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One of the best things about being a photographer is getting to know families well and seeing the children grow up.  Granted, I have known this family for a very long time (their momma and daddy I’ve known since grade school), but I still don’t see them or the kids all that often.  And usually only when they call for me to photograph them.  I love those calls!  For many of my friends and return clients, I don’t see the family until our next sitting, so each time it’s like a mini reunion with lots of catching up in between clicks of the camera.  For Madeline, Blake and Emma, it was one of those reunions.  I was welcomed with open arms when I arrived to our location.  I got big hugs and huge smiles from all (I think the last time I saw them and photographed them was at least a year ago and maybe longer?).  It’s the hugs and smiles that make photography so worth it.  Madeline couldn’t wait to tell me about Tennessee, her new friends, and how much she loves getting her picture taken.  For one location we had to jump in the car and drive a bit.  I never imagined I’d have two tag-a-longs after they turned to their mom and said “can I go with Valerie?”.  (My thoughts, “of course!!” and secretly it made me feel so very special.) And while in the car, Madeline asked me all about ME.  How many kids do that? (Not many!)  She’s a sweetheart.  It still makes me smile thinking about it.  I love these little people so much.  It’s been so great over the years having this excuse (family photos) to get to be with Jen, Jason and their amazing little people

So, thank you, Jen.  I had a fantastic time.  The kids really truly made my day.  And seeing you and catching up, Jen, it was really great.  Thanks for your love and support, as always.  And thanks for bringing Jess, Ella and your mom so I could see them for a bit as well.  (Wish we had had more time, Jess and Julie!  Maybe next time.)  Love and hugs to Jason who couldn’t make it and even bigger hugs to you and the kids as you continue your journey in Tennessee and go down the amazing road that God has put you on.  Love you!

I think this was the 6th (or 7th?) time I had the opportunity to spend some time with sweet little James and capture some of his adorable, all-boy, farm-loving personality.  I first shot him at about 6 months old…wow, I can’t believe how time flies.  I should know being a momma myself, but it seems like yesterday I first shot him in his crib.  Cherish your time with your children.  It really does go by so so quickly.  You’ll soon be wishing for yesterday.  I’m so honored to have been able to capture those fleeting moments for Angie and Justin of their son.  (Thank you, both.)  And here they are….hope you enjoy xo

I am a part of this awesome little magazine that is distributed throughout Macon County, called “Thrive”.  It features people, businesses and events in the community that are special little gems…who contribute to the area and who have businesses or talents that go above and beyond.  I have been a part of this magazine as their photographer since it begun last summer.  We’re going on our 1-year anniversary!  I’ve had a wonderful time with this group of ladies (there are just 4 of us, all pretty rockin’ females!) and I hope our magazine and success continues.  I can’t believe how big Thrive has gotten in just one year.  I can only imagine how it will continue to grow over the upcoming years.  Thank you, friends, and thank you, Central Illinois, for your support!!  Check out Thrive on Facebook and check out their website when you have a chance.  And if you know Kat, Brook or Joli, make sure you thank them for their hard work!

For May I got to do a little photo shoot of Jody and Joe.  Jody owns her own business called “Red Carpet Promotions” in Decatur, and Joe, he works in the Admissions Office at Millikin University.  You’ll have to check out Thrive in May to see why we have featured them and to see more of my photography   Anyway, I had a lot of fun with this little Thrive session and loved how it turned out, so I thought I’d share a few.  Jody and Joe are such a cute (fun!) couple and not to favor any one person (or furry pals) but the sweet little Toto look-a-likes stole the shots, I think!  They were so good and so darn cute…I love pooches! Thanks again, Jody and Joe; great to meet you!

Kenleigh is now 3 months!  This time daddy, Keith, came along to jump in for some family photos.  The first ever family photo is always so fun for any new family.  I still vividly remember ours with our first son, Noah, when he was 6 months.  Thanks again, Mike, for capturing a wonderful moment in time for my family.  Time goes by so fast.  All you have to do is blink and suddenly they are no longer 6 months but 6 years.

