Its hard to appreciate just how good we’ve got it sometimes.  Sam and I have never had to live apart unlike military families who have had to cope with deployments far away from their families during war time.  Having Dina and Paresh in my life gives me perspective on what’s important and leaves me ever grateful for the sacrifices they have made for their country and for the future of our kids.  A pediatrician and emergency physician, both have deployed to serve our military men and women as well as civilians of Iraq (Dina) and Afghanistan (Paresh).  I was so happy that Paresh was able to plan a two week leave to meet his newborn daughter Leela just a week after her birth and I hope that he is home to stay soon.  I spent an afternoon in Maryland with the briefly reunited family back in February and wanted to share some photos with everyone here.

I saw most things in black and white on this visit, maybe because time seemed irrelevant.   I’ve learned that your whole life is on pause when you or your partner deploys, that you are just waiting for the time to pass so you can pick back up again where you left off as a family.  Kids, of course, are never on pause and that makes it particularly hard to be away.  It was so nice to see life off pause and on play that afternoon and hoped the pictures I took could feel like yesterday or tomorrow.   

Tej is already such a great big bro!  And so happy to get some time in with his dad…

Paresh’s parents traveled to town for a brief visit with the family:

My favorite pictures came from some family TV time on the couch and I can’t wait to see everyone plopped on the couch together again soon.  Its funny how such an every day, ordinary action can become so extraordinary.

I love you guys and hope Paresh comes home soon.  

Posted by Mel @ 10:15 pm, in Personal, Wee Ones | 1 comment | Permalink

Maddie celebrated her first birthday in late February and had just started walking the week before our scheduled shoot.  While she’s still wearing some educational scrapes and bruises, I’m glad to have caught her before she was too confident – and swift –  on her feet.  Baby wobbles are pretty sweet.

We took some photos around the house before heading to a general store to pick up some BBQ for a picnic at a local park.  The weather surprised us with warmth and after lunch, Maddie enjoyed testing out her new set of wheels on the hilly grass with a little help from Rorie and Stuart (aka Dad and Mom).  It was a great afternoon…

Maddie is big into giving hugs and high fives.  Now that she can walk, they are even easier to give…

Maddie and her mom making faces in the mirror:

I love the contrast between circles and stripes in this shot…

We tried a standing in the crib shot but Maddie thought we were imposing nap time… no fun!

Here’s a slideshow of the shoot and if you would like to check out the online gallery, click here!

Posted by Mel @ 5:47 pm, in Portraits, Wee Ones | 3 Comments | Permalink

We started off the session at the house Jesse and Jonathan bought together where we hung out with their best friend, Reese.  Just a year and a half old, Reese is a big slobber ball of energy and love!  Check out some Reese shots:

From there we took a stroll down memory lane, a.k.a Strawberry Street in the Fan where the couple lived when they first moved to Richmond.  We got some very “Richmond” shots on the front porch of Jesse’s old apartment, on Monument Avenue and on the water overlooking the city at Belle Isle.  In addition we hit their favorite take out spot, 8 1/2, for a quick bite to eat.  Located right in between their apartments, it was a favorite spot to meet and grab a sub or pizza.  Thanks to the good folks at 8 1/2 for allowing us to take some pics in the restaurant.

We can’t wait for Jesse and Jonathan’s wedding at beautiful Kings Family Vineyards this May… it will be here before we know it!   Here’s a slideshow and if you would like to view the session online, click here!

Posted by Mel @ 6:39 pm, in Engagement Portraits, Portraits | 1 comment | Permalink