Big, BIG news for my family! This week, we found out we will be moving in AUGUST instead of July– which has me breathing a HUGE sigh of relief. 
For weeks, we worried that– without an extension– my husband would have to leave for South Korea WITHOUT us because– as we found out– due to COVID, the Department of State is no longer expediting passports… and without a passport for the baby, the kids and I wouldn’t be able to travel with him overseas.
But now, we have a whole EXTRA month to secure a passport, so we are praying we receive it in time for our flights.This means, we have more time here in New Jersey!
More time to snuggle with our newborn and more time prepare ourselves for this massive move.
And now here I am, two days away from my due date and I am getting emotional thinking about all the friends we’ve made and experiences we’ve had during this assignment.
One such friend is Shannon who I met in a local photography group for mamas. She is the mother of three precious girls. Look at how STUNNING they all are! What I love most about Shannon is her cheerful, energetic demeanor. She is always smiling, always positive, always kind. If you’ve met her, you know she’s a literal ray of sunshine! Her session was full of serendipitous little moments— most notably the most unexpected breathtaking sunset sky reflecting off the lake. The sunlight was subtle but the colors were vibrant and we all basked in the beams streaming through the clouds. When the final shot was taken and I began walking back to my vehicle, Shannon surprised me with a huge bag of gifts for my baby, immediately bringing me to tears. Inside, a handwritten card, outfits, books and swaddles for my little one.
Shannon deeply understands how much this baby is wanted and loved by our family. She, too, has suffered multiple miscarriages and knows firsthand the miracle of a healthy pregnancy… and also the answered prayer of a newborn baby.
As the mothers of angel babies, we share an unspoken bond.Because sometimes, going through a painful, heartbreaking loss will show you what’s most important in life.
Suddenly—as the tears begin to dry—you start to notice more of the tiny blessings that surround you.You see your children in a different light.You develop more patience, more compassion, more gratitude. You never take motherhood for granted ever again.
You smile a little wider.
You hug a little tighter.
You live every day with more intention.
Because you know that tomorrow is never promised.
You realize each moment, each breath is a gift.
Thankful for friends like her who have shared in my grief, but have also celebrated in my happiness.
This is what I’ll miss most about New Jersey. Not simply the state itself, but the relationships formed, the lessons learned and the memories made with those I love most (6/13/20)
I remember this happening in the days leading up to the birth of my first two babies and I’m getting so excited!!
But for now, I’d love to share with you this session I took of my gorgeous friend and her family. You might remember Maryellen from last summer’s session in Ocean City, NJ when she was pregnant with her second baby. 
The session started off with smiles but within minutes turned to cries as she clung to her mommy for comfort and milk. I’d be dishonest if I tried to portray every session as sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes babies cry— but it’s how the parents respond that make ALL the difference. I
The forecast had initially called for overcast skies– and when I arrived, the fog was thick, the sun was bright and there was a distinct cloudy haze hovering over the inlet.Definitely NOT what I had envisioned for my last beach session in New Jersey.But once I met the family & began shooting, I realized the resulting sky was STUNNING — a light orange creamsicle cloud suspended over the ocean. And the family was just as delightful— a wild brood of rambunctious little boys, too cute for words! They were ALL about throwing sand, digging with sticks and running as far away from their parents as possible
I got a clear picture of what my future will look like with three boys and while I was breathlessly chasing them (almost 38 weeks pregnant), I had so much FUN capturing their excitement and joy on the beach.Thank you to my sweet friend (and fellow photographer) Theresa for trusting me to document your family! Weeping a bit, knowing my time in Jersey is coming to a close, but so grateful for the chance to have had done this before we go. (05/30/20)
