Twin Arrivals {Personal}

Our twins arrived safely on January 2nd, 2012:

We couldn't be happier or more sleep-deprived. :)

 Saith Rudolph was born at 12:18pm, weighing 6 lbs, 1 oz

and sister

Neva Marie was born at 12:22pm, weighing 5 lbs,  3 oz.

Neva is "Baby B" as noted on all the ultrasounds, she already seems to be a go getter. We joked she weighed less because she burned so many calories being active before she was born!

"Baby A", Saith, born first:  

He definitely resembles his dad more than his mom!

In dad's arms:

I was going to "tan myself" in photoshop to hide my palor (My Hemoglobin dropped to 8.6 mg/dL ... bring on the iron pills!) and tired-ness but, 

alas, this is what's real! :)

Auntie Lindsey's idea:
(special thank you to Aunts Lindsey, Kendra, and Shannon for helping with this photo session!! Newborns are surprisingly tough to take photos of!)

Sharing secrets:

A few days later, I wrapped them up in a cozy fleece and snapped a few more photos in natural light:

Saith has so many expressions. This being one of his favorites:

Nate got this photo while I was changing Saith:

(Hat made by Aunt Emily)

Happy after his diaper was changed, he gave a little smile. :)

Thank you, everyone for all the congratulatory well-wishes and love and support.

I will post a few more to facebook soon.

Happy New Year 2012!

Skoog Family: Mini Session

Our nieces and nephew came over for a mini photo session the other weekend.

It started to snow lightly but the troops braved the outdoors for a little while. 

I love the effect that the snow has...

adds a touch of innocence to the photo.

I love that Emmett is Mr. Serious here... his bowtie is the best.

This little dolly is just a gem.

Yay that it worked out!

Come again soon. :)

Awaiting Miracles {Personal}

As Nate and I approach 4 years of being married, we are also awaiting the most precious gifts anyone could every ask for ...

twin babies.

It is still so surreal even after more than 7 months of seeing little babes on the ultrasound screen and seeing my body grow, and grow ...

It's been an emotional journey.

For 3.5 years not knowing if you will be able to have children ... trying to trust in God's plan.

Hearing and seeing what seemed like an infinite number of pregnancy announcements and "belly photos" and birth announcements... After a couple years, with each announcement, I felt happy for the new parents and at the same time I felt an unwelcomed stab in my heart. 

I have been hesitant to blog about my pregnancy and to post any photos or updates on facebook ...simply because I know how it may affect others and also I feel as though the little babies kicking inside are just too good to be true ... and I don't want to "jinx" anything by being too public or verbose about the subject.

While the pain of dealing with in.fertility has faded some, I still feel cautious to believe what is about to happen. I still feel at the mercy of the unknown...just wanting out babies to enter into the world safely and in good health.  

However, I suppose then even after they are born, we will still worry about them.  ;-)

I feel so lucky and blessed ... and also so aware that there are many people still out there who would love to be blessed with children and have waited far longer than us...you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ok, here's one photo from a few weeks ago at just about 31 weeks along ... I already measured like I was full term with a single baby here.

I feel quite vulnerable posting this but nonetheless . . .

I may still have a few weeks in me left to stretch (!!!) 

(Thanks to sis Katelyn for this photo)

I hope to find the time and energy to take photos of our (human) children ... like I have for our (furry) children. 

For now, we will wait with hopeful patience.

I hope we can always remember that these children are gifts from above to cherish ... even when deliriously sleep-deprived.

;)

Katie: Seniors 2012

Before the snow and the freeze, we were able to get a few portraits done outside :)

Katie is such a sweet, calm person ...

We did take a few with natural window light, and with the studio strobes:

Thanks, Katie!!

Have a fabulous senior year.

More previews are posted on my facebook page :)

Daryl & Maria: Wedding {10.29.2011}

What a beautiful day for a wedding!

Daryl & Maria had their engagement photos done on a calm, cloudy September evening ...

and their wedding was bright and sunny! 

Takes on such a different effect with the photos ...

My friend, Stephanie did the floral arrangements ... I just love her style.

Ivory lace dress ... it fits the season!

My dear SIL Kendra was my assistant photographer :)

She captured this up-close shot of the sequined brooch.

At a nearby country park, Daryl arrived in style to see his bride for the first time on their wedding day:

Kendra's view:

My view:

Oh, love.

I love this "vanilla" Lightroom preset: 

Kendra's view: (love!)

Beautiful, happy bride 

This really is my favorite from the whole day:

Flower girls always make the day extra special. 

Cake was designed and made by Michelle:

Confession:

Creatively speaking, indoor formals are really not my favorite to do, not that I mind, just that I don't feel they really fit in with the candid type of photography I enjoy doing.

But, they are a big part of weddings and very nice to have for the photobooks!

I use a two light set-up, 10 ft lightstands, 60 in umbrellas, both lights are set to equal power using a flash meter:

Kendra stayed back for these following two photos:

Bubbles, bubbles:

One of the most fun parts of the day for the kids!

Congratulations, Daryl & Maria!

It's been such a joy & honor to be a part of your engagement and wedding day.

Wishes and prayers for many years of happiness together. 

Stay tuned... I will post even more photos to the facebook page soon!