29|52

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2014. "

Chloe and I at the Alpine Festival, (our towns carnival) Friday night. 

I truly love this picture of my sweet girl and I! Sadly there are so few pictures of us together which makes me cherish ones like this that much more.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

7|52

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Yesterday for Valentines Day Mike and I surprised Chloe with a little bag filled with sweet chocolates and gifts, she loved them! Hope everyone had a wonderful loved filled day as well.

*ISO 400, F2.0, 1/320

Joining Jodi for the 52 project.

Remembering Our Days: A Photo Journal

Tuesday July 23rd, 2013// A day I never want to forget.

Precious moments of connection, just the two of us, twirling and dancing on our bed, eating juicy saturn peaches, quietly watching the world go by just outside our bedroom window. After a whirlwind of emotion and stress these past few weeks, a moment like this with my daughter is utter bliss. Feeling so grateful for day's like this one!

three/52

-- three favorites from the 52 project --

Chloe,

17/52: She loves to play dress up, twirling around in front of the mirror admiring her own beauty. I smile as I watch her play, mentally trying to take it all in. These precious moments with my daughter are truly so fleeting. One day, sooner then I even know, my little girl will be all grown up.

23/52: Our first trip to the beach this summer. She loves the way the sand feels in between her little fingers. Watching Chloe discover the world around her is one of the most beautiful, humbling experiences of Motherhood.

26/52: Refreshed after an afternoon nap, reading books in her Daddy's lap as the early evening light pours in through our bedroom window. A perfect, simple moment indeed.

It's hard to believe we are already halfway through this project. So much has happened and changed for my family during these past six months. With open arms we have welcomed the change in seasons from winter, to spring, and now summer. There have been new jobs, promotions, family adventures, holidays, birthdays ( Mike's and Chloe's ). We have grown, and loved, and laughed, and cried, and yelled. So many beautiful, simple memories I want to cherish and keep forever. I feel incredibly grateful for this project, it has helped me share the story I am most proud of, the story of my daughter, of my family. I feel so honored to be among so many inspiring woman, Mothers, photographers, and bloggers, and I can truly say I feel like I have grown as a photographer and storyteller through this project.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

Dear Chloe: Two Years Old

-- Decorating a card for Daddy on Fathers Day and watching for him out the window! --
Dear Chloe,
My sweet girl, its hard to believe two years have already passed since you made your way into this big, beautiful world, a day I will never, could never, forget. Holding your little body in my arms for the first time felt so perfect, instantly I fell completely in love with you, my daughter. Over these past two years you have enriched our lives beyond imaginable, so much beauty, and love, and joy all because of you. Your Daddy and I love you so very much, and are so proud of the little girl you are becoming.
You are so full of life and energy, your desire to discover the world around you is intense, at times you can be so stubborn and wild, desperate for independence. In the same sense you are just as sweet as can be, always so caring and compassionate towards others,  you love giving hugs and kisses, cuddling with your Daddy and I, and you are so thoughtful too, always so eager to help me take care of the little baby at work. I love every little detail that makes you, you, Chloe, every little detail!
Because I never want to forget this time in your life....
You Love // spending the day outside, running, jumping with both feet, being naked, throwing stones at the beach, good music, giving and receiving kisses, backpacks, animals, the Fresh Beat Band, your family, dancing, painting, laughing, bubbles, shoes, playing dress up, being independent, standing on chairs, helping your Daddy and I cook in the kitchen, books, balloons, smelling flowers, chocolate, and singing along to your favorite songs.
You Say // baby, shoes, beats, coat, socks, feet, hands, head, nose, neck, water, here ya go, where did it go, oh no, I'm home, that's you, he, she, Grandma, Uncle Will, Aunt Becky, Faith, cheese, Shout, Twist, Kiki and Marina ( all characters from the Fresh Beat Band ) bubbles, go, watch, no, banana, hello, bye, balloon, bless you ( when you hear someone sneeze ), pretty.
You Know // the names of all your body parts and where they are all located ( your favorite is your nose ), can count to five, how to get undressed and also put on clothes ( including your shoes ), how to help me empty the dishwasher, sweep, and throw garbage away in the trash can, you walk, run, jump, and dance, use utensils when eating, know the names and sounds of many different animals, and can recognize the people you see the most in pictures and videos.
Happy Birthday sweet girl, I look forward to watching your grow more and more each and every day!
Love, Mama

Family | Uncle William

-- Chloe and her Uncle William --

Mothers Day: The Chicago Botanic Garden

On Sunday Mike took Chloe and I to the Chicago Botanic Garden to celebrate Mothers Day. The garden was truly breathtaking and so much bigger then I imagined it would be. We walked around exploring each section, breathing in the beautiful aroma of spring in full bloom. I could have spent an entire day there, slowly taking in the beauty and magic of this place. I couldn't have asked for a better Mothers Day.

I feel so humbled and honored to be called a Mother, thank you my beautiful, sweet Chloe for making me a Mom, you my dear are my greatest treasure. There is nothing I love more then spending my days with you and your Daddy!

Happy Mothers Day to my own Mother, you are a beautiful woman, thank you for you constant love and support!

Hello May

Bits and pieces from our first weekend in May.

This weekend has been truly glorious. Two long days filled with warmth, sunshine, sweet smelling flowers, laughter, joy and most importantly, time spent together as a family. I cant help but feel renewed and inspired and so grateful as I head into my second week of work tomorrow.

 What a beautiful start to May. Hope your weekend has been just as lovely!

Remembering Our Days: A Photo Journal

Sunday March 31st, 2013 // A day I never want to forget.

After a long afternoon nap the three of us ventured outside to the park to play and blow bubbles. It was much colder outside then we thought it was going to be so we didn't stay there for very long but nonetheless we had so much fun playing and laughing together as a family. I loved watching how excited Chloe got as she ran through all the bubbles, so much joy and happiness that little girl brings us!