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.