45|52

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

So excited to finally open her gifts on Christmas morning. This Christmas was truly one of the best Christmases we have shared together as a family, I never want to forget this memory!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

11|52

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

Chloe, Sipping on sweet lemonade from Panera Bread, a special treat!
Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

10|52

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

Yesterday was absolutely beautiful outside, 40 degrees and sunny! Chloe and I played out in the front yard for a bit before heading out to work. It's truly incredible what a little sunshine and warmth can do for your soul. Spring is finally near, I can feel it!

*ISO 100, f 2.0, 1/3200

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

Taking Stock

-- Celebrating our four year wedding anniversary at our favorite local breakfast place, Egg Harbor. --

Making: Memories with my family.

Cooking: Delicious, giant bowls of fresh green, colorful salads.

Drinking: Fresh homemade smoothies and juices.

Reading: Nothing at the moment. It's been an embarrassing long time since I have even picked up a book.

Wanting: More time for myself, to create, learn and discover.

Looking: Into turning my 52 project from 2013 into a tangible book I can actually hold and cherish.

Playing: With Chloe and the children I nanny for everyday.

Wasting: Nothing.

Sewing: Nothing.

Wishing: For springtime.

Enjoying: Yogurt topped with fresh, ripe blueberries, blackberries and touch of granola sprinkled on top.

Waiting: For those first early signs that come with the changing of a season.

Liking: Coconut coffee creamer.

Wondering: How to simplify our life.

Loving: My days off from work, when it's just me and Chloe and we have an entire day to enjoy to ourselves.

Hoping: That I can get back into my exercise routine as spring quickly approaches.

Marveling: At how quickly time seems to go by. Mike and just celebrated our four year wedding anniversary, and in June Chloe will be three years old!

Needing: More patience with Chloe, and much more sleep during the week.

Smelling: Lingerings of my favorite perfume on my jacket and scarf.

Wearing: Dark winter inspired clothing, blacks, browns, deep blues and greens.

Following: Along with the 52 project, hosted by Jodi.

Noticing: How badly I need to get my hair cut and dyed.

Knowing: That our life is continuously changing and evolving over time.

Thinking: About more then I could ever share. 

Feeling: Overwhelmed and anxious but also a deep sense of hope that " this too shall pass ".

Bookmarking: A poem about Shrinking woman by Lily Myers.

Opening: Mail.

Giggling: Over all the funny things my two year old says and does.

Joining in with Pip and Kate!

9|52

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

Chloe, she is drawn to the simple beauty and elegance of flowers. We are so much alike in that way.

* ISO 400, f 2.0, 1/500

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

8|52

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

Chloe, admiring all the treasures at the pet store. I love how she had to bring her purse along with her, just like Mommy. She is becoming such a little girl these days, makes my heart melt!

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.

6|52

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

This week we have officially begun potty training Chloe. We've had a bit of a rough start, but I am trying my best to remind myself that this is only the beginning and that this journey is going to take time and a lot of patience, love and respect. For all you Mama's out there who have gone through the potty training process or even if you are currently potting training your child what advice and tips do you have for me, I would absolutely love to read what your experience has been like!

* ISO 400, F2.8, 1/125

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

5|52

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

Chloe, my little artist creating a masterpiece.

*ISO 400, F2.5, 1/40

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

4|52

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

Chloe, peacefully asleep in the backseat of our car. It was the afternoon, the sunlight poured in through the windows so perfectly. Before heading to work I quickly ran inside the house to grab my camera. The combination of my sweet, sleeping girl and the gorgeous, bright winter sun was just to perfect of a moment not to capture.

*ISO 200, F2.8, 1/800

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

3|52

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

My sister bought Chloe this little pink princess key she found in the clearance section at Target, it has quickly become one of Chloe's favorite toys to play with!

On another note, this past week has been a rough one for us all, hence why my portrait is up late! First Mike came down with the flu on Thursday, then I got hit hard with it on Friday, and Chloe got it last over the weekend. A week later and things are finally getting back to normal around here. This winter has truly been so difficult for my family, I'm just waiting for the light at the tunnel!

