Baby Mylee is HERE!

My little sister had her baby on July 13, 2011 at 6:29 p.m. She endured over 17 hours of labor in the hospital and has been going on about 3 hours of sleep since July 12th. There's no doubt she is experiencing the "natural high" of going through childbirth and meeting her daughter, Mylee Dawn.

Mylee was born on our grandpa Kitchin's 83rd birthday. Such a special treat for our family. I think it's a sign that this baby girl is going to be a force to be reckoned with. She's absolutely perfect in every way.

Congratulations Vanessa and Ryan. Call me when you need a babysitter!!

Love, Jess

My little sister is expecting a baby girl this summer. It seems like it was just yesterday my friends and I were daring her to jump off a 15 foot high cliff at Foster Lake (which actually felt like 50 feet when you peaked down and over the edge). The same cliff that took me half a day to get the courage to leap off of myself. We only dared her because we didn't think she would have the guts to actually do it. She could barely swim...why would she jump? Vanessa has always been fearless. A quality that has taught her some valuable life lessons as well as made her admirable by the people that know her. That really know her. So, I'm sure that you've guessed by know that she did, in fact, jump. She jumped without hesitation. I stood there, watching, in awe. Almost pissed that she made it look so easy.

Now that little dare devil is preparing for motherhood. Something that you have to approach with a quiet confidence and without fear. Vanessa mentioned that she is anxious about becoming a mom, which is totally normal, but I know that she will be great at this freaky and hugely beautiful task we women have been blessed with. Her fearless nature will be a nice balance in the formula that makes up motherhood.

One thing I know for sure, she won't be raisin' no sissy!

Family Session

I had almost forgotten how beautiful of a place Bush Park is. Acres of beautifully landscaped gardens that make that little voice inside my head say, "I wonder if I could do that in my own yard?" I picked Bush Park for this family session because it absolutely fits them. I love these family shots so I just had to share them with the rest of you.

My other job

Some of you may know that I also work for the Boys & Girls Club of Salem. This past weekend I got to go to the State Keystone Conference with some of our teens. Keystone is a high school leadership program that focuses on Academic Success, Career Development, Service Learning and character and leadership. Here is a slideshow of photos from our fun weekend!

Becky and Benjamin

My engagement session with Benjamin and Becky was one of the funnest (I know that's not a word) shoots I've ever done. There was lots of snow, singing and gorgeous scenery. I have no doubt that these two people love each other very deeply and I am honored to be a part of their journey. They epitomize what a husband and wife should be for each other. All while keeping the Lord at the center of all they do together.

Jenn and Rondo

A slideshow of my photo session with Jenn and Rondo.

Becky and Benjamin are a sweet couple and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to photograph their big day coming up in June. This last Sunday we headed over to Detroit where the mountain snow set the scene for their engagement shoot. Here are some of the photos from our fun day together.