The Boes Family

It all began last fall when Patrick and I moved back to Grand Rapids. Neither of us had landed jobs yet, and it just so happened that my sister-in-law knew someone who needed a babysitter. (Yes, at the age of 22, I'm still considered a babysitter.) Being that I do enjoy hanging out with kids, and that we were quite strapped for cash, I signed up to watch her friend's kid. Who could've guessed that it was the beginning to something quite magnificent?

Since September, I've watched Callan on a somewhat consistent basis. Currently I get to spend 3 days a week with him, and just love the time we have together. When his mom asked if I'd be interested in taking some family photos, I was more than honored! I love that both my jobs allow me to be so close to so many wonderful families! And it was fun to combine the two!

So sit back and enjoy some shots from my day with the Boes family!

We started out by the Ford museum. Who knew a dead branch could be so fun?
Benny and Elise always dress Callan in the cutest Paul Frank apparel. I adore the little skull t-shirt he was wearing. Then we headed over by the blue walking bridge/the Van Andel museum. It's just so beautiful over there!

And there's always time for some fun with bubbles!

Sarah & Jarrod's Reception :: Preview

Here's a little hint of what's to come from my fabulous shoot at a reception, celebrating the marriage of my very lovely friends Sarah and Jarrod. I can't wait to share more!

Boes Family :: Preview

Maternity :: Carrie and Fam

If you know me at all, you know my love for babies! And I couldn't be more thrilled that my dear friend, Carrie, is going to have a little one of her very own! Last week we got to spend some time snapping shots of her cute little prego-self. I work with Carrie at Red Lobster, and it was so great to see her in normal maternity clothes (our uniforms aren't the cutest). She is so stinking adorable!

Thank you Carrie for letting me capture you in this amazing time of your life! I can't wait to meet the little guy!

We started the day of with some balloon shots, just because I think they're so fun.

This is one of my favorites. Ask Carrie, I loved that tree!
Her fiance, Tim, and his son, Gage, joined us. Carrie and Tim are just so sweet together, and he was such a trooper even though he's not a fan of being in front of the camera.
Another fave.

And I had to bring Gage his own balloon; it's only fair.

You can just tell how much he loves his dad.

Pregnancy Preview :: Carrie

Had a great pregnancy session with my dear friend, Carrie, today. Here's a preview of what we did today:

Adoption Fundraiser :: Success!

May 1st was the Adoption Fundraiser for Teresa and Eric Johnson, our lovely friends, cousins, and neighbors.

They're currently in the process of adopting a little one from the Congo, a place that desperately needs people like them to step forward and rescue a child. There are currently over 4 million orphans in that country alone.

The fundraiser was a huge success and one step closer to them getting their baby. I can't even imagine how excited they are! So a big thank you to everyone who came out to support them! The love filled that place!

Here's a little collage from the day (Click to enlarge it, it looks a lot better that way): If you're interested in their journey, please visit Teresa's blog and/or check out this amazing video they made about their journey thus far: http://vimeo.com/11402102.

Shakers and Drums

Being it that I watch cute, little kiddos during the week; sometimes I have to get creative with fun ways to entertain them. I recently was reading that the babies I watch are entering the time where musical instruments are a must. And rather than go out and spend $40 on things they will play with for 10 minute increments; I decided to spend $2 on some cute paper and mod podge the gazillion containers I already have!

So, here are the drums and shakers:

Step one: Always, ALWAYS, start with Mod Podge.

If you're watching hulu on your husband's brand new laptop, be sure and keep your liquids, such as your morning coffee (aka the nectar of life), on the the lower shelf. Starting containers: three formula canisters, and several jars from the spice rack we never used.Mod Podge a couple cute pieces of a paper over top...
Add some stickers to enhance the learning experience...And, voila!

Drums & shakers!

(Be sure and note the fancy drum sticks that may have originated as salad tossers at one point.)

Baby Chicks!

My mom is not only one of the coolest moms in the world, but yes, one of the coolest grandmas. Growing up, she always let us have whatever animal we wanted: rabbits, iguanas, dogs, cats, ducks (in an apartment no less). I can't even imagine taking on all that responsibility as a single parent, but she always did it gladly because she knew what a great experience it would be for us.

So, sure enough, she brought my nephew to "look" at the ducks and chicks at the Tractor Supply Store. And of course, looking became wanting which led to buying. They are now proud owners of 6 baby chicks!

I don't have photos of all of them because, well, they run really fast. But here's a peak at a few of them!

Brendyn wanted to show them off, and I thought it only right that he do so in his Scooby Doo pajamas. I think they really bring out the colors in the chicks.
This is one was my favorite.