The Wilson Family at Home

“If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment”

— Carlos Santana

I'm pretty sure you've never met someone with a bigger smile than George... aka Mike. I remember doing box jumps at Iron Tribe a couple months ago and he tripped, somehow gashing his arm open (to the point of stitches) and he just kept on smiling and tried to keep jumping (though the coaches promptly stopped him to prevent further injury). 

Then after he got the stitches, he still kept smiling, and kept coming back to the gym as if nothing had ever happened. I was so impressed. It was no surprise to me that photographing his family was a breeze. The whole family was just so happy and willing to do any of the crazy things I suggested, sure to include little Max along the way. 

Of course Blake and Austin were all too willing to pick on each other and their home and neighborhood served as a perfect backdrop for their portraits. Hope you enjoy a few of these favorites from the day!

Treyburn Country Club Family Session | The Goodwins

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

— Lao Tzu

Seeing the transformation of this bunch from last years' Christmas Portraits to this year was amazing. Taylor and Jake had their new little baby Desmond and he is absolutely perfect! Harlan and Miles have joined the rowing team and are doing awesome, and Dennis walked across Spain on the Camino! I loved so much following his trip online and then hearing about it more in person. I love his thoughts on the trip:

"My suggestion after this experience, no matter what you do, do something in your life you don't think you can do. Push yourself. Get out of your comfort zone, live life to the fullest. Don't be afraid to live. You will not be sorry. It will not be easy, but it will be something that you will treasure, and something that you will be incredibly proud of yourself for doing."

Love that so much, and I couldn't agree more! When A.J. and I biked to the coast and back we were exhausted but exhilarated. Can't wait to have another adventure asap and hope with everything I am that we will always have epic adventures just like Dennis! Love you guys! Hope you enjoy a few of these images from the shoot! 

The Painter Family - Home Session

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. ”

— Audrey Hepburn

These beautiful ones have been dancing in front of my lens for several years now, it's been so amazing watching their little family grow. If Dylan is not just the cutest little thing with her bright smile and bouncy ponytail, I don't know who is. 

Courtney wanted to do a home session this round and I thought that was an awesome idea as they have just moved to Charlotte and bought such a beautiful and well lit home new home! Just like their home in Raleigh, it felt so comfortable when I walked in and it was the perfect setting for a morning filled with giggles.

Even though the whole neighborhood is under construction right now, we were able to sneak in some backyard and streetside photos as well. Little Dylan loves to ride her scooter up and down the street. 

Grandma was visiting, so of course we couldn't resist a few snuggles. 

Dylan absolutely looooooves her piano and insisted on showing me what she's learned so far! We had so much fun!

Motherhood

“Happiness, not in another place, but this place. Not for another hour, but this hour”

— Walt Whitman

She said, "I think it's important to communicate beauty as well as honesty here. I spent my entire first trimester in bed. Most people don't see that side of pregnancy." 

When Caroline first contacted me about telling her story she wasn't sure exactly what she was looking for, she just just knew it needed to be told. She and Chris have five beautiful, healthy children and she's never had problems with pregnancy before, but this round included prenatal depression causing endless bouts of silence and tears, loneliness and doubt. She explained that between 14-23% of women struggle with symptoms of depression during their pregnancy and it goes highly overlooked and misunderstood. This is an opportunity to begin the conversation. 

What do you do when you come home from a normal healthy doctor appointment and just weep uncontrollably? How do you answer your sweet children's ernest questions of what's wrong when you don't know yourself? What do you do when you don't seem to know yourself anymore?

When you know you're "supposed" to be ecstatic about a new life, but you only sink deeper into the fear and insecurities it represents; your mind can become enemy number one. There is nothing. Nothing anyone can say or do to get you out of your own head and into the light where there is joy abundant.  Caroline has been battling this for months by herself, afraid of any number of things on different days, but she finally reached out for help from a few close friends, embracing her vulnerability and now has a tiny bit of hope peaking it's head. She has not loved her body through this season but didn't want her children to see her the way she saw herself, so she decided for the first time to document with photos what this journey has looked like.

She is one of the bravest women I've ever known. 

I'm hoping she can begin to see herself the way her children and husband already see her. Strong, resilient, determined; a source of life both physically and emotionally. Camden said he can talk to her when he can't talk to others and they all chimed in about how much and how well she loves them. Even the littlest ones who didn't know how to voice exactly what they felt talked about the various actions she lives out daily that embody a loving mother. 

With five little lives to keep up with and another one on the way, a husband to love and a self to keep healthy it's no wonder her body shrank inward to protect itself, and no one is left unaffected. It's very difficult for anyone to watch someone they love suffer. Even when he hasn't known how to help, Chris has taken on many additional roles in the home (5 children, real estate and a small business do not take care of themselves). Through this, he has shown the kids what a lifetime of commitment really means. They are a beautiful intertwining of souls. Like the magnet on their refrigerator says, "life does not have to be perfect to be beautiful."

