Letters to our Children - February 2013

I'm embarking on a new project for the next year with some of my cyberfriends - a monthly letter to our children.  This is my first stab at it - and I think its going to be rather fun :)

My dearest Liam and Lola,

I don’t think I can even begin to describe how much I adore watching the two of you interact.  It is the ENTIRE reason we wanted more than one child, and frankly, the best gift we could have given you.  Each other.  Yes, there are battles…sometimes hilarious, more often than not just plain irritating.  But this, oh this kind of moment.  Sitting together, sharing, talking, learning, coloring, laughing as only siblings can….this is bliss.

Don’t even get me started about how much I LOVE your drawings.  Liam this is a relatively recent development for you.  You never really enjoyed coloring, and weren’t really interested in drawing pictures (of course, paper does not have wheels, so I understand why).  But in the last month there has been an EXPLOSION of drawings.  Drawings of your family, of your favorite subject (angry birds, star wars, or a combination of the two), drawings of your friends’ names – little scribbles where you decide you want something different and turn it into something else.  I love EVERY little piece of paper that you bring home and insist you HAVE to display it somewhere on a wall.  In the hallway.  In the livingroom. In the bathroom.  In ALL of our bedrooms.  Sometimes you make a picture for someone special, sometimes you get “tired” of a subject (like houses, or angry birds) and move on to something else.  Every picture you bring home is like looking directly at the synapses firing in your brain.  I love the creativity, I love the back stories, and mostly, I love how proud you are of your work.  Being proud of yourself is something that isn’t always easy to do (for me, anyway) – I  hope you hold on to that forever!

R2D2's - Liam 2013

Now, Lola is beginning to see your pictures and as little sisters do she is following your lead, drawing, creating, learning and showing us her “stories”, too.  

Our Family - Lola 2013

Lola, I love all your colorful people – but my favorite thing is when you bring home a paper with all of our names written clear as day.  Our little family.  Those four little words, Liam, Lola, Mom and Dad, show me that we are the most important thing to you, sweet girl.  And that tells me that despite all the chaos that is our life, Dad and I must be doing something right.

And I couldn’t be more proud.

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Follow the circle around, to my dear (and very missed) friend, Holly of Holly Burkholder Photography!!
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{Liam's Baptism} :: Chicago Family Event Photographer

Love has arrived in Chicago, and his name is Liam :) Seriously, what a sweet, happy and photogenic little dude. I connected with his family, and was invited to capture his Baptism celebration. There is nothing more incredible than sharing such moments with a wonderful family so full of love - and on top of all that we had a gorgeous day, and the setting was impeccible in a beautiful backyard. Congratulations on your Christening, Liam! You are a lucky boy to have a family that loves you so much!

{Nathaniel C.} :: Chicago Children's Photography

I've photographed many children, but I can honestly say there has never been one quite as sweet as Nathaniel! I still am marveling at how easily he sat and smiled at me, effortlessly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I think nearly every frame featured his big, gorgeous grin! Thanks, Annie, for inviting me over to spend the morning with you two :)

Spring 2011

Spring 2011, originally uploaded by ~*~ KO ~*~.

One quick preview from our family photo shoot this past weekend :) More to come!

{The Tyler Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

I love nothing more than to work with a family that I've the privilege of seeing through the lens on many different occasions. And really, what better form of flattery than repeat business? We had an absolutely perfect day, and a perfect setting right outside their front door to do the Tyler family portraits, and I couldn't have spent it with a more beautiful family :) Thank you, again and again, for inviting me in your lives! And thanks for the delicious tacos, too!

{McMillin Family}

It is so sad to bear the thought of losing another friend to moving away, but I'm so very thankful that I've had the chance to watch these kids grow :) And what a great way to go out by celebrating and taking photographs in some of their favorite places in this great city!? We had an absolutely perfect morning, and I couldn't think of a nicer family to spend it with. Thanks McMillin Family! Chicago will definitely miss you!

{Baby Analise} :: Chicago Baby Photographer

Welcome to the world sweet Baby Analise! We'll be sad to see you move away to St. Louis, but you'll always be a Chicago Girl :)