Family Pics

We just got our family pictures back and I couldn't be more in love.  Shaun continues to impress me.  The location ended up being everything I had in mind.  My family is my whole world and these pictures pretty much sum up the rest.  

^^^ Capturing Penelope's personality perfectly! ^^^

Penelope's First Year

I cannot wait to post the pictures from Penelope's first birthday party, until then here is a video that we played during her special day.  
  1st birthday - Large from Janessa Parker on Vimeo.

12 Months

Dear Penelope,
You are my not so little baby girl anymore.  You are a big one year old now.  This past year we spent every moment enjoying watching you grow and evolve into such a beautiful little girl.  You have brought so much love and laughter into our home.  You have opened your mama and papas hearts, in ways that we never knew were possible.  We get less sleep and go on fewer dates, but honestly we wouldn't change a thing.  The time spent with you is priceless.  I have been so blessed to be able to stay home with you almost every day of your first year of life.  Watching you accomplish each and every milestone has brought so much joy.  If only you could have seen the excitement in our eyes, when you rolled over for the first time, when you decided to sit up all by yourself, the way we laughed as we watched you taste solids for the first time, seeing you army crawl all over the carpet and work your way to you knees and most recently, watching you be so proud of yourself as you push your walker across the floor.  Oh my goodness, each one has been so fun.
You spunky personality has really started to shine through this month.  You are one determine little lady.  When you see something you want, you make sure to let us know.  This works the same if you don't like something, except you shake your head back and forth, as fast as you can.  If you don't want to eat something you will purse your little turtle lips together as tight as you possible can.  
When we ask you where our nose is, you will open your mouth and nibble on our nose.  When I say get mommy or daddy's ear, you will grab our face and turn it, so you can get ahold of our ear.  You breathe into it and lick it.  It is the funniest thing, feeling your warm breathe and listening to you breath heavy into our ears.  It is a serious crack up.  You love to give kisses to all of your babies and stuffed animals, but especially to the phone, when we are Skyping with family.
Your favorite things as of late, are to go to the park and swing.  As soon as we pull up to My Gym, you know exactly where we are headed.  You scream and squeal at the top of your lungs, it is basically the best thing ever.  You are always so sweet with other kids.  I hope you stay that way.  You are great at sharing, for now and love other kids, especially your cousins.
You aren't afraid to go to other people, which has been really nice.  You love the ladies at the gym daycare.  You make sure to wave to every single person you see.  I secretly feel bad when someone doesn't wave back.  Your smile makes everyone melt. You honestly have stolen so many people's hearts, but your parents especially.  We just think the world of you and hope you always know and feel that.  If we are able, there is nothing we wouldn't do for you.
You hav eight teeth!  I didn't know it was possible to have that many teeth at your age.  It seems your teeth have made up for the loss in the hair growth department.  I always tease you about your hair, but I really do love your thin baby hair.  I'm just waiting for the pay back days, from when I was younger.  Just ask your grandma the grief I put her through.
You know when your daddy gets home and immediately crawl as fast as you can, to greet him at the door.  You are the best greater.  When I come to pick you up from the gym daycare you will spot me and run as fast as your little feet will go, while in your walker.  You still love GiGi and make sure to feed her way to much of your baby food.  I hope you two are always best of friends.
You are the cutest, squishiest, yummiest baby in the world.  This year has flown by.  We can't wait to see what this next year has in store.  You have overcome so much in your fist year and have taught us so much.  You are a fighter and we strive to be more like you every day.  You are a great example to us and have strengthened our testimonies in more ways than we can count. You have taught me how to love and what it means to be selfless.  Thank you for teaching me and helping me become a better person.  We love you so much peanut butter.
Love,
Your mama and papa

^^^ She is so over these monthly photo shoots. ^^^

I am sure going to miss taking her pics on that beloved chair, with her bunny rabbit.... sniff sniff....

The Peck Family

I feel like a broken record, but honestly I am in love with each of the families that have let me photograph them.  The gorgeous Peck family captured my heart.

Jolley Family

I was so excited when Cascia asked me to take her family photos.  I had always heard how beautiful her mom's property was and wanted to venture out that way.  I am so happy I made that drive.  It was absolutely beautiful up there.  Her boys were perfect and are oh so darling!

Okey Family

I realize my blog has turned into a bit of a photography blog.  Please bare with me until I can transition my work into another blog.  This has become a huge part of my life and I want to make sure I can look back one day and see my progression, as I learn and grow.  

I never appreciated all the work and time that photographers put into each photo.  Taking the photos is only a micro portion of the details.  Editing is where the work really comes into play.  I love it though.  It is fun to watch your pictures transform and is rewarding all at the same time.  There is something so personal in taking the time to look at each individuals face and see them for who they really are.  I honestly have come to love each one of my clients more through this process.  

These past two weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions.  I have appreciated each and every family that has let me learn on them.  Shooting in manual mode is an entirely new thing for me.  I am embracing the challenge and loving every minute of it.  I am looking forward to the day where it all comes second nature to me.  I know that it takes time and practice, practice, practice.  It is difficult being a perfectionist, because I have an idea in mind and want to execute it, in the best way possible.  My gratitude for my husband continues to increase daily.  These past weeks have been keeping me busy.  He has picked up where I have fallen short.  The laundry has been washed and folded and meals have been made.  He is so patient and understanding with me.  I feel of his support one hundred percent, without him behind me, I wouldn't be where I am.  There have been so many others willing to help me grow, including one of my best friends Jessie, who spends her time answering my millions of questions and phone calls.  Our friends Shaun and Brooke have always given so freely of their time and talents to teach me.  

Finding different locations for my shoots, has really gotten me to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.  I have always been a sucker for nature and have missed that not living in Utah.  This photography thing has forced me to get out and find the hidden beauty that surrounds Fresno.  I have really enjoyed driving in my car, listening to music and searching for the perfect spot.  I have been lucky and have come across some gems.

Last Thursday night I spent the evening taking pictures of Tyson's sister's family.  We had a lot of fun!   

^^^ Love these two girls. ^^^

^^^ I die over Brooklyns face. ^^^

Thank you everyone for your kind words and support!