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1. My mentor and friend Madison Vining welcomed their third child into their little family last week through the awesome blessing of adoption. You must, must, must read the store here.

2. I have a major love for my face lotion. Oh people, it is truly amazing. Hydrating, thick yet light, and has a subtle citrusy note to it that makes it divine. It’s enriched with all kinds of perfect vitamins and I can’t go to bed at night without it.

Via

3. I get a LOT of encouragement from browsing online. There are so many amazing women (and men!) doing and creating awesome things, and sharing struggles, passions, love, God, parenting…and especially that last part, parenting. I’ll never tire of the posts from moms with littles that remind me to slow down, point to what matters, encourage me that I’m doing it right simply because I’m doing it my way. Knee-deep in the trenches of tantrums and diapers, I browse and find uplifting women writing great things about this fleeting time of parenting. This article, though, stopped me in my tracks. It was written for all moms, really, but especially for moms of older kids. Read it if you haven’t already, and share it with anybody and everybody.

Happy almost Friday!

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It just doesn’t even seem possible that baby Blake is on her way next month! Wasn’t I just shooting summer minis where soon-to-be big sis held up her announcement sign?! What a privilege it is to journey with my special clients as they welcome changes, excitement, anticipation, and joy. This maternity shoot was absolutely perfect. Mom and I discussed creating a more natural, boho feel for this maternity shoot, as we collaborated on outfit and accessory choices, and she trusted me to choose the most perfect location. W Family, I hope you love these memories we captured that afternoon as your last shoot as a family of three. I simply cannot wait for your little bundle of perfectness to make her timely arrival.

Posted by lizzie & filed under Maternity. This post has 3 comments.

1. Old Navy’s release of nautical adorableness for toddler girls is just too much to handle! You can bet I’ll be getting this and this and oh my word this with some denim skinnies for my littles!

2. *please forgive the horrible iphone selfie, as I have not yet mastered that art* I am loving this poncho the little sis gave to me a while back. See, my middle sis Julia has a fashion blog that she promises to update once her busy water polo season is over, and she’s always up to date on the newest fashion and looking for new looks and accessories. So before I even knew ponchos were in, she was already “over them” and gave this Billabong one to me, and I’ve been rocking it ever since. And I want to buy 7 other ones and wear them all.the.time. She may not actively blog at the moment, but she has helped me style numerous clients’ sessions with outfit and accessories recommendations that are always out-of-this-world perfect. I love providing input for clients’ wardrobe choices, give me (and Jules) a holla for your next HJP session!

3. The Pleated Poppy is closing up shop and I’m all kinds of sad! I’ve ordered some of her adorable and super well-made petal pushers before, and they’re always the perfect thing to dress up a sweater, a purse, your hair… Head over to her shop and snag some cuteness before it’s all gone! She’s offering free shipping with code FREESHIP.

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This perfect fall afternoon lead to the perfect maternity session as parents eagerly awaited baby J. His newborn pictures have been polished off and premiered, so it’s fun to take a little trip down memory lane when he was still in his mama’s belly.

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This family. I just loved them from the moment I met them. That perfect sense of managed craziness that every family wants to have. Each kiddo had their own free spirit and the parents are doing a phenomenal job guiding them…my job brings me so much joy interacting with so many families! C Family, thank you for those outrageously adorable smiles and laughs last November!

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This sweet family had their session in the beginning of December, and the afternoon could not have been more perfect. Can’t get enough of little Mr. G’s handsome smile, how he adores his mama, and the way his face lights up when playing with Dad. That’s what little boys are made of. ;)

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I’ve been preparing to shoot this sweet family’s maternity session for baby #2 next weekend. Three short months ago their little family of three and I spent the morning at the beach for their fall family photo session. Not only am I so excited for their upcoming maternity session, but it gives me that reminder of how blessed I am to watch families grow throughout the years! So grateful I was able to freeze this family in time that November morning and I just cannot WAIT for their session next weekend as I capture them as a family of three one last time, and celebrating the anticipation of baby.

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It’s officially the month of love! Last weekend I shot the Valentine’s Day mini sessions, and oh my word did those kiddos turn up the cuteness factor! All of the families will be able to display their Valentine’s photos throughout the month as a festive way to celebrate. Last summer’s lemonade stand was transformed into a rustic kissing booth, perfect for all ages. If you missed out on the sessions, don’t miss out on viewing all the adorableness: