As most of you already know, Bump Club Chicago is one of my favorite resources for expecting and new mamas in the Chicagoland area, and likewise we’re one of their preferred photography vendors.  So a few months ago I decided to further show my support by donating a gift session to be used as a grand prize for one of BCC’s Father’s Day contests.  I have to be honest when I say that I was TOTALLY nervous giving away a session.  Not only was it the first time I ever donated something but more importantly, who the heck was I going to end up working with?!  😉

After the contest was over, but a few hours later I got an incredibly warm and cheerful email from the winner telling me how excited she was to have won and she couldn’t wait to work with us.  I noticed in her siggy that she was a mom blogger and of course went over to check out her site.  Hours later of pouring through hilarious posts on the every day life of parenthood and adorable home videos of her toddler and two labs, Biscuit & Willy, I felt like it was I who had won the jackpot.  A beautiful family that owned dogs and loved the hell out of each other – I was in family photographer heaven.

Anyway, the other week I went to their home for the first of their sessions and let me tell you, they filled every expectation I had in my mind for working with their family and then some.  They were kind, loving, laid back and just so much fun to be around.   Thankfully we got probably one of the last warm, sunny days of the year and so we spent it running in the backyard, playing in the dirt and throwin’ back a few beers & juice boxes as we enjoyed the sunset.  Seriously. It.was.the best.

Thank you so much to their family for not only inviting me to their home to capture their life pre-baby Jack (and to Ava for giving me the best work out trying to keep up with her!), but for also making it one of the most memorable and fun sessions to date.  Vasili and I can’t wait to come back for baby Jack’s arrival in just a few short months.  Cheers to new babies and new friendships! xoxo