Willa June

Our Autumn Family Photo Session

0 · Feb 22, 2017 ·

I got up early this morning to do a little writing and try to catch up on life before the rest of the house sprung to life. I quietly crept out of bed, shimmied past the dog and sneaked into the bathroom. I kept the lights off and made my way to the coffee maker managing to adjust my vision and not stub my toe. So far, so good. But the second that cupboard door opened, sure enough I hear the patter of little feet on the cold tile floor. Apparently coffee awakens the four year old soul as well.

Measured in the dark, the coffee this morning is was not exactly my best ever. It’s funny how different life is in just four short years. Back then, I would have never imagined life today as I hear little voices in the background talking to Smelly Nelly (our cat) and reading tales of Fancy Nancy and fairy princesses. I would have never realized what a luxury waking up early and having a few quite moments to yourself really is. Although, I don’t think I would change it for the world.

Toward the end of October, I reminded myself that we need to preserve these moments just as we are, so we headed out into the crisp autumn air with my dear friend Kellie (of Hetler Photography). It was just before Gretta’s fourth birthday. Willa June had just pasted 18 months and I can still remember our spring time session with Gretta at that age. Gretta was so much more cooperative. But all the same, it was a moment, a memory, and I never want to forget these days.

So on this day, I’ll remember Gretta’s spunk and flowing pig tails. I’ll think back to how determined she was to be the best big sister and comfort Willa June’s unease. I’ll remember Willa’s stubborn disapproval of the entire day. And those big blue eyes. I don’t know where they came from but I love them.

Photography: Hetler Photography

There’s a different memory and lesson to be learned from each day. Some good, some bad. I’m slowly learning to savor them all – from early morning coffee to a meltdown in an autumn wheat field. This is our one and only life.

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Willa June’s First Birthday

0 · May 24, 2016 ·

We moved into our new house the weekend of Willa June’s first birthday. I still don’t think life has slowed down much since that day, but needless to say, we postponed our little birthday celebration for a couple weeks so we at least could set a table and might have a few things out of boxes. Does a 1 year old really understand what’s going on or that we’re hosting a party for her? I dare say, no. First birthday parties are for the family, for the parents and brothers and sisters and we made it sort of a house warming party of sorts as well.

Even though I wanted this to be a very casual gathering, every time I host anything at my home, I always feel like there’s this pressure to meet certain expectations. Everything needs to be lovely – the food, the decor, the presentation. I don’t think every dinner party needs to be Pinterest worthy or anything, but I do plan parties for a living, after all. I was as laid back with the planning of this one as physically possible for me.

It seemed perfectly appropriate to add a few baby fawn touches, for the baby girl who’s daddy works at a whitetail ranch. From cutting out rice crispy treats to the sweet little touches on her invitations, we embraced the subtly of country life.

Photography: Justine Simmonds | Design: The Day’s Design | Invitations: Star & Arrow Designs

The Science of Moving

0 · Mar 5, 2016 ·

Newborn Photography | The Day's Design | Hetler Photography

If you don’t love it, leave it. That’s the name of the game this week. On Monday, we will be handed the keys to our new house. Done deal. We’ll begin the process of moving on…

It’s a very surreal feeling. I’ve been going through the process of packing and decluttering but it’s almost as though I’m just watching myself and not really in the moment. And I hate packing. Between the ages of 18 and 25, the years between moving out of my parents’ house and when I got married, I moved at least 11 times.

In moving that many times, you’d think that I might become pretty good at it. I might even have it down to a science. However, that’s not the case. Every time I moved there were always boxes that remained unpacked – which was definitely nice for the next move – but obviously they were unnecessary items. There are still boxes in my basement that I’ve never unpacked and we’ve lived here for 6 years.

So this time around I’m trying to do things a little differently. My motto, if you don’t love it, leave it. I no longer have a desire to be surrounded with things that I don’t love. I don’t want to hold onto things that “maybe I’ll wear someday” or “I might find a use for down the road”. I have a deep desire to simplify and create a space that’s homey and useful. That’s not to say that I won’t live in a highly decorated, aesthetically pleasing place, but I’m just changing my approach.

