Spencer is 1!

*** omfg I wrote this on Aril 9th 2018. 2018!!!! Wrote the whole damn thing and never posted it. Story of my life lol. ***

The temperature is rising here in the Arizona desert. 

Unfortunately for some of us, our children decided to come earth side in June, July, or August haha! What to do about the cakesmash?!?

My solution... do it at home!

Over the years "in home" lifestyle sessions have really gained in popularity. Before, I would have to talk into/beg people to give it a try. Us Mom's get it... but just try explaining this to your husband haha! It's comical. They. Do. Not. Get. It.

I have described this family as my "spirit animal." They never disappoint, and are ALWAYS down for all my ***fun*** spots (read "far away"), and to ***go on an adventure*** (read "blindly trust in my ideas").

Before a session like this, Brooke and I plan out what we want to do. Everything you see was intentional and planned- because I like my sessions to last about 2 hours (I don't stay all day). We wanted grandma and grandpa there, we wanted Spencer's favorite toys and books out, we wanted breastfeeding pics, etc.

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Our plan was to start in the front yard for some family pics- of course I got a little sidetracked with some cuteness that was happening with Spencer and her doll when I came in haha! But after that, we went outside for some group shots- ATP style :)

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Madison Atrina | Fresh 48

My beautiful sister had a baby!!!

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I was *so* excited that she had the baby at the, "Cool hospital with the circle windows" haha! Poor Logan had to make sure like a million freaking times that we weren't there for him- once he saw Madison he was excited to show her all of his cars. I don't think she cared :)

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It was fun to do this with my own kids involved- I obviously took pictures in the hospital when they were born, but this was much more enjoyable not wearing an adult diaper while doing it!

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We snuck in riiiiight before they were discharged, and did everything pretty fast. After my sister received the pictures, she was amazed because she said it looked like, "I wasn't doing anything" haha! Also, I was yelling at my kids the whole time :) #bts

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Madison Atrina | July 1st, 2018 | 5:38pm | 6lbs 8oz | 19in | 100% CUTE

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Fresh 48 sessions are the perfect add on to any maternity & newborn package! We did their in home lifestyle session when Madison was almost 1 month old, so it's nice they have *teeny tiny 2 day old* pictures, and then *wide awake/eye contact/expressions* pictures a little later :) This works well if you feel like you need time to settle in after bringing your baby home, and is truly the best of both worlds!

 

 

Sealed With A Kiss | Nathaniel & Kristine

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

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Nathaniel and Kristine are both young widowers. Thankfully, they have found each other, and have created one BIG, happy family :)

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We had some fun with the kids... this took minimal prompting haha!

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Nathaniel and Kristine's love is truly inspirational. Their kids get along SO WELL, and after a truly dark time in both of their lives, there is light again.

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We took these photos on July 13th in AZ. It. Was. HOT!!!! The kids met us half way through, and I am so happy I snagged this shot of the kids running up and seeing Kristine :) The two little girls hugging as Kristine approaches are "new sisters". Mary is Nathaniel's daughter (yellow dress), and Madison is Kristine's daughter (purple dress)- they were so excited!

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It was important to Kristine that we get a picture of Nathaniel's wedding rings, as she wanted him to continue to wear his ring from his marriage with Stacey, his late wife. They are so committed to honoring the lives of their late spouses :)

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Obviously, I take a very "play based" approach to any session I do :) I loved EVERY. SINGLE. IMAGE from this set. I couldn't pick haha!

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So, there you have it. Two adults and 5 kids (#doddspartyofseven) are now off to New Mexico to live life and enjoy their time together as a new family.

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Kristine, I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me in your family for YEARS. I was in shock when I heard of Jeff's passing, but I see your happiness and I am just... well, happy haha! I will miss you and Madison dearly, but am excited to see where this crazy life will take you :)

MUCH LOVE,

Amy