Making this short and sweet tonight, but thanks again, Janna, Keith an Kenleigh!  Next session will be the most fun when she’s sitting up.  3 months is hard but I hope I caught some keepers for ya Thanks again, guys!  You’re the best!

My friend, Holly, who I’ve known well since 6th grade, emailed me about doing a session of her girls when she was down from Chicago visiting her sister.  I said, “of course!”.  I hadn’t met Darby yet and hadn’t seen the beautiful Braxton in about 5 years.  Wow, had she changed.  She’s always been beautifu,l but wow, you should see this girl.  She’s gorgeous.  And Darby will be following in her big sister’s (and mom’s!) footsteps.  Holly came with outfits galore (which I absolutely love as a photographer!) and we had so much fun.  Darby is a busy little lady, but I have to say with the help of Holly and her sister, Sarah, we were able to pull it off with some great photos of little Miss Darby.  And Braxton was an incredible help as well.  I’m just so impressed by her, Holly.  She’s quite a lady.  You should be proud!!  Well, I want to thank you all again because I really truly had a blast and it was great getting to catch up.  I wish you all the best with things in the future and hope your dreams come true   Keep me posted!

Those of you who know Holly know that Braxton's expression here is 100% Holly's!

My good friend, Heidi, called me for photos of her kiddos and last week, the three cuties walked into my studio.  I met Heidi shortly after she had had Caleigh, her oldest.  Caleigh was born the same year as Noah, then my Maia was born, then her Tristan, and recently she and I had our second baby boys.  Finley (mine) and Holden (Heidi’s) were to be born just a day apart, but they had other plans, as Finley ended up coming into this world about 3 weeks early and Holden a week late making them a month apart in age.  However, gestationally (I think I just made up that word) they are sidekicks   Anyway, I had a ball with them.  Caleigh, as always, is the sweetest princess, but this time, a toothless one!  (Love it!)  Tristan, he is my new bff (SUCH a sweetie!).  And Holden, he is just a little angel, who is going to be a heartbreaker when he grows up stealing a lot of little girls’ hearts.  He is gorgeous.  And Heidi, the trendiest, most beautiful woman I know, she comes bringing the most to-die-for outfits for the kiddos.  I kept telling her I’ll buy her wardrobes.  I think she thinks I’m joking.  Heids, I’m not!! Anyway, sorry to ramble, it’s just been a while since a post.  More to come very soon!  Hope you all have a very happy Easter!  We had the most wonderful one.  Church, lunch with my parents and a relaxing afternoon.  Couldn’t have been better.

Ok, I don’t think I need to say much in this post because this little guy, Carter, has the CUTEST expressions which speak volumes, right?  (I’m sure you’ve peaked to the first picture by now.)  I don’t need to tell you that he was the sweetest little guy ever or that he has got the most beautiful smile or that he looked completely adorable in every outfit and every shot.  It was hard choosing which ones to share with you!  So I’d like you to meet Mister Carter and his photogenic parents who are as adorable and sweet in person as they appear in these photos.  Thanks, Natalie, Matt and Carter!  Can’t wait to do it again!

My last fun little bunny session of the day ended with 2 gorgeous sisters, Lauren & Maren, and their new little handsome cousin, Jameson.  I had the best time with them, as I always do!  They’re little pros now!  Thank you, Rich & Lindsey, Brenten & Abby!  Can’t wait to see you all again.  Enjoy, enjoy, and…Happy Easter!

(And a huge shout-out to my friend, Liz, who allowed me to borrow her gorgeous bunnies all day long.  Liz, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. They were on their best behavior!  I couldn’t have asked for more beautiful or more patient bunnies than yours!!  Thank you!!)

Still so many sessions to edit and so little time.  I’m trying to get through these quickly so please forgive me for very short posts!

Introducing the K Family, a very special, very sweet bunch of kiddos…