I have a tendency to hold onto things. Sometimes for sentimental reasons and other times for no real reason at all. Why do we as humans have such an attachment to our “stuff”? Worldly treasures, they mean nothing in the long run.

As I’m going through and deciding what to keep and what gets tossed in the box labeled “good stuff that I don’t want to keep”, it’s like a trip down memory lane. And I only want to keep the good memories. I want things that make me smile. Those are the only things that I want to be attached to.

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Speaking of things that make me smile, the picture above is for nostalgia’s sake from Willa June’s newborn session with Hetler Photography. She turns one next week, March 12th. And Gretta, still loves being a big sister and her books.

A Fall Family Photo Session

0 · Feb 24, 2016 ·

Just as the trees were dropping their last few leaves and before the blistery cold came billowing in, I realized there was a moment to be captured.

They say that things change with your second child and I couldn’t agree more. Time slips away faster and the days of being a baby are soon forgotten. The months have fled and I’ve hardly even looked at these pictures. I have piles of things that will “someday” hit the blog, both personal and work projects.

Meanwhile, Gretta has grown to a big sister of 3 years. In one breathe, it all seems so natural as if this is how life has already been. But I’m fearful that it will all too fast just be gone. Willa June turns one next month.

Don’t forget to schedule in a few play days. Have a friend follow you around with a camera as you walk by the river, inspire an impromptu game of peek-a-boo and just remember life as it is. 3 Year Old Toddler Pictures | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography Ada Park Family Session | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography Riverside Family Photo Session | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography Black and White Family Photography | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography Autumn Family Photo Session | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography Vintage Kids Coats | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography Fall Family Photos | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography Ada Michigan Photography | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography 8 Month Baby Photos | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography Family Photos in Ada Park | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography Thank you to Katie and Lisa of Katie Grace Photography for being that friend and helping us preserve these precious moments.

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Less Work More Life

0 · Dec 10, 2015 ·

Photography: Katie Grace Photography

If you follow me on Instagram then you’ve probably noticed that I’ve been completing the #risingtidechallenge this week. (If you haven’t heard about the Rising Tide Society, you can read more about it here.) Today is day 4 of the challenge and it’s all about living life, backing away from work and focusing on why we’re doing things – what matters most.

I’ve been contemplating how I’m going to answer this challenge. Obviously it’s my family that I’m working so hard for. It’s so I can help support, put food on the table and assist in keeping a roof over our heads. I work from home so we don’t have to put our kids in daycare, so we can have fun family movie nights and put up a glittering Christmas tree that will be loved all day long. I work for my clients, being a part of their stories and bringing their celebrations to life. But secretly, I work for myself too. Because truth be told, I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t working towards something. I’m not the type of person to be content without a dream and a little dirt under my nails. And I work so I can keep on dreaming.

This morning, however, I had a breakdown. I was up against a naughty toddler, deadlines and the wish the take a shower. I keep getting thrown into the category of a “stay at home mom”, as if I had no obligations other than my children, and it boils my blood. I work from home, I take care of two little girls while I’m crafting backdrops, answering emails, blogging, finding caterers, processing flower orders, etc. I challenge any of you with 9:00-5:00 jobs to take your kids with you for a day or two, you might not be able to keep your jobs for long. That’s how I feel. So as such, I often find myself stretched a little thin. It doesn’t always feel like a blessing to be able to stay at home with my girls all day. At times it feels more like a trap. Some days I just feel cursed. That’s how I felt this morning.

Going back to focusing why I’m doing what I’m doing – and sometimes I just can’t channel the gratitude and response that I know I should be writing. I should have just posted a big old picture of my family on Instagram, said they’re what matter most and moved on with my day. But at the moment it just didn’t feel sincere. I’m the type that would rather stay silent then just say what everyone wants to hear.

