Journey Around the Sun: Grant

"It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime..."

— Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner)

Sometimes it is difficult to remember what you were doing yesterday, much less one year ago. Take a moment and think about it. Where were you one year ago today? Were you at work, traveling, struggling through a break up, or perhaps studying for a test you never thought you would pass? One day can change your entire life. 365 of those life changing days can leave you standing as a new person you never would have imagined being. People have babies, people fall in love, they get their hearts broken, we lose loved ones, we see places we have never seen before, we learn, we dream new dreams, and throughout it all, we grow. You may have never imagined yourself having kids and out of nowhere BAM! You meet someone who you can't imagine your life with out, you tie the knot, and suddenly your name goes from Ms. to Mrs. to Mom... all in one year. I have seen it first hand.

As I started Grant's one year session, Christi reminded me that exactly one year ago to the date I was meeting her for the first time at her Ripe Belly Session. When we finished her session that day, I went home only to receive a call from her hours later, in the middle of the night, that they were heading to the hospital. So much changed for them overnight. If we would have not have taken her ripe belly pictures THAT afternoon, they would not have these moments captured........

(Check out Grant's Full BirthStory HERE.)

Less than 24 hours after her Ripe belly session, they held their beautiful boy in their arms. The little boy that they had spent the last 9 months dreaming about what he may look like....and here they were in the moment they had so anticipated with Grant crying in their arms. This is what life is all about.

I could not help but think about all of these things after Christi made that simple statement. As I took Grant's pictures, I took notice of how their life had changed in his first year. They moved into a beautiful home, they gave Grant more love than any boy could ask for, and they shaped him into the charismatic blonde haired, blue eyed, beautiful boy that stood in front of my Canon lens. This is what I love about my job. I am there to capture the moments that will bring my clients right back to days that changed their life, and re-feel the emotions, and give them the closest thing to re-living those precious moments.

Happy 1st Birthday, Monkey! :) You are so loved.

View Grant's Slideshow HERE.

Lola's First Christmas!

It amazes me how fast our LeLe babies grow up! Jan and Mike are capturing Lola's entire first year with us! We are capturing everything from her Itty-Bitty session to her Baptism to her 1st Birthday. Her 1st Christmas is no exception. It was a little over a month since last time I had seen her, and she already seemed like a different person. She was smiling, laughing, and rolling over. When we capture the entire first year with our clients, it begins to feel like they are family. We are watching and capturing all of the milestones in that blur of a first year. Those moments you will never get back and seem to almost fly by. Jan, Mike, and Lola....I can't wait to see all of you for the 6 month session!! :) xoxoxoo

I mean seriously....AYKM?? She could not be any cuter if she tried.

We wore this little lady out with all of the smiling, laughing and playing!

Still out.... :) zzzzzzzzzzzzz...........

One of my favorite shots of the day....

After a little nap time....she was ready for more.....

Their dog was too funny. For their entire marriage, she has been the only one in their lives. Now that Lola is here, Haley had a rude awakening. Poor little dog! She was doing anything for attention. Anytime we would pick Lola up for a feeding or what-not, she would get right into the set up photo area, as if to say, "Okay enough of Lola, what about me?"

Here are a few of my favorites from Lola's Baptism. Her Baptismal dress was made from Jan's wedding dress. As a sentimental girl, I loved the fact that she put so much though into this. :)

My favorite....

Another favorite....

She smiles in her sleep. :)

The proud Godparents! They have a little girl who is only a few months older than Lola. Lola and their baby girl were born to be best friends. :)
Most babies cry at this point. But if you think about it, I mean really, who likes getting dunked in water when you least expect it? Lola did not let out even one cry. :)

Jan and Mike's Christmas Card......

Front....

Back

View Slideshow HERE.

Contact LeLe Photography HERE.

One Year Later: Kelly and Terry

Plain and Simple, I love this girl. She knows me, she gets me, and we are like one in the same. Our friendship began about seven years ago. We have grown up together. We know how to have fun, we can talk for hours, and we always have wanted the best for each other. Last week, I was told by Kelly's brother, "I see why you and Kelly are friends." This comment came after I was elaborating on a story for quite sometime. Her brother may have been teasing me, but of course, I took this as a compliment. When I look at Kel, I see pure beauty. Not only on the outside, her beauty exudes from the inside. Her smile, love, and nurturing ways rub off onto everyone she meets.

Last year, I was blessed to document Kelly's wedding day. Not only was I able to stand by her side as she started her family, but I was able to capture her and Terry's happy moments. After the wedding, they added an addition to their family....Little Lola Bug. :) She looks exactly like Terry, and her blue eyes are enough to break anyone's heart. Here are some of my favorites from Kelly's family session.

One year ago....


Fast forward one year....
one of my faves from the day....

I love how Amelia and Kelly both made the same face without even realizing it....
I see the happiness in Kelly's eyes when she looks at Lola and Amelia.

I have watched this little grow into a little lady. She is sweet, soft spoken, and a comedian. :)
and she knows how to rock out the poses....