Personal Post : Meet Our New Puppy

Lately I've been thinking a bit about adding some more personal posts to the blog to show what we've been up to outside of our portrait sessions.  I would like to share a little about how we spend our free time, give updates on our home renovation, and other milestones and celebrations since you share so many of yours with us.

As many of you know, one month ago today we adopted a puppy.  We got Pieper from the Humane Society in Green Bay, where she had been sent from a breeder in Ohio.  Pieper was the runt of the litter with three other siblings also up for adoption.  The Humane Society informed us that she is part rat terrier and part husky (although with her stumpy legs and long body, I think she may have a little dachshund in her as well).  She acts mostly like a rat terrier - likes to sniff out other animals like the rabbits and squirrels that dominate our yard; she is very smart and a little manipulative, and certainly a "Houdini" finding her way out of spaces and situations even when you think it is not possible.  The other main personality trait I read about is that she has an "off switch".  I didn't understand what this meant at first; now I know that it means she goes from being super high-energy, chasing her toys and jumping all over the place, and in a split second she is curled up your lap for a nap.  Unfortunately, visitors just stir up the energy in her, and won't get the opportunity to see the sleepy little puppy who likes to lie belly up under her blanky.

We have had lots of visits from our clients and their children and I would just like to thank all of you for putting up with her crazy puppiness and helping her learn how to socialize with other people.  She did a great job for her first photos (which was unexpected to say the least) and we can't wait until it gets a bit warmer and we can take some outside. :)

Isaac Turns 9 Months!

Nobody can beat the big, baby blues that Isaac comes in to show off every three months.  It is such a blessing to see every little change - his growth, his new found skills, and of course all the new expressions he has developed.  It took two tries for Isaac's nine month photos, because the first day he was fighting the arrival of new teeth.  It was hard seeing such a little guy in such big pain, and it only made sense to give him the day off.  It was a good idea to wait it out, and we were rewarded with lots of smiles on our second day.  Looking forward to seeing Baby Isaac and his wonderful family for one year photos very soon!

{ Josh + Arlyn = ENGAGED! }

When Josh and Arlyn met at college, they were immediately drawn to one another's enthusiasm for life.  They recognized this fervor and excitement in the other person, and since the first day they walked home from class, they've been inseparable.  For their engagement photos we traveled down to beautiful Dubuque, Iowa where the couple snagged a cup of hot cocoa at a local coffeeshop before braving the chilly weather at a park along the Mississippi River.  Music is a central part of who Josh and Arlyn are as a couple, as well as individuals.  When Josh proposed he played his guitar and sang the oh-so-romantic song "Question" by Rhett Miller before asking her to be his.  For us, this meant we definitely wanted to include his guitar in the photos.  Our goal was to show the natural romance of two people simply enjoying being together.

On a personal note, this session was particularly special to me as Josh happens to be my younger brother.  I am so glad that he has found the one person that makes him happy - the one person to cherish and be cherished by in return.  Their wedding is coming up in July and we wish them a beautiful future! Congratulations, Josh and Arlyn!

New Baby Trenton + the {M} Family!

There is nothing more precious than a newborn baby.  Only days old, they are a reminder of new beginnings and a way to help us remember what is truly valuable in our world.  Even as a part of our daily work, each time we get to meet a new baby, it is a celebration of life.  Trenton is just as tiny as can be, and even though we tested his resolve posing and reposing him, he was as quiet as a mouse - no crying or whimpers from tough, little Trenton.  We photographed the whole family, getting to show the love between mom and baby, and dad and baby, not to mention the new found excitement as big sister, Kendall, got to know her baby brother.  Kendall was so attentive throughout our shoot, leaning into the baby basket for hugs and kisses whenever she could, and asking about Trenton whenever he couldn't be seen.  So much love for this new baby.  :)  Congratulations, {M} Family!

Kirsten Turns Two!

I can't explain how special it is for us when little ones we've seen since only a few days after birth return to us years, that's right years, later.  We've had the pleasure of photographing Kirsten five times in her first year of life, and now, walking, talking, and with a fully developed personality we get to see her again.  Kirsten was always a precious baby, and she has grown into a very beautiful little girl.  No one can help but smile when she bursts out with laughter, and no one could possibly say no to those deep greenish-blue eyes.  Kirsten is spirited, with so many different expressions that I was constantly capturing her in beautiful, natural poses of her own devising.  I love this because it allows me to show her just as she is, full of fire and personality.  Happy 2nd Birthday, Kirsten!