And then Willa June smiled at me. It was more than just a smile, there was a twinkle in her little 9 month old eye. We connected in a way that was just beyond route diaper changes and feedings. It was then I realized that I couldn’t let someone else watch her and take that away from me. These are mommy moments and they’re mine.

This is for all the entrepreneurs and family-preneurs out there – it seems like others have it all together. It seems like so many others have figured out how to do and have it all. But I’m challenging you to realize that it’s a rollercoaster ride. Some days are beautiful and productive and some days I’m in yoga pants, shower-less and wishing that I had never had kids. Even though it seems like it, I know I cannot possibly be the only one who feels like the minority. I can’t gush about my kids and husband 24/7 because while I love them all dearly, sometimes they drive me absolutely to the edge.

I work so I can have a life – whatever that life may be. I work so my dreams can become bigger dreams and someday reality. I work so my family can be a part of that life and those dreams, constantly seeking the balance between the two. And maybe someday I can also be part of my baby girls’ dreams, whatever they will be.

Mommy of 2

0 · May 12, 2015 ·

A day late and a dollar short. That’s the story of my life right now. This is my mother’s day blog post… which in fact is even being posted 2 days late. The most frequently asked question of my personal life is all about being a mommy of 2. How is it? Is it easier/harder? Does Gretta love being a big sister? Is Willa June a good baby? Are you getting much sleep? Cue the super mom comments…

So here we go.. I’m a mommy of 2 beautiful little girls. My business is having it’s busiest year yet. I work from home and have yet to secure a summer sitter. And most days I just classify as a big huge fail. Truth be told, life is CRAZY! At any given moment you might find me holding a baby, typing an email and teaching Gretta how to unpack my new floral containers and pick up wayward stems (she might as well learn to earn her keep!). Every single day is a new adventure.

In lieu of all of this, I think it’s appropriate to reflect back a moment. Those first few days were a little simpler, the hubs stayed home from work, Willa June decided to take naps and Gretta was still a bit unsure about this new phase of life. The time will fly by quickly, it’s hard to believe that Willa June is already 2 months old. Pretty soon there will be two chatty little girls running around the house and we’ll be in the next season of life.

I would love to extend a huge thank you to Kellie of Hetler Photography for so beautifully documenting yet another special moment in our lives.

New Life

0 · Mar 19, 2015 ·

I’m so thankful for the sunshine and milder weather that has finally reached us here in West Michigan. I think Polly (my cocker spaniel) is pretty thankful as well. We’re finally able to step outdoors without having to be completely bundled head to toe, and as we do every spring, we’re on a quest – searching for new life.

I’m sad to say that as of 3:30pm on March 18, I have no notable findings to report. Brown, matted grass covers the vast majority of the landscape with a few lingering snow piles scattered here and there. Puddles still fill the ditches and tree branches remain barren, with the exception of a few shriveled berries left behind by the birds.

I’m not going to hide my jealousy for our neighbors to the south. I’ve seen peeks of forsythias and daffodils beginning to fill my feeds. However, I feel that this just fuels hope. Spring will arrive as it always does, fashionably late. It will be worth the wait, and we will be thankful after a long cold winter.

In the meantime, the only new life to be spotted is here in my home. I can tell by the increase of blog hits that I have a few nosey readers who are all patiently (or not so patiently!) awaiting a glimpse of the newest addition to our family. Right now my life consists of babies, bliss and blooms. I’m happy to introduce little Willa June. She’s one week old today.

Photography: Hetler Photography

She’s Here!

0 · Mar 13, 2015 ·

7 lbs 3 oz and 19 1/2 inches long, Willa June was born at 9:27 am yesterday. Gretta thought you should know that she’s officially a big sister and I’m now Mama to 2 beautiful girls.

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography | Styling & Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Calligraphy: Kaitlin Parisho Designs | Chair: Cameos & Cardigans

Willa June

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