The Gilland Family | A New Addition & A Sweet Family of Four

Since I blogged on Tuesday about the addition of my newest nephew, I thought I would go ahead and post the session I did for my sister and her sweet family of four! I headed out to their house, walked in the door and my nephew said, ‘Mae Mae, you’re back!!!’ To which, of course my heart was then found as a puddle on the floor. I snuggled him up tight and said, ‘Judeman, who is this?!’ He got a little bashful and said almost in a whisper, ‘that’s baby Ssssepad.’ With this two year old attempt at saying ‘Shepard,’ my heart, which had started to attempt to reform and make it’s way back into my body, just surrendered and re-liquidated back onto the floor. Doesn’t take much for my heart to liquidate.

Lately, I’ve loved just photographing families in their homes as not only is it more comfortable, but it tells THEIR story… a story that is simple, real and authentic. It takes place within the walls of their home and showcases a little bit of everyday life. So, we sat on their bed, told Jude to love on his baby brother (something he is still not quite sure about) and just photographed the joy of new life in their home.

I love this sweet family. I know, I know…they are my relatives so that seems obvious but it’s more than that. I love that they laugh together regularly. I love that they take their child to the race track and the airfields because it’s his ‘thing’ right now. I love that they have traditions, like having ‘Nonut Day’ every Saturday  (a tradition that seems to be spreading in my family at large). I love that they celebrate regularly, making it a point to thank God for what He has already done and what He will do. I love that they are imperfect and unafraid to tell you so. I love that they love each other well, even when it isn’t easy. I love that they have always welcomed me into their fold. Most of all though, I love that they see their family as a means by which they can share the joy of Jesus Christ to the world around them. They are truly special.

So, it is needless to see that I loved photographing this special time as their family grows. Enjoy, some favs of mine from this sweet session!

Happy Friday!

He found baby Shepard’s nose.