

Every other month, we will be sharing 8 images that tell the story of what inspired us in the previous weeks: our families, nature, weather, or maybe even work itself! We are free to explore the meaning of ‘impressions’, and it is likely to change month to month.

Head to Natalie's blog next to see what adventures summer has brought her.

2015 Fall Mini Sessions | Denver Colorado Family Photographer

I have 3 dates  in two locations open for Mini sessions.

READY TO BOOK??  HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!

1. Look through the dates and times below.  If it isn’t crossed out, that means it’s either available or the deposit hasn’t been received for that time

2. Pick your top 2 times (just in case!)

3. Email me kim@brinkstreetphotography.com or call me 970-227-4927 to request your spot!

4. Put $25 down to save your space (Square, check, and cash are all options)

October 4th  Fort Collins

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October 17th/18th Denver Metro Sessions

Saturday

8:00am

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4:45pm

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8:00am

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One weekend will take place in the Denver Metro area, and the other in the Loveland/Fort Collins area. Exact location will be decided 2 weeks before sessions and sent to participant's emails.

Please email me at Kim@brinkstreetphotography.com or call/text me (970)227.4927 to set your time.  Make sure you have a top 2 times, just in case the one you like is already taken.

A $25 deposit is required to hold your time.

Once you book, I’ll send you an invoice for  to reserve your space.  I can’t wait to hear from you!

**Holiday Cards available separately**

Drew & Alyssa | Part 1 of 3 | Denver Colorado Wedding Photographer

Okay, okay, so I wasn't in Denver for this wedding. I was actually outside of Conroe, Texas (Love my Texas brides!  I am always happy to travel to you!)  I can tell you right now this is going to be a long post- narrowing down these wedding photos has nearly done me in!  Actually, I'll probably do 2-3 posts on this gorgeous wedding. 

Olde Dobbin Station is a stunning wedding venue in Dobbin, Texas. It used to be an oil pumping station that they purchased and have breathed life back into the grounds. There isn't an inch of it that isn't lovely. 

Getting Ready

Drew and Alyssa are highschool sweethearts, and waited until they were finished with college for their gorgeous wedding day. I am so thrilled they asked me to be their wedding photographer.  There are so many beautiful elements of this day!

Details

There's just way too much goodness- I couldn't keep it in one post. Drew and Alyssa did a beautiful job choosing all their details. I can't get enough!  Part Two will be here in a few days!

Venue: Olde Dobbin Station

Ceremony: St Mary's Church

Hair: FLUX

Cake: Cakes by Blondie

Flowers: Striking Stems Floral Design

Dress: Sottero & Midgley

DJ: SignatureEventx