A&W - 4 Years | Minneapolis Child Photographer

It is the eve of my twin boys' four year birthday and my head is swimming with memories, the joys and frustrations of the past four years. When my boys were babies, I remember seeing older kids and not being able to imagine them ever being that big. Of course, I still do this, but all of a sudden I find myself with kids tall enough to reach most of what they need, strong enough to climb just about anything, old enough to put their ideas/thoughts into words, and capable enough to do an ever-growing list of things without my assistance.

In the thick of parenting young children, I have often longed for short breaks and looked forward to times when I don't have to do "everything" for them. I dream of days when they can find and put on all their own clothes, read a book to themselves, or make their own lunch. But tonight, as I look back to the memories of the past four years and realize just how quickly the time has passed, I am thankful for what I still CAN do for them.  I am thankful that they still want their mommy's help, that they aren't embarrassed to be affectionate, and that I can "make it all better" with a magic kiss, a ruffle of their hair, or a tickle on their belly. Though I know the frustrations of early childhood will remain ever-present, I will do my best to cherish this precious short time I have with them while they are still little boys.

Happy Birthday Arthur and Wesley!

Read more...

Genevieve 18 months | Minneapolis Child Photographer

My little girl is 18 months old, which is so weird, both because I can't believe how fast the time has gone and because she acts like she is much older than she is. She is determined to do everything the big kids do, including the morning routine in the boys preschool (she always seems surprised when I drag her out of there).

She is talking a lot more now - among her first words were "ball", "burp" (followed by a throw-the-head-back laugh), and "grandpa". In addition to a handful of other words, she has started saying some family members names, including "Arthur", "Hannah", and "Leo" which is cute beyond belief. She continues to have an acute mastery for relaying her needs, desires, and preferences through non-verbal communication and she understands EVERYTHING she hears. It really is quite amazing to see how quickly language develops in young children.

She remains my delightful baby, but is really starting to look and act more like a little girl everyday.
I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2014! - Gretchen

Read more...

Genevieve - 15 months | Minneapolis Baby Photographer

Genevieve finally got her top two teeth in this month and she is suddenly starting to look more like a little girl than a baby. She, of course, has known that she's a big girl all along, but it has come as quite a shock to the rest of us how much older she looks.

She isn't saying a lot of distinct words yet - "mama", "mom", "dada" and "num-num" (food) are very clear and she knows her animal sounds (she has the sweetest little kitty meow you ever did hear...). But, she understands everything  and she is extremely proficient with non-verbal communication. When she wants something, she has no trouble at all getting the message across. That should be fun in the coming years.... ;-)

She continues to be a social, happy baby, but is still most comfortable in mom's arms. She has quite the strong, silly personality and is finding more and more to explore (and throw on the floor, spill, or otherwise terrorize) each and every day.

I'm pretty sure it is virtually impossible to see her and not smile...or maybe that's just me...?
Yeah, I didn't think so either. Smile away!
Gretchen

Read more...

Little Rascals | Minneapolis Child Photographer

Every night between dinner and the kids' bedtime, there is a golden hour of happy kids and beautiful light. It is the time of day that I am the most relaxed and my kiddos are the dirtiest (and I'm often not willing to trade this time of play for a bath). I love the dirt on them. It is childhood at its finest.

Here are a few of my favorite photos of my favorite time of day with my favorite little rascals.
(with special appearances by Grandma Peggy :) 

Read more...

Month #12 | Minneapolis Baby Photographer

Has it been a year already? My baby girl is growing up so fast! She is almost running and has, in just the last few days, been trying to jump (a skill that takes an incredibly long time to learn, but is a process that is thoroughly entertaining to watch). She spends her days playing in the dirt, eating sand, meowing at the kitties, climbing, "chasing" with Daddy, and studying everything her brothers do. She loves to give kisses, wave "goodbye", spot airplanes in the sky, and point at things.

She is a girl who has places to go, knows what she wants and don't try to stand in her way! I recently realized that I haven't really taught her any baby sign language. I haven't felt the need. She is so very clear about her needs and desires (ex. leaning in and pointing, going to her highchair when she is hungry, etc.). We could have some major power struggles ahead of us.... ;-)

I am completely smitten with this age but, seeing how fast she is growing and learning, I am constantly reminded that motherhood is chalk-full of bittersweetness. The excitement of watching your baby take their first steps is tainted by the realization that they are moving out of the baby phase. The thrill of hearing "mama" for the first time is swiftly followed by the desire not to hear "mama" every five seconds. The satisfaction of seeing them become more independent is filled with the all the worries that that very independence brings. But, as sad as it is to know that my baby isn't going to be a baby much longer, I can't wait to see what lie ahead of us. 

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Read more...

"Perfect" Family Photos | Minneapolis Family Photographer

Stressing about having family photos taken? I hear you.

We just had ours done and, as much as I hate to admit it, I almost bailed (or at least put it off). After a week of unseasonably cold weather, energy-draining activities, and injuries I was imagining runny noses, constant tantrums, and an annoyed husband. When I came down with a cold to boot, it all just seemed too overwhelming.  I seriously considered canceling and rescheduling for another day, but the calendar wasn't looking very promising so we went for it.

Once I decided to relax and let the little things go (seeing as how I had no control over them anyway), our session turned into a kind of "date" with my favorite people, the loves of my life. We played, laughed, and simply enjoyed each others' company. Along the way, it occurred to me that no matter how cooperative the kids were or how "perfect" everything was, it didn't matter. We were there to capture our family - how we were, right there, in that moment (runny noses and all). And that is what we did. And it was perfect.

I walked away from the session knowing that I would love the images because we had a great time creating them. Regardless of whether or not everyone is looking at the camera and smiling, the photos will always take me back to the time we spent together. That is what I hope my clients receive from their sessions with me - images that remind them of a special moment in time with the people they love the most.

Thanks to Annette Pare for her time, talent, and friendship.

Read more...

Month #9

It was a bit of a rough month for Genevieve with a scratched eye, a cold, two ear infections, and cutting her first tooth, but she's a trooper and is feeling much better. These days she is spending most of her time exploring the house with push toys, finding any and all pieces of food that her brothers drop on the floor, obsessing over going down the stairs, pointing her chubby little finger at anything and everything, swinging, and trying to crawl into the dishwasher. She enjoys being outside and playing in the snow....well, as much "playing" as one can do in a baby straightjacket (a.k.a. snowsuit).

She is saying "da-da-da" and what often sounds like "mom" and I like to believe she really means to refer to her doting parents, and (although it usually isn't) sometimes it even seems to be in the appropriate context. Love you too baby girl!
Gretchen

Read more...