samantha and natalie

This is a strange post to do because Dan is having me write it before I see the photos! We were so excited to do a photo session of our own girls to put our Christmas cards together (It's not too late to book your session for the holidays!), and I asked Dan if he would put me through our entire "process" just like our other clients get to do. So, tonight I get to check the blog over and over and over until I see the sneak peek (because as I am writing this there are currently no photos).....and I am jumping out of my skin excited!!!!! Then, I will get to see all of my images in our viewing room on the big screen this weekend and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

I met Dan at the park with the girls, a stroller full of clothes and hats, and bags full of snacks, milk, and candy (bribes)! Considering sessions of our own children are usually the most difficult ones we do (near impossible), we were both delighted with how the girls got along and behaved! Hence, my excitement for the photos! So, here is the sneak peek! I can't wait to see it! :) Special thanks to Carrie for helping out and putting up with us and our kids.

brand family photos

When my friend Sarah came to visit last weekend, I asked her if we could use her help for a family photo session. Dan usually sets up the photo, and we have a remote that we use to fire the camera.....but it just gets frustrating because we can't get the girls to look at the camera. So....this time Dan set up the shots, and Sarah--- bless her heart--- she stood behind the camera, waved her arms bearing puppets, threw toy monkeys, sang, hollered, and whistled to get the girls to look up. And...voilà! We have not just one, but TWO new family photos!!!

(And we did some new ones of the girls too! Enjoy!)

My favorite...

Chubby cheeks!

Wearing mommy's shoes...

Beautiful bebe...

Love my girl...

Our new family photo!

Thank you so much, Sarah!!! This was the least stressful family session (of us) we've ever done, thanks to you!!!! We're going to "hire" you (will work for food?) every time! :) :) :)

natalie paige brand has arrived

I am absolutely thrilled to announce the birth of our second daughter, Natalie Paige Brand!! She was born on Jan 14th at 3:10pm. She weighs 6lbs 14oz and is 19.75in long. Both her and Brooke are doing great! Natalie looks so much like Samantha did when she was born it is freaking us out a bit. Same features, same expressions. We are setting up the Samantha/Natalie introduction tomorrow (the 15th). Sammi has been having some separation issues lately so we'll see how this helps that out! Here are a few photos from Natalie's 1st day...

samantha is 18 months old

Our beautiful, smart, loving... crazy, busy, independent, mind-of-her-own daughter, Samantha! Sammi got her hair cut last week, and seeing as how she is just over 18 months old, we decided it was time for a photo shoot. Here's the thing... if any of our clients are EVER worried about our patience with their children, our loving Samantha has given us the ability to be patient beyond words. WE UNDERSTAND how hard it can be and how FRUSTRATING it can be to invest time and money into a photo session and feel as though your child is just not cooperating.

However, we always manage to walk away with great shots, funny moments, and lots of memories caught on camera. To our surprise, today was no exception...and these photos are a few moments of quiet happiness among many, many moments of running (in the wrong direction), screaming, crying, whining, and defiance from our little Sammi. And the truth is, she just doesn't like the camera. She really is a wonderful kid that just turns mad when the camera is pointed at her. After all, she is our child...we all like to be on the other side of the camera. :)

Here are a few shots from today. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH, SAMMI!!!!!

Our shoot ended with a stop at Dairy Queen. We ALL needed it!

samantha is 15 months

We took advantage of the amazing weather this weekend and took Samantha to the IMA for some play time and photos. She loved it! She had a blast running all over the place, mostly away from us. Here are a few photos from the day.