If I were to tell you the stats from last year regarding the number of sessions I did- short answer: IT WAS INSANE! I absolutely love doing what I do, I love being able to tell a brief portion of so many incredible peoples’ stories. I love writing and I love relaying a story through imagery. I am so fortunate that I am able to marry those two loves together and call it “work.” Sometimes I’ll think of a phrase that will prompt a photo or vice versa. I love communicating to the world through my work and am so blessed that my message is heard ‘sometimes’ in the manner I intended it to. At the end of a great year I realized that while I was so busy telling other peoples’ stories that I neglected to tell my own.
This year my MAIN focus will be to record my history. What better way to begin than with a new baby? Khai was born on December 23, 2014 and weighed in at 9lbs 4oz, and 21″ in long (we’re thinking power forward). As soon as he was placed on my chest I felt an over-flowing feeling of peace. I don’t think I can adequately describe the intensity of the emotion. It’s something I will never forget. He is named after my cousin Taylor-who passed away last year which also made his arrival uniquely special. In the days following his birth we have been presented with a series of challenges yet rather than dissolve into an anxious puddle self pity (or maybe a sea of self pity is more appropriate) I have just been reminded how blessed I am. There is something so special about Khai and I am so grateful for him and the love he has added to our family. I adore watching my other two children interact with him and seeing their love expand. I am so blessed. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to be a mother. I hope to always remember this feeling especially on days that are dark. I know the next year will be difficult, but in those moments of darkness I hope I can channel this feeling of peace. I love these images because they are real, they aren’t adorned with fancy set ups or scenery; they accurately depict our every day.
I’ve been asked several times after posting a few photos on social media sites; “How did you take photos of yourself?” I am so excited to answer that question in another blog post (coming soon), which will hopefully help other moms get in the frame with their children.
I do have to give photo credit to my awesome Sister In Law (Maria Slade) for the photos of my husband and I with Khai,- that I absolutely LOVE!
