willa jarrett: newborn.

I've known Amy for the past 22 years (wow, that makes me feel old). We met in the fourth grade when she wore shorts to the first day of school (shorts weren't allowed at our school back then, so she was unknowingly quite the rebel). We've lived so much of life together as friends, and I love her so very much. 

A month ago, Amy and her husband Dan welcomed the newest member of their family, Willa, and I was so happy to meet her when I visited Rockford last week. I find myself wondering how on earth we will be able to take care of one child, and Amy now has three. I don't know how she does it, but I was definitely in awe. 

The Jarretts are a beautiful family navigating newborn life, work, a three year old, homeschooling, and a dog that may or may not have taken a liking to pooping in the house with grace, humor, and a lot of hard work. They are the good ones, and I'm so happy that despite all the years and all the miles, we can always pick up right where we left off. 

Cheers to you Willa and the beautiful family that calls you their own.

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dougan family: newborn.

It's always such an honor when I get the chance to photograph a family multiple times, especially when they are welcoming a new child into their lives.

I first met the Dougan family last fall and was so thrilled when I heard they had another baby! Jay arrived in June, and I visited their home a few weeks ago to document such an important time in their lives. 

I couldn't help but laugh when big brother Knox covered his ears when Jay would cry (I feel ya!), and I loved watching both Erin and Hank love and play with their boys so tenderly. Life with a newborn is definitely not easy (as I now know), but they are doing an amazing job.

Thank you Dougans for choosing me to photograph your growing family and welcoming me into your home! Enjoy some of my favorites from our time together. 

ruby family: newborn.

I was so thrilled to spend some time with the Ruby family after their second little guy Maxwell was born. I photographed their family a couple of years ago, and it's always such an honor to be invited back for new milestones. 

Big brother Will was completely adorable, and I just about died when he said his favorite song was "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles. Chris and Kim are obviously some of the best parents around if their 2 year old already has that kind of taste in music. 

Thank you again Ruby family for inviting me into your beautiful home, sharing your decorating secrets, and letting me document such a special time in your lives. Will and Max are so lucky to be surrounded by so much love. 

maebel heyd: newborn.

I first met Carrie a few years ago on hikes and expeditions in Colorado with my sister in law Leighann. Carrie is fun, vibrant, and a fellow teacher and photography lover, so it's clear that we hit it off quickly. 

Fast forward to now, and Carrie is the proud wife of Will and mom to newborn Maebel, and it was more than my pleasure to spend some time at their beautiful home a couple of weeks ago to document the newest addition to their family. Maebel is such a sweet little girl, and of course, I loved photographing her with her big brother Moose, who just happens to have an uncanny resemblance to my pup Winston.

Carrie and Will, you are already doing a wonderful job with Miss Maebel. She is so very lucky to be a Heyd, and I can't wait to watch as she continues to grow.

What an adventure.