On a beautiful summer evening at Oakwood Park in Cottage Grove, I had the pleasure of photographing Haley and James for their maternity portraits. The weather was absolutely perfect—a gentle breeze and cooler temperatures created an ideal setting for their chosen long-sleeve outfits. The soft summer light and serene atmosphere of the park provided a stunning backdrop for this special moment in their lives.

And just like that it is spring! And we are back! It has been a very wintry winter, but just like the adorable light purple flowers popping through the dirt that the kids had fun looking at during their family maternity photos at Leduc Estates, there is new life on the horizon. And it is not just for creation, but also for this special family in soon becoming a family of seven.

Those newborn baby cuddles. How does it go so fast? One moment you are feeling like you’re stuck in one never-ending day as your nights and days get mixed up and turned around and the next moment, you are looking at your child entering her third grade year. Third grade, already? This is the moments where parents who have gone before younger parents say, “Don’t blink.” Even just this Sunday after church, I talked with a dad who said he is having a hard time adjusting to life without his oldest. He walks past her room… and it is empty. The other siblings have changed things around and it’s just not normal. Or at least the new normal doesn’t feel normal. I digress. All this to say, once again reminded to be present in the moment.

How cute is little Eugene? Nothing like a big brother getting ready to welcome a little sister into the world! This little kiddo was all the smiles and a bundle of energy when we met up last Sunday for his family’s portraits and mommy’s maternity photos in New Brighton.