"She affected all others around her. Quietly touching one heart, who in turn touched another. Reaching out to ends further than she would ever know." - Kobi Yamada

Katherine is a special lady.... a dear friend.... and words just can't seem to wrap themselves around how excited I am for her to become a mom. Literally, I'm sitting here at my computer wondering what are the right words to express the journey our our friendship and all the days we have laughed, cried, lived, worked, and dreamed together. She walked into my life shortly after I moved to Charlotte and has been a steady source of encouragement through a break up, a new job, a new relationship, an engagement, a wedding, a new career, and countless little details and dramas that took place in between. I guess what I'm trying to say is that THIS is a remarkable woman, and the thought of seeing her take on this new role of motherhood simply fills me with joy because I know that she will be amazing. And this little baby girl, well if she is anything like her mama, she is going to be quite a remarkable little lady as well.

** Rick, I can't wait to see you as a proud papa too! I didn't want you to feel left out :)

Love grows by giving. The love we give away is the only love we keep.
-- Elbert Hubbard

I've gotten quite a bit of experience watching parents of small kids and the thing that I consistently observe is how selflessly they love their children. I'm sure that in those weeks and months it seems like it will never end... the feeding, diaper changing, playing, holding, rocking, comforting, bathing and dressing. But it's really not very long before those kiddos grow up, become independent and want to do it all on their own. So, part of what I strive to capture is the sweetness of these early years that you never get back as parents.

So, let these images be a celebration for all the selfless love that the Vogen's have given to their beautiful kiddos (and I MEAN beautiful) - and for all the simple, lovely moments that deserve to be captured and remembered for many many years to come!

It's been a full and incredibly blessed weekend for me here in Charlotte- with 2 more really special shoots to go today! All the festivities started on Friday afternoon when I got to meet baby Sam and see how MUCH his big brother, Evan, has grown up since I saw him last. Ginny and Andy are such a joy to watch as parents because it seems as if they were made for it... and that makes my heart happy. I hope that as I continue to document their lives I will help to tell the story of the little men that their boys will become. Evan is already leading the force with bounds of energy and excitement for life, and it seems like Sam (although he is only 8 weeks) might be more laid back... but ah, time will tell. And yes, I'll be there with my camera, ready to capture this amazing family as long as they keep welcoming me into their home!

Around the house:

"Madeline, Madeline! Where have you been? We've been to London to see the queen!" - Ludwig Bemelmans

You may remember my dear friend, Caitlyn, and her precious little family. Well, they've had a lot going on these past few months since a third baby girl has been added to the crew and they are moving home from Memphis, TN to London! And you thought your life was crazy right now?! Ha. Of course, Cait and Josh are handling all of this transition with the grace and strength that I would only expect from such incredible people. Plus, she looks AH-mazing for being a new mom of three! Cait has always been such a beauty in my eyes, and I love that she is passing along all the elements of her beauty (internal and external) to her little girls.

 All that being said, it was really important to capture them all in their last days enjoying time with family stateside... plus celebrate/document precious little baby Lillian!

"In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony." - Eva Burrows

Two year old twin girls plus a newborn baby boy makes for a busy house, but as I shot this session I was struck with the sweetness of capturing these images to help document these crazy days. Especially when days and nights feel equally as long, I think that taking some time out to allow me to simply document their interaction will hopefully provide them with memories to always look back and smile upon. So, thank you Elizabeth and Ian for welcoming me into your home and trusting me to snap these images of how your family and your life are changing once again!

I'm in love with this series of the whole family - especially that grin from baby Court.