The Shearer Family
A few months back I was contacted by this mom inquiring about baby photos. She was referred to me through a mutual friend whom I had done engagement photos for. Thanks Crystal! Check out some of their photos here (they're the ones with the terrible towel). I was thrilled when she told me she and her husband had TWINS! At that time they were only three months old and I was about to go on maternity leave. So we needed to wait a bit to schedule their session. I always tell parents it's best to photograph your little ones during those first two weeks of life, then wait until around six months when they can sit up on their own and have some sort of head/neck control :)
Boy has time flown by! Here we are over three months later and these adorable twin babes are already six months old and my maternity leave from my part-time bartending job is almost over :( I had the pleasure of finally meeting this family at my very first ever attempt at mini sessions. It was also my very first time photographing twins...so I was a little more than excited! We met at one of my favorite places to shoot...Mingo Creek County Park. Those of you who know me, know that I can't get enough of this place. Covered bridges, hiking trails, dog park, scenic water, and tons of open space!
Meet the Shearer Family...
Two adorable, laid back, lovable little ones...
How gorgeous is this mama?! Did I mention she had twins!!
Being able to capture moments like this one is why I am so passionate about my job....
Little miss loved the cold railing on her feet...
Love how the siblings are mimicking each other...the creek flowing under the bridge was pretty interesting :)
Thanks for a great evening in the park and for making my first attempt at mini sessions (and twins) a success! You are so blessed with two amazing little ones and it is clear to me what a great team you all make!
PS...I need one of those musical light-up stuffed mushroom thingys :)
Introducing Eli Matthew...
Tuesday, May 7th started out as a normal day. I dropped Jackson off at pre-school and headed to my OB appointment. All the while hoping to not go into labor until at least the evening of May 8th. You see, the afternoon of May 8th was the "Mom's Lunch" at Jackson's school, knowing they had been preparing for it for sometime, I really didn't want to miss it. It's a pretty big deal to a five year old. So I headed to my doctor feeling no different than I had the previous day. The nurse checks my blood pressure and it was elevated. Then my doctor comes in and checks it twice...still elevated. Then she says, " Well I think I'll send you down to Magee and have you monitored there, since there is this sudden jump....and have you induced. You're due tomorrow anyways, so it'll be fine." My reaction was pretty simple. All I said was, "today!?!?" She said, "Yep, today." "Did you drive here by yourself?" "You'll need to have someone pick you up, I don't want you to drive." So I left the office and frantically called Matt from the lobby of the building. He was, of course, at work and had to rush home from the South Side. I tried to stay calm as I ran through the list of things in my head that quickly needed to be taken care of in the next hour or so. Talk about being hit with a ton a bricks! Needless to say I didn't make it to the mom's lunch at Jackson's school. Aunt Nicci filled in fabulously!
I had been through the induction process with Jackson and I can tell you that all I had been hoping for this time around was to go into labor naturally. Not to scare any of you mama's to be, but being induced is not fun. But, at least with Jackson I had a weeks notice to prepare. Not so much this time. There's nothing like going about your business, having your list of errands for the day, walking into your doctor's office and then being told, "Oh, by the way, you're gonna have your baby today." I was a little panicked to say the least. Thankfully my husband is the most level-headed, calm, rational person I know. He is my rock. And as he greeted me in the lobby of the doctors office, I was already in tears. Such a huge mix of emotions were running through me. I was so excited to meet our little boy, but so nervous about the process. I also kept thinking about how Jackson was going to feel. His world was about to be turned upside down and I was a little sad that my baby had woken up as an only child that morning for the last time. So after leaving the doctor's office we headed straight to Jackson's school to pick him up. Next stop home to grab our bags, take Jackson to my in-laws, and then we were off to have a baby.