*ISO 400, F2.8, 1/125

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

2|52

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

Chloe, laying in bed reading her favorite book on this quiet Saturday afternoon.

*ISO 1600, f2.5, 1/40

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

52|52

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, full of Christmas morning joy! Helping Mommy and Daddy make a big delicious breakfast for us all to share.

52|52 my last portrait of Chloe for the year, wow what an incredible year it has been! Thank you so much Jodi for hosting this beautiful challenge, you are such an inspiring woman and because of you I can honestly say I have grown tremendously over this past year as a photographer and storyteller. I also want to give a big thank you to those of you who have taken the time to stop by my little blog and leave such kind and encouraging comments for me. I feel so honored to be a part of such an inspiring group of men and woman.

Goodbye 2013, hello 2014..... here's to another year of portraits of my daughter!

1|52

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

On Friday morning we went out to breakfast with Great Grandma to one of our favorite restaurants, Walker Brothers. Chloe brought along with us this little red Christmas tin filled with chocolates and sweets. I told her she had to finish her breakfast first before having a piece of chocolate. All throughout breakfast Chloe waited ever so patiently, only opening that little red tin from time to time just to make sure each chocolate was safe and counted for of course! After breakfast was finished Mike unwrapped a little chocolate candy wrapped tightly in shiny gold tinfoil and handed it to Chloe, her eyes wide with excitement and joy!

Here's to another year of portraits of my daughter, another year of capturing the simple yet beautiful moments that make up her life, and our life together as a family. I truly loved participating in The 52 Project last year and feel that through this project I grew tremendously as a photographer and storyteller, that is why I have chosen to continue along with Jodi and so many other inspiring photographers in another year of portraits of my child. Hope you will be joining along as well!

*ISO 400, F2.8, 1/100

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

A Picture With Santa, 2013

Our yearly Christmas tradition, taking Chloe to see Santa Claus.!

11/52

" A portrait of my little one, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, I could never, ever get sick of her beautiful smile and the sound of her sweet laughter. When I look at my daughter, and I mean really take the time to just stare at her, my eyes well up with tears. She is so special and perfect to me, so full of love and wonder. To think, this beautiful, little soul came from her Father and I's love, I can think of nothing more incredible, more humbling then that. 

My favorite portrait from last week are of Tahnee's three beautiful children, simply stunning!

Linking up with Jodi for the 52 project!

Glimpses of Spring

" Is the spring coming? " he said. " What is it like? ".....

" It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine.... "

- Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Spring is quickly approaching and I couldn't be more thrilled. I long for the days of sunshine, and warmth against my bare skin. I am ready for the change in season. To watch the earth blossom is such a beautiful, humbling thing.

10/52

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, my blue eyed little artist. After her painting dried I hung it up on our bedroom door, every time Chloe walks past it she stops and smiles and says " wow ". I love how proud and excited she gets when she creates something beautiful all on her own. She fills my heart with so much happiness!

My favorite portrait from last week is of Ann's  two handsome boys, Samuel and Sebastian. The way she captured the sunlight in her photo's is truly incredible! 

Linking up with the lovely Jodi for the 52 project.

Firsts: Haircut

-- Chloe's first haircut, 20 months old. --

On Sunday Mike and I took Chloe to get her very first haircut at a little place in the mall called KidSnips. Chloe did such a wonderful job sitting so still and patiently while the stylist trimmed her hair. I think Chloe looks so adorable with her new bangs and sweet little curls. I cant believe how much more grown up she looks now too, oh it just makes my heart ache!

9/52

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, yet another picture of my sweet little one in the bath. It wasn't my intention to post another bath picture so soon but I cant help myself, I'm truly in love with these two photo's of my daughter. Those long lashes, her sweet little hand, I see so much beauty when I look at her.

And as far as my favorite 52 portrait from last week, well that would have to be of Danielle's beautiful little one, Lotus.

Linking up with Jodi for the 52 project.