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As 2011 draws to a close, we’ve spent a lot of time snuggling up with our little family enjoying each other, and being grateful for what this year has brought us.  I’d be lying if I said it was the best year ever, there were certainly some times of struggle and days when the cards just wouldn’t line up, but it was a year of learning and growing, and reflecting on what is most important to us.

Namely, these guys… and for C and I, each other.

So as goals are planned and roads are paved for 2012, it has been my commitment to myself to be better for all them – to try to slow down a little, play more often, and be present without worrying about every ding of email that comes through that.very.second.  I’m pretty sure it’s a promise I make to myself at the dawn of each new year, but I figure if I keep pushing towards it, one of these times I’ll get it right.  We have a bunch of amazing couples who have asked us to be a part of their wedding day, and lots of babies that are on their way into this world, and as I sit back and think of what the next year holds, I am grateful.  For family.   My own family, our amazing friends (who are very much like family), and all of the families that I will get to meet and be a part of in the coming year.

As much as I’m looking forward to all the exciting work there is in store for 2012, I’m also looking forward to taking time off and really shutting down, turning off my cell phone and just enjoying those that are closest to us.  Along that note, remember way long ago back in August when we went on an amazing family vacation with some of our favorite friends?  Carla just posted some pictures that I took of her family here.  Her post couldn’t have been more timely as I wrap up the tail end of the crazy portrait season and crave some down time.  Though it’s not Martha’s Vineyard, I’m planning on sneaking in a few snuggle days filled with pjs, big quilted blankets, homemade popcorn, hot cocoa and my 4 favorite people in the world.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!

It’s that time of year again… the season of late nights, and kissing my little ones goodbye early Saturday morning to rush off to photograph beautiful families and children.  To capture intimate moments, and forever preserve them.  The only downside of the busy season is that as it finally slows to let me catch my breath, I’m looking back and realizing I’ve missed out on posting and sharing, and talking about our own little family.  If I’m being honest, I have yet to even attempt holiday portraits of our three.  I’m hoping for this weekend, that a sweet bribe and a stroke of luck might get me a shot of all three of them together.  It’s been almost 2 years since S.G. entered our lives, and I have yet to get one really great sibling shot.  Up until now, I could always count on LA to be the one running in the other direction, making silly faces or purposely avoiding my camera.  This year, I’m 98% sure it will be P2.

Speaking of LA, I also realized that I never posted to him on his fourth birthday.  I don’t keep a baby book for the kids, so I rely heavily on the blog to be a snapshot of how much they were loved.  A permanent record so that when they’re teenagers and I’m the meanest mom in the world, they can look back someday and appreciate that maybe I really wasn’t all that bad.  So to my sweet little pilgrim – I’m sorry that your birthday is getting lumped in with a mass update nearly two weeks late.  Please know that it doesn’t mean you have been any less important this year.  In fact, know that you have been amazing this year.  In recent months especially, you have become so much fun.  Your thought process, your jokes, your fierce protectiveness over your little brother, and your smile.  You make my day, every day.  This year on Thanksgiving it was your birthday – and I woke up and thanked God for you.  The little boy who fulfilled the dream I forever had of becoming a mom.  I was, and will always be, so incredibly thankful for you.  I’m especially thankful for how adorable you were in your school performance singing Mr. Turkey Struts Around.  Thanksgiving favorite around here.

In the spirit of not missing things (or realizing I’m missing them and desperately trying to preserve them!), I’ve been keeping a little separate blog.  It’s nothing special, it’s just quick everyday snapshots with my iphone.  Tiny little memories that I know I need to archive forever.  If you’re interested and want to check it out or follow along, it’s here.

As for me, I’m slowing down.  I’m looking forward to delivering lots of beautiful portraits and then spending time with the ones I love the best.