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“Tweentography” – the Sweet Spot

Ladies, do you remember those awkward years? The ones when you aren’t still a little girl and aren’t quite yet a young woman? Think….remember…..and now pause….and breathe. 🙂

I look back on old photos of myself and see weird hair (not just because it was the 80s). I see parts that developed before other parts. I remember not fitting in…or not feeling like I did. Feeling pretty….(and then thinking I look pretty and looking back and wondering what I was thinking). I remember not feeling like it was ok to be in a different place as someone else – despite the fact that we are ALL over the board at that age. Ugh, it was so awkward.

I think this may be why I have a sweet spot in my heart for girls in that age range – the tween years. They are the years when you can line up 5 girls, ages spanning just 3 years, and have a world of difference. Differences in body style/shape/development, music interests, attitudes, understanding, and even glimpses into who they will be as a woman.

Oh, it’s precious. It’s beautiful. And today, I celebrated it.

For a while now I’ve had this idea stewing around in my head about focusing on tween photography. I mean, I just love it. I love it. So Saturday I started taking those thoughts out loud, and made a last minute plan to have a fun little shoot with a few young girls. I sent out a few text messages, grabbed a few moms at church, and said “let’s just have fun.”

Colors.

Glitter.

Glitz.

Candy.

Flowers.

Fun.

They started rolling in today….the Katy Perry Pandor station going….nails being painted, hair & makeup being done (thank you Julie Baxter!!!), and wardrobe. I must admit I went a little nuts and spent a wee bit of time buying all different shirts & skirts & funky socks and hair ties and what not…..but I wanted each and every one of them to feel like they were being treated today. Treated to a fun adventure. (Plus, who doesn’t love a rainbow pony tshirt?)

I set up a mini candy-shop, I made life size “lollipops,” and thanks to the sweet generosity of Horrocks Market, we had our own greenhouse/candyshop/fruitstand as our “canvas.”

Each and every one of these girls blew me away. They were sweet, they were cute, they were even sultry and had lots of sass. I saw young women that will be…and little girls that still are.

It was just a beautiful picture of being perched between two places….the old and the yet to come….the sweet spot. It was exactly what I love to see, and what I want to celebrate.

Thank you to each and every one of these girls who helped me celebrate it today.

If you have that awkward tween out there…..don’t let those years go by without celebrating who they are now. Embrace where they have been, celebrate where they are, and sit in anticipation with them for what will be.

You Have Two Babies – Grand Rapids Newborn Photographer

So less than a year ago, my good friends Tina & Bret adopted the sweetest little chubster, Liam. Not too much later, I dropped off their disk of images and a beautiful canvas Tina ordered, and was shown a sweet picture of baby Liam (about 8 weeks old then) wearing a shirt that said “I’m a big brother.”

Jaw drop.

Tina and Bret have not had the easiest route to parenthood. And that’s putting it lightly. Those of you who know them know their heartbreaking stories. Yes, stories. So to see new baby Liam with that shirt on elicited two responses: HOORAY and “Woah, you’re going to have two babies.”

Despite the fact that I knew there would be two babies, it wasn’t until I walked in the house to meet Brady, the newest family member, that I realized YOU HAVE TWO BABIES. Not twins….but a ten month old, and an infant. TWO BABIES.

Tina’s and my good friend Kathy – Aunt Kathy to the boys – and I were talking today and remarking how a year ago, Tina and Bret had no babies. In fact, they traded in the minivan…..even if they never traded in their dreams of being parents.

Well, God truly knew the desires of their hearts, and He has blessed them with two beautiful little boys.

Meeting Brady was such fun, but I swear, I walked around the first 45 minutes saying “You have two babies.” (Like she doesn’t know this.) While big brother Liam scooted around, Brady shared all his little squawks, baby noises and cuddles with me.

Tina & Bret….this blog post makes me so happy. I’m honored you choose to share your friendship with me….open your hearts, your home, and your growing family to me.

Love you!

lizziefamilies

[intro]Your family or child photo session should be as unique as your family. Careful planning of your location, style and budget will help determine the best outcome for your family photos. The more natural, the more it can reflect your life and style, the better the outcome will be. [/intro]

Lizzie Photo family sessions start at $150, which includes a $50 print credit. Print prices are all a la carte, allowing you the flexibility to choose only what you want or need for your home and family.