I was induced at 6:10 pm on Tuesday, May 7th, and Elijah Matthew Giehll was born right on his due date, May 8th at 7:06am weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and 20 inches long. So tiny and perfect, he stole the hearts of both Matt and I immediately. Those precious first moments are so amazing, there are not words fitting to describe. We have adjusted nicely to being a family of four. Jackson loves his baby brother and has been a great little helper. So far, Eli is just like his dad, calm and easy going. I have to say that I can not imagine this being the last time we welcome such a wonderful gift from God into our lives. We just might have to try for the little girl.... eventually :)
I took my camera to the hospital with the intentions of having my own little mini photo session, but I can tell you that didn't happen. I am so thankful for the talent and services of Bella Baby Photography, who are contracted through Magee Women's Hospital. Our photographer Dawn, was awesome! She quickly captured these next few beautiful images of Eli in the comfort and privacy of our hospital room. I am so glad I have these along with the snap shots I took with my trusty point and shoot.
Only one day old...
Some first images from home. They say that having a baby makes you fall in love with your husband all over again. I have to agree...
A few days after being home we were feeling a little more settled, and I finally got to have my own photo session with our little peanut...
I am in love with these next few images. Taken on my bed, super simple, super sweet...gorgeous natural light!
Matt and I have a new favorite phrase..."the boys". It brings a smile to my face every time I get to say it, and I try to say it as often as possible. So, here are "the boys" :)
Eli not only has an awesome Big Bro, but some pretty proud parents too...
L O V E my boys!!
Welcome to our crazy, loving, wonderful family Eli! We couldn't image life without you!
Springtime Fun...
So, this is what living in San Diego is like? I can't count the number of hours Jackson and I have been spending outside the last few days. I'll take 70 degrees and sunny everyday thank you very much! I couldn't have asked for better conditions to start my maternity leave and to make some special memories with Jackson during his final days as an only child. I love his little smile and BIG personality. What a great big brother he will be, I'm sure...
Today also began the beginning of baseball season! Jackson is a "Scrapper" and he choose number "5" because he is five years old of course :)
Look at that lean... :)
Sliding into home..
Great day of baseball and even got a little sun... slightly pink and freckled is better than pasty, right?
Couldn't resist snapping a few of the bike... I am so anxious to go for a ride!!
The First Post...
So here it goes...I've decided it's time to start blogging! I am totally new to this side of things...love reading many blogs, especially those of fellow photographers.
I've had many things on my "to do list" when it comes to my photography lately. Probably because it has been quite some time since my last session and my creative juices are over flowing! If you aren't already aware, I've been on photography hiatus while awaiting the birth of my second son....due in T-minus 8 days!!!! .
I finished up my final shift as bartender this week, at my part-time job at The Sharp Edge Brasserie. Thank you to all of my co-workers and regulars who have been so sweet and supportive while I was doing my best to keep up with the pace of a busy bar. I look forward to stopping by this summer to enjoy a few brews and of course to show off the new baby. It's really an odd feeling, after five years, knowing that I will not be back there until sometime in August. I am so thankful to be able to be a "stay at home mom" this summer and enjoy my boys and hopefully be able to concentrate on my photography business that much more. I can't deny that I am also looking forward to enjoying that first "full" beer after having the baby. The little sips of hubby's beer or small little tastes of the latest brew at work really just haven't cut it. It was not easy being around all of that deliciousness for the past 39 weeks. So a few months back I started carefully selecting a bottle to take home after each shift and I have to say I am pretty pleased with the options I will soon have to chose from :)
So while my "to do" list and belly continues to grow, I am happy to say that I have checked off a few things that I have been wanting to accomplish. I've revamped my pricing and sessions, updated my personal likes and loves, and now launching this blog! My pregnancy nesting hormones are in overdrive and checking these things of my list is basically keeping me sane :)
I am super excited that our son Jackson, plays his very first T-ball game this Saturday. Our family, especially my husband, faithfully roots for the Pittsburgh, Pirates every year hoping that this could be the end to their twenty year losing streak. There's always hope right?!? I love capturing these moments between father and son. They really are the best of friends.
Also to satisfy my love for photography during my hiatus, I of course have to photograph the new spring blossoms. I always look forward to taking those trips to the local farms to find the perfect combination of flowers and hanging baskets to bring home. Jackson loves to collect the fallen petals from the ground and of course is always willing to help plant them and play in the dirt. My camera has been busy capturing tons of new spring life. I guess it's only fitting that soon I will be capturing the images of my newborn son...of course my first scheduled session back on the job! I can't wait to share those precious first images with you all.
