So, it appears I’m a little late in this blog post because these little babies have already made their grand debut into the world a bit earlier than anticipated. But with Mother’s Day coming up, I thought I’d share some images anyway.

This is Laura at 32 weeks pregnant with twin boys and completely radiant.

I absolutely loved meeting these two – they’re so in love and it’s just so wonderful to meet a couple that’s eagerly anticipating the newest addition(s) to the family. These two were beaming with the excitement of becoming parents.

This was my favorite image from their session – the way the light was hitting them, the way they make each other smile…just look at these two – their faces say it all.

Laura and Nathan, I had a blast at our session and I’m looking forward to meeting your beautiful babies!

Happy Mother’s Day, Laura!

I get asked all the time if they’re identical or fraternal.

What do you think? Can you spot any differences?

Sometimes amongst the “no’s” and the tantrums it all falls into place. Sometimes they cooperate and let me take their pictures. Sometimes they forget I have the camera – and that? That is when the magic happens.

Because sometimes it all falls into place. The stars align – they’re happy, they’re loving…and I sit and watch, camera in hand.

It’s moments like this that inspire me. That make me so glad I do what I do.

I love these sweet girls so much.

I’m a little late with this post, but my “first born” turned 7 this month. SEVEN. Dare I admit that he was my college graduation present to myself…which means I’ve been out of school for SEVEN years? Seriously, where is time going?

When he arrived via Delta (it’s a long story..and if you ask my husband, he apparently “thwarted” our engagement) – he was only 8lbs 1oz. Now, he’s a svelte 65 pound hound. Don’t be fooled by the rumor that basset hounds are lazy, because it’s just that…a rumor. And completely untrue, I might add.

Yes, he loves his sleep. But even now at the ripe old age of 7, he has lots of energy and loves to run around through the house, play with toys and chase the laser pointer.

He’s quite a noble creature.

And here he is doing what he does best (other than eat. and sleep).

Welcome to part VII of my “Life Story Series.”

If you missed out on last months adventure, feel free to click here: “The Story of Loved Toys.”

In case you need a refresher, “Life Story Series” is a 12 month personal project that myself and a group of  very talented photographers are participating in.  It shows just a little glimpse into our lives. It’s a way for us to capture our memories creatively – just us.  At the end of this post you’ll find a link to one of my photographer friends that’s playing along and she’ll be linking to someone else. It’s a whole big circle of stories in pictures. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or wine), click through and enjoy!

This month I’m telling the story of a day at the zoo. And not just any day at the zoo – but their very first zoo trip, ever.

The girls were so stylish in their sunglasses. They insist on wearing them everywhere we go. The backpacks were a new addition. I’ll admit it, before I had kids, I thought the idea of a child leash was a little ridiculous. But now, having toddlers with minds of their own – I love the idea. It allows the girls to roam and exercise their growing independence but also keeps them safe (especially for times when they decide to run in different directions). And added bonus? Who wouldn’t want to wear a soft, cute, fuzzy little teddy bear?

First up, we saw the wolves.

Then we saw these two – placed in exhibits right next to each other. I’m not gonna lie, it seemed a little cruel considering that this bird looks a lot like dinner to this red fox. And these guinea fowl loved taunting their neighbor.

We saw owls and bison. We climbed and fought to get out of our stroller.

Next up was one of my favorites. Prairie dogs! Aren’t they adorable? You could even go under the exhibit and pop your head up through tunnels to get a closer view – how cool is that?

We had meltdowns and refused to walk. We saw the antelope play.

We saw a big tiger and meowed at him (naturally).

We had lunch (which, by the way, took forever. I highly recommend packing a lunch when visiting!) We saw eagles and turtles. We picked up pinecones and saw a sleeping river otter. We stuck our heads in the cutouts (which were a huge hit!)

And while we ate peacocks surrounded us. Little man thought it would only be appropriate to yell at them – he wanted to play.

And lastly we rode the carrousel (also for the first time). This was a huge hit – they just loved it – so much so that crying ensued the second the ride stopped.

Although curious and skeptical at first, they had a blast.

Big thanks to my mom & uncle for spending the day with us.

I hope you enjoyed seeing our trip to the zoo. If you’ve enjoyed the “Life Story Series” CLICK HERE to see the next photographer participating  and be sure to like my facebook page so you don’t miss out on Part VIII!

