twice the love

Posted on August 3, 2022 by dani_f under babies, families, family, lifestyle, newborn

I bet if you ask any head football coach what he’s thinking about in late July and August, it’s the excitement of the upcoming season – the work, the grind, the joys and the battle on the field. The coach knows his role and is ready to tackle (see what I did there?) anything that comes his way. However, I bet that I know one football coach whose focus is a bit more, well…divided…this season.

Two weeks ago, in the middle of Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching prep (#GoWest), the twin daughters of Jordan and Bailey Echer decided it was time to meet the world. Never mind that there was an upcoming game to coach and green apparel to don, these two were ready. Sweet McKinley and Kennedy already have their parents wrapped around their tiny fingers, and witnessing the way these gifts of cuteness have shifted the universe for their parents is enough to make this mama heart burst and bring tears to my eyes.

One of my favorite aspects of lifestyle photography is exactly what the name suggests – it’s about life and how we live it. There were football helmets and diapers, sneakers and headbands (many, many headbands because you can never have enough headbands, right Jordan?). There was the way a father stroked the side of his tiny daughter’s face to calm her, and the way a new mom and dad looked at their precious gifts.

In true Echer fashion, we laughed throughout this lifestyle session. Like any session with brand new babes, these two did not disappoint and their individual personalities are already strong — Kennedy “Peanut Butter Cup” Harper is a child of wonder – wide eyed and observant, while McKinley “Gummy Bear” Rhyan is a perfect juxtaposition with her calm, peaceful demeanor. These two, nicknamed by their father, are perfection. Thank you to the Echer family for inviting me into your home – it was such a gift to be able to capture this moment in your lives.

henry, you are a gift

Posted on June 2, 2022 by dani_f under babies, birth, documentary style, family, lifestyle, newborn

It dawned on me today that I haven’t been faithful to my website or my blog. I cannot explain why, other than the downsizing of my photography business and all of the ways that my life has changed over the past handful of years. So today, as I was thinking about sharing the photos of this blessed event, I realized that it was time – time to share and time to start writing again.

I was blessed to be invited into the pre/post-op hospital/delivery room of my baby sister and her hubby. (Yes, I still call her my baby sister and I probably always will. Not sorry.) We all knew that it was going to be a c-section delivery and that this baby probably wouldn’t wait until the scheduled date because that was the trend that was started with their first born – he arrived (breech and ultimately delivered via c-section) three weeks prior to his due date.

So, it really was no surprise when my phone rang last week late at night, a full week prior to the scheduled date. It was my sister. Her water had just broken and they were headed to the hospital to deliver. A few minutes later we jumped in the truck and headed out on the 90-minute drive to York, Nebraska. I hoped that I’d catch some shots before they took her back to the operating room, but I was about five minutes too late (luckily, my mom snapped some of those).

We arrived as the proud daddy was prepping – putting on his fancy booties and hat. It wouldn’t be long before baby made his or her appearance and we were all excited! Another blessing was the presence of my sister’s high school best friend – she is the ob director at the hospital. It’s not very often that one of your closest friends gets to be a part of your baby’s delivery and newborn care. (She told me later that she even teared up a little in the O.R. because it was such a beautiful life moment.) It was truly an amazing memory to cherish.

Now, I cannot leave you without explaining the biggest surprise of the night. Everyone – almost every single person in their lives – just knew that it was a baby girl. We were sure of it. I was ready to buy bows and pink clothes. We chatted about how this pregnancy was different from her son’s and I would have put money on it being a girl! Well, it’s a good thing that I didn’t…because baby girl was definitely NOT a girl. Even his big brother was surprised! (You can see the moment that the truth was revealed to the grandparents and their expressions are priceless!!)

To my sister and her hubby – thank you, thank you, thank you! I know that you think of this as something I did for you, but it has done so much for me in return. Anytime I get to capture memories like this and be in this space – this moment – I am reminded of God’s grace and the gifts He has granted to me. I love you all so much. And to Henry – welcome to the world, sweet boy. Your name means “house ruler,” and I have no doubt that this is exactly what you will be.

lux

Posted on October 19, 2016 by dani_f under babies, family, lifestyle, newborn

There is no way you come into the world with a name like lux and people don’t fall in love with you. This is absolutely true for this tiny girl. I’ve done many newborn sessions when the new mama has been confident in her precious bundle’s ability to sleep through anything….that is, until the camera comes out. Babies (and toddlers) must possess an innate sense of when they are wanted to be still, to be quiet, to be sleeping — because they typically do the exact opposite. However, this was not the case with lux. She was a perfect, little angel – sleeping and “mold-able” and adorable. There isn’t much more that you can ask for from a newborn! Thank you, again, to her parents jake+libby. I have loved being a part of your journey together!

newbown taylen

Posted on September 4, 2016 by dani_f under babies, newborn

One of my new favorites is to work with clients that are itty-bitty. I absolutely love doing newborn lifestyle sessions. I’ve learned over time that I love seeing them in their environment – the babies are more comfortable and so are the new mommies and daddies! Visiting little taylen’s home for his newborn session was especially rewarding because I also got to spend time with his older brother, javen. If you ever want to see an excited and proud big brother, just spend some time with this big guy! He is so full of love for the people in his life and he lights up when he’s around his new baby brother. Thank you to amber + trent for allowing me into their home to spend time with their squishy-cheeked new bundle! He is absolutely precious!! I love you guys.

new baby // lifestyle mini

Posted on October 18, 2015 by dani_f under babies, children, lifestyle

One of my new favorite things is to do a lifestyle session – capturing moments and life in their natural environment. Last weekend I had the privilege of working with the newest addition for the veerhusens in a lifestyle mini session. SO precious!! Perfect in every way and absolutely adorable! I am so thankful that I was able to enter their home and capture a few bits of their life with baby number three.

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•maddox \\ newborn

Posted on January 1, 2015 by dani_f under babies

I love working with clients who allow me to be a part of their big life events. This is definitely true for my work with lucas+samantha! From their engagements to their wedding to maternity photos and now their precious first born child – it has been a joy to work with them! Thank you, again, for allowing me to be a part of your story!

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•maxon \\ at one month

Posted on November 21, 2014 by dani_f under babies, children

Sometimes life changes our plans. Sometimes all we can do is pray and believe. Sometimes a sweet baby faces an uphill climb from his first breath. That was the story of sweet baby Maxon. As his mama and daddy awaited his arrival, little did they know that all of their plans were about to change. Little did they know that their precious baby would need heart surgery and time in the NICU. And little did they know just how strong a newborn could be!

Needless to say, our newborn session came just a little later than planned. But with a perfectly healing scar and gorgeously coiffed hair, Mr. Maxon was finally ready for his session at a month old. He was wide awake and his bright eyes shined. Thanks to Libby+Jake for allowing me to be part of another chapter in your story! I’ve known you for a very long time (forever?) and I know that little Maxon has two wonderful, caring and strong parents!

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