Documentation of Life Project #2: Sweetness at 25 Weeks

Can't believe I will be in he 3rd trimester in just a few weeks....November is going to be here before I know it!

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Documentation of Life Project #2: Baby Sweetness

Last year I documented the pregnancy of Carrie as she and her husband Andrew prepared for Baby Stella to arrive. See that whole series here. 

Ever since then I knew I wanted to something to document my next pregnancy.  So here I am at 20 weeks and excited to self-document my growing belly.  I could have gotten elaborate and involved my husband as the photographer, but let's be honest, raising to energetic boys, running a business and keeping a household that just wasn't going to happen.

So in keeping with the theme of my business, I am keeping it simple.  I hope you enjoy the journey with me!

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Fishers Family Photographer: Reihl Family

A few months back I shared the letter that a woman wrote to her photographer about her choice to not get family pictures done that year. (view original post here)  I then gave a talk at a mom's group back in the spring and at that talk I offered then all a free portrait session, explaining to them how important it is to have pictures of your kids and especially with Mom in the picture. How many moms out there are the ones behind the camera and not in front of it with your kids?! I know I am guilty of this! This is how your kids are going to remember you! By pictures!!! Don't let anymore time go by with you behind the camera...whether you hire a photographer to take your picture, give the duty to your husband or another mom and you swap taking pictures for each other...create those family heirlooms for your children and grandchildren. I loved this session with Lora and her kids. Not only did I capture some cute smiles, it was in their home. Which allowed me to capture the kids in the environment that they will remember growing up in. With their toys, their rooms decorated especially for them. Making memories with mom!

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Documentation of Life Project: Week 40

Finally!!! For all of you who have been waiting on the edge of your seat for the final installment of this project...I am sorry it has taken me so long. I was home visiting my family for 10 days, and have been caught up in editing all the jobs from that trip and getting back to normal day life since I got back. With out further adieu....here is Week 40!

As I mentioned before Carrie and Andrew did not know the sex of their baby during the pregnancy..and we are happy to share that Carrie gave birth to Stella Maris on Friday Aug 3, at 40 weeks and 4 days! Not too bad for their first! I have met sweet Stella and she is just that....SWEET!!! I will do one final installment of this project that will include the star herself...on the outside! Stay Tuned!

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Documentation of Life Project: Week 37

Always good to play Peek-a-boo with your babies---inside or outside of the womb!!

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Documentation of Life Project: 32 Weeks

Nothing better than a tall glass of ice water to keep a pregnant mama cool!  Except for maybe two tall glasses!  CHEERS!

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Documentation of Life Project: Week 29

As a mother gets further along in  pregnancy it is normal to ponder--wonder--dream---what will my child be like? How will our life change with this baby on the outside? When exactly will the baby arrive?  I can't help but think some of these same thoughts are going through Carrie's mind as she counts down to 40 weeks! 

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A Tribute to Mothers

Last night we were hanging out with our neighbors and naturally some of the conversation centered around Mother's Day plans.  Through our conversation I learned that she had lost her mom when she was only two and a half years old.  My heart broke for her! I know it happens, I know there are many people out there who have lost their mothers at a young age, yet it still breaks my heart.  I can't imagine not having my mother growing up and even today. My mom lost her mom last summer, and even though we all knew it was time for her to go, it is never easy to lose your mother.  I do not even want to think about that day when I have to face it.

All of this got me thinking more about mothers and with it being Mother's Day, I thought I would share about my mom and some other amazing women in my life.

With my photography business I have been honored to capture many special moments between mothers and their children, especially their daughters on their wedding day.  It is often the dream of every little girl to be planning their wedding with their moms.  I loved planning my wedding day with my mom, and I loved sharing all the special moments with her on that day.  One of my favorite moments was when my mom put on my veil, which was hers that she wore on the day that she married my father.  My photographer captured such a moment that I will always treasure as my mom was able to take me in as the bride I always dreamed of being in her veil.  It as a childlike moment for her.

Photo Credit: Jesse Prentiss Photography

My mom is my mom and more! She is my lifelong friend!  She always knew how to get  me to talk when I had a bad day, we have shared countless moments of our faith together, endless car rides to and from taking me to college and stopping for frozen yogurt, and have graduated to the adult beverage of sharing our love for wine.   Now that I am on the receiving end of Mother's Day it takes on a whole new meaning and understanding.  I learned how to be a mom from my mom and I am so grateful for all the lessons she taught me over the years.  Spoken and unspoken.  I pray that I have a relationship with my kids when are my age like I have with her!

Photo Credit: Jesse Prentiss Photography

My mother-in-law, is more than just my mother, by law.  I hear so many people who complain about their in-laws and I feel bad for them that they don't get to have a relationship with the woman who raised their husband. What a gift to have her in my life. She of course does not replace my mom, yet she is an added bonus!  She welcomed me into the family and embraced me as one of her daughters right away.  To hear the stories of Brian growing up, to share with her my stories. I am honored to call her Mom!  Another great moment captured on our wedding day by our photographer was a great way to welcome me to the family.  Just like so many moms wipe the noses of their little ones growing up, she had to wipe my nose for me!  Brian and I agreed to have some fun with our wedding cake, as long as he didn't get it on my dress.  He was so sure to not get it on my dress, that he went UP with the wedding cake, which proceeded UP my nose!  Thanks for coming to the rescue Mom!

Liz and her Mom Carla, just months before her passing

As the day went on and I kept thinking about mothers, I thought about one of my brides, who's mom died just months after her wedding.  It was sudden and heartbreaking.  I remember sharing a sweet moment with her mom at the reception as she sat with tears in her eyes admiring her beautiful baby girl on the dance floor.

Another bride lost her mom when she was young and wasn't there on her wedding day. She honored her mom by wearing her wedding dress.

Her mom was with her through her dress

 I also remember in my heart all the moms that I have met over the last 2 years through Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, who are mothers with their sweet babies in Heaven.  I remember all the mothers who have lost their precious children to miscarriage before ever getting to hold them in their arms.  Regardless of where your children are...you are a mother!

I recently heard a story about a mother and daughter who had been estranged from each other for years and the mother recently died, and they never reconciled.  This breaks my heart as well, because I can only imagine the regret that this daughter will face at some point in her life for not allowing that relationship to heal.  Regardless of where your mother is, you have one!  Time is short, time is precious...take time to tell your mom how much you love her. 

 Happy Mother's Day!

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