When Dan and Amy first pictured what their family would look like, adoption was not part of that plan. But it's funny how your own picture of your life can be so different than the one God plans for you. After the birth of their son Hollister, they tried for over 2 years to have another child. At some point during their infertility treatments, they both just decided that adoption was a much better option for them. During the adoption process, they both realized how much more than just adding a child to the family this journey was. It's been a blessing far greater than they could have ever imagined and has brought them closer than ever. They are forever grateful to the two brave and generous people who gave them their baby girl, Hope. They know that they are already better people because of her.
While their journey has been an amazing one it has also had it's own set of challenges. Due to medical reasons sweet Hope had to remain in the hospital for much longer than the W family planned or budgeted for. Their funds for the adoption and for their lives in general were quickly depleted and it was uncertain if some of the very special things that Amy was looking forward to for Hope would be attainable. One of those things was an adoption portrait session to celebrate Hope joining her family. I asked Amy what this meant to her and here is what she had to say..
"Growing up with a mom who was a photographer, I've always valued how important capturing special moments really is. We would love to have a family session to mark this very important moment in our lives and in Hope's. I especially want to remember the incredible love that Hollister has for his little sister. He has waited (and prayed every night) for her for so long. I know as they grow older, they will argue like all siblings do, but I want to capture this perfect time where he is completely enamored by her and everything she does. Since Hollister was born, Melody (SnookySmiles) has captured some of our greatest family moments. Her photos remind me so much of my mom's work (who passed away 5 years ago) and bring a smile to my face each time I pass one of them in my hallway. We would be honored to have her be a part of Hope's story as well. "
Amy and Dan are blessed to have an amazing network of friends and family to love and support them. On Amy's facebook page while she was gone several of these friends were talking (typing) about wanting to contribute funds for Hopes Portrait session because they knew how much it truly meant to Amy. This inspired me to figure out how I could help this wonderful family as well...
SnookySmiles Photography will be gifting Hope's Adoption Portrait Session to the W Family and will match the donations made by friends and family for the W family to use toward their purchases of prints, albums, wall decor ect.
To make your contribution for Hope simply select your desired contribution amount using the link below. Thank You! :)
SnookySmiles
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Adoption Photography - Seeking a Family for Ivan and Anatoly
I just could not go to bed tonight before putting out this post. This evening I had the pleasure of meeting two wonderful gentlemen, Ivan and Anatoly to capture some professional images of them to show postention adoptive families. In just the short time we spent together I could tell that these were two very sweet and loving boys and really wished that there was more time to get to know them even better .
They are currently visiting America and staying with a host family here in Huntersvill, NC. through an organization called New Horizons for Children Inc. New Horizons is a Christian based, international hosting program, which brings over orphaned children from Eastern Europe twice a year to share with them the love of God and the love of a family.
Matt and Lisa (who I met through www.lakenormanmommies.com) have three boys of there own and have lovingly opened their home and their hearts to Ivan and Anatoly for the summer. While the boys are here in the states they are hoping to find their "forever family"to adopt them. I asked Lisa to tell me a little bit about her summer sons and here is what she shared with me:...
"Anatoly has so much heart and love to give. He is absolutely precious. He loves to help cook and is a very good cook! He made our family homemade ice cream and was so proud of himself to be able to "do" something for our family. Anatoly is a smart boy, who writes poems, reads books (we checked out some Russian books from the library for them to have and read while here and he has taken quite a liking to Harry Potter) and he loves to draw. He is very talented artistically and I have no doubt that with a proper education he will go on to wonderful things in his life. He has learned so much English in such a short time. Anatoly is simply a wonderful, sweet boy. He is wonderful with younger children. He loves any and all animals..."
"...Ivan is a typical teenage boy that would much rather be outside than inside and loves to play soccer and ride a bike. He loves to listen to music, does not like to have his picture taken, loves to play Wii and any hand held games. He rarely chooses to be in his room alone, he prefers to be with other people. He is a wonderful help in the kitchen. Plays wonderfully with younger children, and truly helps them when they need a helping hand. He is reserved when meeting new adults, but has bonded very well with our family. Ivan will need some redirection at times to help him adjust to a family and being able to trust the people around him. In just two weeks he has made great strides in trusting me. On the 4th night, at bedtime, I got a kiss on the cheek. He is learning to play basketball and is quickly picking it up..."
...Both boys get along well with each other. They are both fabulous swimmers. Both love our dog, and love taking care of her. They have yet to reject one food that we have served. They try any food as long as it is not spicy."
If you know anyone who you think may be interested in adopting these amazing children please be sure to pass along this information! The more eyes that can fall upon this post the better the chance that their forever family will find them sooner than later! They are ready to be the best sons ever!
For more information about New Horizons click you can visit: www.newhorizonsforchildren.org
To see Lisa's Blog about their hosting experience visit: http://givensfamilyhosting.blogspot.com
They are currently visiting America and staying with a host family here in Huntersvill, NC. through an organization called New Horizons for Children Inc. New Horizons is a Christian based, international hosting program, which brings over orphaned children from Eastern Europe twice a year to share with them the love of God and the love of a family.
