Years ago I met this cute mama at CrossFit and became friends during a girls only lake weekend. Not long after that weekend we both found ourselves expecting baby boys due only days apart. I remember her walking into my hospital room after Sikes was born only days away from her own due date. That’s impressive, people! By month 9 I was DONE being pregnant and much too jealous to visit someone that beat me to delivery.

Since then we have navigated postpartum bodies and health and raising boys! But between jobs and kids and hectic schedules we rarely see each other face to face. When she invited me to do a Fresh 48 for her second son in late summer I was thrilled. When she called me in the Spring about a family portrait session for Benjamin’s 6 month session I was so excited to see how much the boys have grown this year.

One of my favorite things about being a photographer is the excuse to hang out with my friends during family portraits. While Theresa entertained me with stories of her new job I took pictures. When we discussed the really awkward things our kids are doing and saying these days, (yes my 4 year old DID introduce me and my sister-in-law to a new friend as “That’s my mom. And that’s my other mom.”) my shutter was firing away capturing sweet moments of Theresa and Kurt playing, snuggling, and laughing with their band of boys.

Let’s take a moment to note that Theresa had a baby just 6 months ago! But she’s currently modeling the dress she wore to her rehearsal dinner 2 kids ago. Y’all! If you need motivation it is right here. Theresa training for a marathon. She equipped her garage with a home gym for daily workouts. And still, she works a full time job while raising a baby and a toddler. When I’m not feeling a run or WOD I know checking Theresa’s Instagram account will give me the boost I need. Her 4 am handstand pushups in a hotel room while traveling for work make me feel pretty weak for sleeping through my 6:30 am workout. (But at least I’m using that time to fangirl about Theresa, right!??)!

 

This little guy is so fun right now. Christian had so much personality to share my camera drawn to him. He probably preferred I just leave him alone but I loved watching him explore and fish and try to escape the camera.

Also- I’ve decided every family of toddlers needs a teenage brother to chase them down and make them giggle between sessions. Barton kept Christian laughing and engaged even though an early morning portrait session on a Saturday was probably not his idea of fun.

Friends- if you take one thing from this session let it be this one. TAKE PICTURES OF JUST THE 2 OF YOU! Most often the priority is on child and family shots. But when do you take non-selfie pictures with you spouse? Well, if you’re like me the answer is virtually never. In fact, Craig and I took our most recent selfie back in November. Yikes! I literally have a camera in my hand every day and that’s the best I have to offer? Sad day. Theresa is intentional about making sure each relationship in her family is captured. I love that- almost as much as I love how adorable these 2 still are together.

Check. Out. That. Face. Isn’t he the cutest little ball of boy? Clearly he’s learning from his big brother because Benjamin’s face is so animated and I knew exactly how he was feeling about this session the entire time.

 

Theresa’s Oma made this sweet little outfit. If you know me at all, you know I’m a weirdo about family heirlooms and family names and pretty much anything with deep meaning. Apparently that’s my melancholic 4-ness showing up (Enneagram, anyone?), but I love that Theresa made a point to have Benjamin’s portraits made wearing it.

Thank you so much, Theresa, for choosing Studio Kate to document your family’s milestones and memories!

Tell me- what’s the one thing hanging out in your closet that you think, “One day I’m going wear this again!” For me it’s a pair of white shorts from college. There is NOTHING special about them. Nothing- they aren’t even that cute. But I just like to check every now and again to see how they fit. Although they are much too short for a 34 year old mama of 3 to wear in public ever again!

For more portraits from this session visit Studio Kate on Facebook

Summer is a great time for Family Portraits and we have summer specials happening now!