Remember this contest where one lucky winner would win a mini session with three complimentary digital files? Well – here she is! These are her parents favorite images.

Isn’t she adorable?

Her parents definitely worked for those votes, too – the contest was neck and neck ]]> http://daniellefrankphotography.com/2012/04/25/2012-contest-cutie-winnerct-childrens-photographer/feed/ 1 http://daniellefrankphotography.com/2012/04/09/mr-bright-eyesct-newborn-photographer/ http://daniellefrankphotography.com/2012/04/09/mr-bright-eyesct-newborn-photographer/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:09:22 +0000 Danielle http://www.daniellefrankphotography.com/?p=1392 NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

This little man wanted nothing, and I mean nothing to do with sleeping during my visit. He was alert and wanting to take it all in. I think he gives my children a run for their money when it comes to the most awake newborn award.

He’s a cute little man though, so we’ll let that slide.

As you may have seen in another post – all his Mama wanted was a picture of him in a cute little bow tie – but this guy had other plans. In the end though, we got him to cooperate.

Since he wasn’t really keen on sleeping, I made sure to capture his curiosity from all angles.

And for a split second he closed his eyes.

But for most of the time I was there, he just wanted to show off those beautiful bright eyes.

I’m not really sure if I should be happy or concerned that my 2.5 year old is already striking a pose, but she is – and she’s awfully good at it, if I do say so myself.

The first few days home with a new baby are so, so hard. It’s an adjustment for everyone involved. It’s wonderful. It’s tiring. It’s beautiful and it’s exhausting.

This little guy loves his Mommy, that’s for sure. The only way he’d sleep? On his Mommy.

This is the image of the first few days.

The feeding, the shushing, the rocking, the love.

Snug as a baby in a swaddle – safe in Mommy’s arms. Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping baby?

Welcome to part VI of my “Life Story Series.”

If you missed out on last months adventure, feel free to click here: “The Story of Bedtime.”

In case you need a refresher, “Life Story Series” is a 12 month personal project that myself and a group of  very talented photographers are participating in.  It shows just a little glimpse into our lives. It’s a way for us to capture our memories creatively – just us.  At the end of this post you’ll find a link to one of my photographer friends that’s playing along and she’ll be linking to someone else. It’s a whole big circle of stories in pictures. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or wine), click through and enjoy!

This month I’m sharing a story of some well loved stuffed toys. Some are older than others…okay, most in this post are nearly the age of me…

First up. Meet Snacky & Snicker. My husband’s twin bears.

Next, meet my very own beloved Bunny Brown Juggley. Yes, that’s his real name. The name I gave him when he arrived in my Easter Basket when I was about 3 years old. And I swear he still smells like chocolate.

Cute little buggers, aren’t they?

Anyway, one rare occasions we allow our children to play with our beloved old toys. Only supervised, of course. You’ve seen Toy Story 3, haven’t you? I mean, toddlers are sticky. They don’t know how to play with toys (gently).

Eagerly, they await on the bed. Our bed.

Where, oh where could they be?

Spotted!

Mothering twins is hard work, you know?

Ahh, the babysitter’s here!

He’s a little inexperienced so he can only handle one at a time. Incidentally, he also has a habit of charging at the Mamarazzi and climbing into her lap when she’s trying to document their lives.

Ahh, some one on one time.

I guess the babysitter is done. Good thing there’s another sitter nearby – with her model-esq. ‘tude.

And then, Bunny Brown Juggley is spotted. He needs some love, too.

Sadly, in that last image, she’s pointing out that my poor bunny is losing an eye

All of this play is just exhausting. Parenting is hard work, amiright? Time to go nigh-nigh.

And then it’s time to put away Bunny Brown Juggley, Snacky & Snicker.

Let’s face it – they’re just exhausted! Being a toy to toddlers is a tough job – and they’ve already done it once.

It’s time to return to loving their own toys.

I’d like to think that she’ll always have her beloved Pengy. Who knows, maybe in a few decades (ack!) she’ll look onto him lovingly as she let’s her own child(ren) manhandle love him too.

I hope you enjoyed meeting our friends from long ago. If you’ve enjoyed the “Life Story Series” CLICK HERE to see the next photographer participating  and be sure to like my facebook page so you don’t miss out on Part VII!