at the dog park.

This summer we were introduced to the dog park, thanks to a very energetic puppy who needed lots and lots of exercise. We were very nervous to take Yula there the first time we went but we didn't need to be. She loves everyone, and that includes all dogs. The dog park is by far her most favorite thing now, the minute we pull up she goes crazy with excitement. And since it's the best way to wear her out, we go a lot.

And that dog that isn't Yula that there are a million pictures of? That's Meiko, she's an Akita, and I'm obsessed with her. I have a weak spot for big fluffy dogs. She's a regular at the dog park so we see her a lot. We don't see Chloe and Riley as much, but I love them too. They're both St. Bernards, my favorite breed.

I never thought I'd be a dog person, but we have fun hanging with the dogs.

was it worth it?

It's been no secret, this last pregnancy of mine was tough. It taxed my body in ways it had never been taxed before. It made it so I couldn't function as a person, let alone a mom. It had it's ups and downs. And at the end my body said "I give up, get this baby out." Then the birth was not as easy as I was hoping. It wasn't as bad as the first birthing experience (thank goodness), but it wasn't the experience I was expecting for a third child. Throughout all of that, especially after I had just had a painful encounter with the porcelain throne for the um-teenth time that day, I wasn't sure if it was worth it. I thought that every time some new medical thing popped up. I thought that as my two already born children watched tv all day for who knows how many days in a row. I thought that as I pushed that little body out of mine.

But once I held him in my arms for the first time, I started to think that maybe it was. And the next it was possible it was. And so it's gone as the days and weeks have passed, me thinking a little bit more that it was worth it.

Well, I think I've made it. All that crap I dealt with to get him here, while I don't ever want to do it again, was worth it.

It was worth it so I could cuddle his little chubby body. It was worth it so I can gaze into those big blue eyes. It was worth it so I can smell his sweet baby smell. It was worth it so I can see his happy, happy smiles when he looks at me. It was worth it so I can cry over just how beautiful he is.









It was worth it so I could be his mama.

home at last | Fort Bliss Photographer | Fort Bliss Operation Love Reunited

Military homecomings. The waiting, the anticipation. Trying to see him in a sea of soldiers. More waiting, impatience, killing time and hoping it'll happen soon. Then you see him. Just out of reach through the crowd. And then before you know it, there he is, right in front of you, finally wrapping his arms around you. Hugs, kisses. No words enough to convey how you feel. Finally together again. Finally complete.



Homecomings are by far the most challenging thing I have, and will ever, photograph. But they will always be my favorite. I'm so lucky these families allow me into this intimate moment. If you do not about Operation Love Reunited, check them out here. And if you are getting ready to welcome your soldier home I would be honored to be there to photograph it for you.

The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.

hoping for 5%

Fingers crossed...

these make me laugh.

We only watch tv through hulu, so we see a limited number of commercials (which is a BLESSING through election season, I think I've seen ONE political ad this year). This means we get to miss out on a lot of the good ones (like all the superbowl commercials), but I happened to catch these ones. And they crack. me. up. Especially the first one, the mom's face is perfect.

Ah, the joys of motherhood...

brotherly love

The whole time I was pregnant with Oskar I was very nervous about how the boys would treat the new baby. Especially Nick. Max and Nick are almost four years apart so Max was pretty independent by the time Nick rolled around. Which meant he didn't mind me giving him less attention or needing to feed the baby all day. But Nick and Oskar? Just two years apart. So I had no idea what to expect. Jealousy? Anger? Resentment?

Thankfully, they love Oskar. (insert sigh of relief)

From the moment they came into the hospital room to meet him it was love at first sight. (especially Nick) And I discovered that instead of needing to worry about jealousy or animosity towards the new baby, I needed to worry about Oskar getting TOO MUCH love. Because Nick's love can be a little suffocating.

And if Oskar ends up with claustrophobia, I know why.

ME! on let the kids!

I am so so so so so excited to let you know some of my work was featured on Let the Kids Dress Themselves today!!!!!! And I am SO INCREDIBLY HONORED that little me is up there when they've featured a lot of the big names in the photography industry. I was so nervous to submit, that's for sure.

SO CHECK IT OUT HERE! (can you tell I'm excited? I'm doing a happy dance right now) And I'd love it if you left me some love in the comment section:)

If you'd like to see more of my work, here is my website.

And, I of course have a facebook page too if you'd like to become a fan.

Lastly, I just have to say thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged and believed in me!! Especially Rob (even though he doesn't 'get' this photography thing). It really means so much, and keeps me going whenever I get discouraged.

Oh, and if you'd like to hire me I'd really love that too! :)