Posts Tagged ‘Families’

I met Rachel through my good friend Lisa (check out Lisa’s pregnancy photos here). They were roommates in college back in New Jersey and decided to move out together to California and start a new life here on the west coast. They both met and married men they met while living in Belmont Shores, and both had babies this year.  I love stories like this between best friends.  Rachel and Mark have a beautiful 5 month old little girl. She’s so sweet, and has the perfect chubby legs…I just wanted to eat them!  This is such a beautiful couple, inside and out.  I’m so thankful for their friendship and wish them many blessings on their new journey as parents.

I love this one.  So sweet!

{Family Portraits} My Cousins

November 24, 2009

I was so excited when I heard that my cousin and his family were moving to California.  You may not know this, but I lived in Pennsylvania for two years while I was finishing college. During those two years my dad’s cousin Ron graciously let me live with him and his son.  Growing up in California I always felt somewhat removed from my east coast family.  My dad grew up near Philadelphia and that’s where most of his family still lives. Those two years gave me a chance to reconnect with my dad’s side of the family. I loved the family dinners cousin Denise cooked and seeing everyone during that time.  When I heard my cousin Sal was moving out west, I was ecstatic.  It’s been fun to see them in the past few months and get to know his beautiful wife and children.

We decided to shoot in Seal Beach where they are living. Yes, east coast family, these pictures were taken this month and “YES” they are barefoot.  The temperature did start to drop as the sun went down to a cool 60 degrees. But, as you can see we had a good time.

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As you can see, Tori loved modeling. I think I may hire her for my next shoot. She’s a natural.

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As you all know adoption holds a very special place in my heart.  Adopting our beautiful daughter was such a gift from God.  Our very close friends adopted a little boy the same year we did.  Our lives have been parallel in many ways, from marrying the same year, to our shared infertility struggles, and now as we both approach adopting a second child.

The adoption of their son was different then what we have experienced and what is normally experienced when adopting through the County. They’ve become good friends with the birth parents of their precious son, and have built a close relationship with them.  Much to their surprise, on a Sunday afternoon when the birth parents came for their monthly visit, they announced that they were expecting.  The birth parents had thought long and hard about this new baby, knowing that they are in a different place then where they were a few years back, but knew in their hearts they wanted to give this baby to Jen and Andy, and for little Lance to have his full biological sibling.

It’s amazing how things happen.  Neither one of us, 11 years ago when we married, thought we would have each adopted a child let alone a second one.  We are so incredibly happy for our dear friends, and can’t wait to welcome this precious baby into our hearts and lives.  By the way, IT’S A GIRL!  Lance prayed for a baby sister for over 1 year.  God hears the cries of his little ones, and HE does answer our prayers!

Jen’s sister-in-law Tina, threw such a beautiful baby shower.  I loved all the details and the location.

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Here’s Tina and Jen, sharing a hug and kiss after Jen gave her a thank you gift.

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Jen’s a hair stylist, so this gift was so perfect.

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Here’s the family, Jen, Andy and Lance.

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My little girl is 2!

September 2, 2009

As always, the day of the party started hectic as we were trying to finish up a big project before everyone would arrive.  We spent the entire week before sanding, painting and refurbishing our patio cover.  Jeff’s parents endured 100 + heat every day as they slaved away to help us finish before our daughter’s party.  It looks great by the way.  It doesn’t matter how prepared I try to be, there always seems to be a million little things to do minutes before the guests arrive.

The day was fun and we loved seeing some of our friends and family for the occasion. I’ve posted some pictures of Eva from this year and exactly one year ago. She’s grown so much.

Last year it was all about eating with her hands, food in the face and going for it. This year was much more civilized. It was quite funny.

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This picture was taken in  December of 2008. It’s one of my very favorites. She was about 15 months here.

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This next picture was minutes before her party.  She looked so pretty. The hairstyle didn’t last long. That’s why I had to grab my camera quick.  5 minutes after this shot I let her outside and she jumped in the pool fully clothed, shoes and all.  The birthday outfit didn’t last very long, but fortunately it dried quickly in the heat.

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