Despite it all though, I actually think they're all doing a great job of embracing the crazy. As I was setting them up for this shot, they told little Cappy to throw his toy off to the side...he missed a little...and hit me right in forehead, but I didn't see it coming because I was looking through the lens! We all died laughing. 

Clark amused us with his jokes and balancing acts and Chloe Cate was the first to grab my hand and welcome me into the family, begging me to stay after. When Cohen ran off into the forest yelling follow me, we didn't hesitate. He took his shoes off right away and jumped into the creek and mom, dad, all the siblings and I followed.

There is so much joy to be found in life's little moments. I love that Caroline and Chris are embracing this tough season together and finding time to welcome meaning, depth and growth. I loved your whole family instantly Caroline. You and Chris are a testament to the richness big love and commitment can provide to the wellbeing of kids. They know more than anything that they are loved unconditionally and that is simply the greatest gift you could ever give them. It was an honor to participate for a moment in your story, thank you for the invitation. 

Caroline wanted to offer her psychiatrist as a great resource in case anyone else is living a similar battle. Ria practices holistic psychiatry and integrative medicine allowing Caroline to honor her body and mind together simultaneously. You can find her information here.  

She also wants to stress the importance of being honest and open with your midwife or OB/GYN. She has received much support from her midwife at Reply Obgyn in Cary.

For spouses and partners of women suffering from perinatal mood disorders, you are needed. Here are a few online resources for you: 

Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Progress

For more resources on Prenatal Depression, it's warning signs, and steps to recovery you can also check out UNC's School of Medicine. 

The Goodwin Family at Treyburn Country Club

“Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life”

— Lisa Weedn

Dennis and I met at Iron Tribe a couple months ago and became fast friends. (Something that seems to keep happening with all the people I meet there, it's such a great community) :) Dennis always has such a great attitude though and is fun to work out with; when he asked about extended family portraits I knew we'd be a great fit. 

Their new home at Treyburn Country Club was the perfect backdrop with it's gorgeous course and the beautiful forest in their backyard. I'm so glad they were finally able to move in this year after a few construction set backs. It's truly breathtaking. 

I hit it off with Taylor right away. 10 years ago she packed a couple bags and moved to Denver to see what adventure awaited her and hasn't looked back since. Definitely my kind of gal. :) She met her love there and they'll be having their first little in April. When they arrive, he or she will have the best bunch of older cousins to guide them. Chase and Patrick's crew really know how to have a good time. Of course little Carter stole the show with his super fun personality and amazing laugh. Dennis and Jeannie you have an amazing family! Hope you enjoy a few of these favorites from the day!

I must say I've never had this many adults participating in leaf tossing schnanigans, but I am a HUGE fan. I think the adults had more fun than the kids!

Bubbles Open a World of Possibility

“Too much of a good thing can be wonderful”

— Mae West

Can I just say how much I love bubbles? On a photo adventure with a child, I can safely say, bubbles make the session better every time. 

There's just something about the dream-like state it puts a child in that opens them up to the possibilities in the space we're in, opens them to laughter, opens their eyes bright toward the sky. If you're ever wondering if you should grab a bottle for your session, you should. :)

Jetton Park, Cornelius, NC

Leaves. Leaves are also acceptable flying dream makers. 

And balloons. :)

If only we could easily retain that ability to be moved by dreams as we grow. May your day be filled with beauty and your future with bright dreams. Maybe pop open a bottle of bubbles (or bubbly if you prefer) and see if it helps you see the world a little differently today. :)

Meagan the Herbalist

“We like to pretend it is hard to follow our heart’s dreams. The truth is, it is difficult to avoid walking through the many doors that will open”

— Julia cameron

Time paused for a moment during my long curvy ride through the Tennessee Mountains this weekend. With such breathtaking views and fresh mountain air, it's not hard to see why a couple would choose to raise their kids here, away from all the noise. 

It is here that I met Meagan. And can I just say, Meagan is awesome. She's a registered nurse, family herbalist, mom of 4 boys and a homeschool teacher. In addition to all that she manages a blog about all of these things. I've met a lot of incredible people in my life and that list just got longer this weekend. She had a vision for what she wanted in life and hasn't stopped working hard to make it happen. 

If you ever have any herbal needs or questions, you really should check her out. I learned so many things simply chatting with her as we explored her forest. For example, did you know that jewelweed is a remedy for poison ivy?? That would have been good to know when AJ was hospitalized for it a couple years ago. 

Anyway, thank for you introducing me to your world and beautiful family Meagan! Hope you enjoy seeing it through my eyes. :)