Matt and Lisa (who I met through www.lakenormanmommies.com) have three boys of there own and have lovingly opened their home and their hearts to Ivan and Anatoly for the summer. While the boys are here in the states they are hoping to find their "forever family"to adopt them. I asked Lisa to tell me a little bit about her summer sons and here is what she shared with me:...
"Anatoly has so much heart and love to give. He is absolutely precious. He loves to help cook and is a very good cook! He made our family homemade ice cream and was so proud of himself to be able to "do" something for our family. Anatoly is a smart boy, who writes poems, reads books (we checked out some Russian books from the library for them to have and read while here and he has taken quite a liking to Harry Potter) and he loves to draw. He is very talented artistically and I have no doubt that with a proper education he will go on to wonderful things in his life. He has learned so much English in such a short time. Anatoly is simply a wonderful, sweet boy. He is wonderful with younger children. He loves any and all animals..."
"...Ivan is a typical teenage boy that would much rather be outside than inside and loves to play soccer and ride a bike. He loves to listen to music, does not like to have his picture taken, loves to play Wii and any hand held games. He rarely chooses to be in his room alone, he prefers to be with other people. He is a wonderful help in the kitchen. Plays wonderfully with younger children, and truly helps them when they need a helping hand. He is reserved when meeting new adults, but has bonded very well with our family. Ivan will need some redirection at times to help him adjust to a family and being able to trust the people around him. In just two weeks he has made great strides in trusting me. On the 4th night, at bedtime, I got a kiss on the cheek. He is learning to play basketball and is quickly picking it up..."
If you know anyone who you think may be interested in adopting these amazing children please be sure to pass along this information! The more eyes that can fall upon this post the better the chance that their forever family will find them sooner than later! They are ready to be the best sons ever!
For more information about New Horizons click you can visit: www.newhorizonsforchildren.org
To see Lisa's Blog about their hosting experience visit: http://givensfamilyhosting.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Cornelius Baby Photographer - Twice Blessed
I posted on my facebook earlier today about how much I was looking forward to my session today with the C Twins. I first met their mommy and daddy at their maternity session last fall. Their pictures turned out so fabulously, I just had to use the images for my Gallery Block sample (you can see them here) I meet these sweet cuties just a couple weeks ago and fell in love immediately. Mac was my little buddy and cried when I left his sight. I was beyond thrilled when mommy signed them up for my 1st year baby plan and so excited to get to see them today to do some portraits of them in their Christening Outfits. We prepared for a challenge as scheduling was tricky leaving us close to nap time but Mac and Audrey rocked it! :) I don't think they could take a bad picture if they tried! Jenn it was such a pleasure to see you and meet some more of the family today. I can not wait until next time!!!! :) Hope you enjoy your sneak peak!
Mooresville N.C, Child Photographer - Sweet Teddy Bears Babies!
I am so excited to finally post this! Back in May I had a very very special photo session. We called it our Teddy Bear Picnic because the plan was to have all of our little ones bring along their favorite Teddy Bears to make them feel more comfortable. To our surprise ALL of the children did so amazingly well that we all forgot to even bring out the bears! LOL. Never in a million years did we anticipate six two year olds and all thier older siblings to do so well. We had so much fun with our pretend picnic. I could have spent my entire day with these sweet kiddos! Thank you all again! I hope you enjoy this slideshow of some of my favorites! All of our other images are also ready and your cd's will be ready soon. :)
Maybe we can make this an annual tradition! :)
Love ya'll
Mwah!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Davidson Child Photographer - Playing with new vintage prop
Okay, I have to confess I have a small prop addiction. Using just one simple little prop can really set the tone of your session. While on a shopping trip with my girls today I was thrilled to find a Fisher Price Toy phone just like the one that I had when I was little. My grandmother bought it for me and I always think of her when I see one. Needless to say I scooped it up and headed home for an impromptu shoot. I used a vintage processing to give it the old time feel that I envisioned and am quite happy with the result. Here is my swet Sammi chatter away on the newest addition to SnookySmiles Props. LOL
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Chartlotte N.C. Baby Photographer - Smiley Little Man
Meet Sweet Jacob! This little guy is a very close personal friend of mine! His Daddy and my Husband are Sigma Chi Fraternity Brothers so our families are bonded for life. :)
I first met Jacob back in December when we did his newborn portraits. Here is a little flashback...
I can not believe it has already been six months since then! Look at him now! He was having so much fun trying to eat all the dirt and hanging out in the garden! It was such a great day and I can't wait to get to hang out with Jacob and his wonderful mommy and daddy very very soon! Love you guys!
I first met Jacob back in December when we did his newborn portraits. Here is a little flashback...
I can not believe it has already been six months since then! Look at him now! He was having so much fun trying to eat all the dirt and hanging out in the garden! It was such a great day and I can't wait to get to hang out with Jacob and his wonderful mommy and daddy very very soon! Love you guys!
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