Lay Family: Baby on the Way

I had the privilege of photographing another one of my friends last week as they are expecting their second sweet baby girl in June! Julie and Dave are such dear friends to us and I couldn't be more happy for them as they await the arrival of Ruby. Sweet Hayden is SO excited to welcome her new baby sister to the family! 
Enjoy the pictures from their session, and I can't wait to meet you sweet Ruby!

Chelsie & Aaron : Baby on the way

Pregnancy is such a precious season of life. My dear friends Chelsie and Aaron are expecting their son in June. So many have prayed for this sweet boy and we're all waiting with anticipation.






Chels and I met at church when we were growing up and eventually we became roomies in college. We have had a lot of fun times together growing up and in college too. I rarely see any two people more in love than these two. High school...well actually, Junior High sweethearts, Aaron and Chels have always been so devoted to each other. They have a great story of faith during this pregnancy and dependency on God, which makes this season even more beautiful for the two of them.



Sweet Baby Tanner, You are one of God's greatest blessings. I can't wait to meet you. You have been prayed for, hoped for, and dreamed for long before you were born. Your momma is beautiful, strong, and grounded. Your daddy is sweet, fun-loving, and a total goofball. I pray that you are all these things and more.






Chels and Aaron, we are overjoyed at the fact that Tanner will be here soon. I'm amazed at your demonstration of both peace and faith. I know you will be amazing parents. We love you guys.

Baby Lincoln On The Way

I called Bonnie to tell her that we would be having another baby in October. To my surprise I found out that she too was going to be a mommy a week later! It's been so fun to be pregnant both times with friends who are close to me. We share info about doctor appointments, pregnancy woes, and "enjoy" putting on weight together. ;)

Bonnie and I have been friends since we were in kindergarten. It's only fitting that our boys know each other from the start. Although we are far away from each other, I have a feeling that Tytus and Lincoln will be buddies.

Just a few more weeks and we'll get to meet little Lincoln!









Bon Bon, you are truly gorgeous. Mommyhood is already looking good on you.







Lincoln, you are already loved by so many people. We can't wait to meet you in a few weeks!

Baby Tytus on the way @ 30 weeks

It's been a while since I've posted a personal post, so if you don't know this is baby #2. Oh faithful blog readers, we are about to have 2 under 2! :) Fun times. Baby Tytus (Ty) is expected in mid October. In case you're wondering about the name, Tytus is one that really we both just liked. It means: to honor. Kent was my dad's middle name.
When we were pregnant with Jaden we didn't get matnerity pictures done because of multiple reasons. Finding time was one thing. We had just moved to Missouri, Stephen had just started a new job, and we were in the middle of a cold winter as well. This time, conditions are much more pleasing. :)



You'd think that being a photographer you'd be ok with having your picture taken. I am but wow is it weird! It's just completely different being on the opposite side of the lens. I photographed my friend Ashley and her family a few weeks ago and she so graciously agreed to do our maternity pictures in return.



I feel kind of like superheros teaming up for these kinds of sessions. Her vision + my editing = a good team.



We are thrilled with how the photos turned out. Thanks again Ashley! :)















I can't believe we only have 10 weeks to go. Looking forward to meeting little Tytus.

Jennifer + Brian: Baby on the Way

I met Jennifer through a mutual friend from chuch a few months ago. I had the opportunity to photograph she and her husband Brian this weekend. They are expecting their baby girl in just a few weeks! I'll admit that in the past maternity sessions haven't been my favorite but the more I do them, the more I am loving them!! (could be because of my recent experience with it...?)

We headed down to Louisiana (Missouri for all you Illinois folks thinking I travel outside of IL/MO for maternity sessions) Saturday afternoon to shoot. Thank you Jennifer and Brian for being such good sports and letting me help capture this special time in your life! Hope you will enjoy the pictures and slideshow.

...p.s. Sorry Brian I failed to get a shot of you holding your belly with Jennifer. :)

Click Here for a slideshow of their images!!

Ashley + Jerell: Baby on the way

Meet Ashley and Jerell, with a baby girl on the way!



I was SO excited to have my first session this year and just in the nick of time before it was too uncomfortable for me to move around like I want to when I'm shooting. :) We had a few laughs with me squatting around and laying on the ground with a basketball attached to my front side. Ashley and I went to high school together and now we are both expecting babies in just a few weeks! She's only a few weeks behind me and her little belly is barely poking out there! :) I'm looking forward to seeing them again in April to photograph their little baby girl when she makes her grand arrival.




We headed out to the park where they enjoy fishing together...
















I love the way they are looking at each other in this picture. :) It makes me smile.







Thank you Ashley and Jerell for making it a great day! Hope you enjoy the preview. :)