my amazingly brave niece

As many of you know , this week my family was thrown a curveball with my niece's sudden diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. We've never had diabetes in the family, so we are all learning new things this week. My nieces and nephew are an integral part of my life, and I have enjoyed moving back to Michigan and having the chance see them every day, and watch them grow up.

Sara, faced the diagnosis with courage and bravery , unlike anything I could have done. I am so proud of her, I can't even find the words to accurately describe the grace of this brave 11year old. I snapped a few pics when she was in the hospital, reading a book about Rufus, the diabetic bear. She also saw his medical bracelet, and is anxious to personalize her own. Her outlook , and maturity beyond her years is an inspiration .

As a family we realize how grateful we are that it is a treatable disease, many at Mott's Hospital were not so fortunate. If nothing else, take this blog post has a little reminder to keep others in your prayers, and be grateful for all that you 've been given. I'd like to thank all of the wonderful people who have offered tips, advice, suggestions, meal plans... we are a truly blessed family. Thank you all so much!

And Sara, Ryan and Megan... I am very proud to be your aunt. :) Love you.

HOPE FOR HAITI

Hope for Haiti Charity Ball... what a wonderful event. Thank you for including Kat Foley Photo.

click below!
Here is the link to the photos... all 500 of them!

It was wonderful to meet all of you and an honor to photograph this event.

Starting off in the NICU. Amazing little ones.

I'll admit, I have a big weakness for little ones who begin in the Intensive Care Unit. 31 years ago, I was there , all 3lbs of me.

So when I got the call to photograph these two, I was honored to get the chance to document their small beginnings. These twins, B and G, have incredible parents who are no strangers to hospital stays . John, a Marine, was severely injured in Iraq, and his wife , Lisa have a love story that began when they met in the first day of the Police Academy . They've been through the wringer already, and now have two little boys who are lucky to have such dynamic parents.
Below is a link to a story on John and Lisa from the Ann Arbor News.

http://blog.mlive.com/ann_arbor_news_extra/2008/01/marine_from_saline_is_healing.html

But now... the big introduction of these tiny little guys...
we were limited by all the cords and monitors , but just watching John and Lisa maneuver them , they seemed like old pros. We were able to put them together in a crib and the two boys nuzzled into one another . It was almost as if you could see them snuggle into one another as if to say, "Hey, I remember you! "
There are days when I don't think my heart can hold all the love and amazement I feel when I see newborns, and that morning in the NICU... the love in the room from everyone was palpable. Their tiny hands and feet are no measure for the big , wonderful life that awaits these two. Thank you John and Lisa , for your service to this country, your commitment to each other, letting me document the love between you and your sons. It was truly an honor. I can't wait to photograph them again next week at home! :)

Dear Edwina..

My little nieces are in a play in Saline. Watching these kids this wonderful little production reminded me of how fortunate I was to have the Arts in my school when I was growing up. Programs like these fight to hold on to their funds, but what they do for the for the confidence and self esteem of these young kids is immeasureable . Remember the arts when it comes voting time. The show was held at Liberty School ( the old Middle School to us old townies) and there is a show now through Sunday. Go see it, it's adoreable and you'll be singing the cute song " hola Lola! " the rest of the day.

welcome to the world baby. D.

I have had the pleasure of photographing D's family for a few years now. I've seen his sisters grow and change and now, there is a little brother for them to love. D . was absolutely a dream .. we moved him from room to room, changed his blankets, even stuck him in a bookshelf ( my favorite image.. of course , I am partial because how can you beat a cute baby and a cool antique camera in one image? ) .

Thank you for the honor to documenting D's first week.. enjoy this little sneak peak!

My favorite holiday is your gain. Happy Paddy's Day!

9 newborns in 2009!

I am giving away 9 free newborn sessions in 2009. I have three spots left, but I'd like you to meet this little one. His big sister R. is so happy , she clearly loves the newest family member. Enjoy!