Happy New Year!

It's been an amazing year. One that we'll never forget. One with many moments and memories that we'll cherish for many years to come. {We'll soon have a 'Year in Review', so be on the lookout for that in the next week!} :-D

We can't wait for all of the exciting things we'll experience in 2012, yet we'll savor the moments of 2011, while we still can, in these last few hours of the year!

Many blessings to each of you on this New Year's Eve. We hope you're all celebrating with the people that mean the most to you.

Happy New Year!

"Life is not measured by the number of BREATHS we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." In 2012, cherish the MOMENTS of this beautiful LIFE.

You never know WHO you will INSPIRE by what YOU will do. In 2012, do something that you never thought you could do. INSPIRE someone to do the same.

Above all, LOVE one another. Outside of your dreams, imagination, brokenness and changes, LOVE each other and help change the world.

Merry Christmas!

What a year. What a beautiful year. We cannot even express the amazing moments we've experienced this year. Plus, the amazing people we've met. It's strange to think 2011 is nearing an end. Yet looking back, it's so encouraging to see where we were at, and where we're going. God is good.

The year has had it challenges, its ups and downs, failures, successes - moments, we'll never forget. Memories, we'll cherish for years to come. Friends that will last a lifetime.

Thank you - to each of you - who let us come into your homes, share your most special days, capture your memories - we are humbled that we were privileged to share those with all of you.

From Erin and I, we wish you ALL, our friends, a VERY Merry Christmas. Make the most of this year with your family and friends - cherish all the moments and memories you'll make. Laugh a lot. Eat cookies and cake. Smile when it might get stressful. Take LOTS of pictures.

In the words of Andy Rooney, remember that "One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don't clean it up too quickly." :-)

Many Blessings and Merry Christmas!

 

So Really - Why Am I Here?

Have you ever thought about the reason why you’re here? I mean really, honestly, sat down and thought about what it is you were put on this earth for? And, with that, have you thought about why you’re still here? I think about this a lot, all the time actually...

Some of you may know, my partner in business is my little sister. But I also have a twin sister too - along with another little sister! {I am so lucky to have 3 sisters!}

Anyway, when my sister Melissa and I were born, we were born two months premature. I was just under two pounds and my sister was 2.5 pounds when we entered this world. We were in an incubator for the first 6 months of our lives and I have to wonder what was so special about us that we made it? And then I realize, and remember, God knows so much more about why we're here then we do. He knows what we are meant to do - He knows why He breathed life into us and He knows when we fail or succeed.

After overcoming that obstacle of existing, even after doctors saying we just might not make it, I realize that His plans are so much greater then my own. And why not use the time that He’s given me to make something and be something, even if failing first is the actual first step.

Granted, at times, I sit back and think about what could have been, but then I realize what already is, which I am certain, is exactly what should be.

I love the sky. It's one of those many wonders that make me realize how small and somewhat minuscule I really am. However, when I look up and I see the beauty and the vastness of the sky, I'm reminded that I'm still here - privileged to see what I see - do what I do - and enjoy the wonders of this world. While I don't have all the answers, staring into the sky, at least for a moment, helps me see the big picture, helps me see how beautiful this life can be, and I realize, I just need to take my days, one at a time, enjoying all the moments in between.

The Walk Family | Merry Christmas Session 2011

We had the VERY special privilege to photograph the Walk family a few weeks ago - and oh what fun we had!

This family is special, in so many ways - and we could definitely tell they have TONS of fun together. :) Nothing like having ALL of 'the family' in one place, at one time!

And we must say, they are ALL quite beautiful, inside and out.

One

I'm amazed at how time has flown by. I think about this past year, and in many ways, it seems like a whirlwind. My son was born December 12th, 2010 - the time was 4:21pm.

My water broke on a Sunday morning, around 6am - I was thinking how insanely crazy it was that we were actually having a baby. And when that time came - woah - I was scared. My husband, being the strong man he is, was also a bit nervous himself. After all, we were bringing a child into the world. I think about this fact all the time and I'm still incredibly amazed that we have a little baby - and now, a 1-year-old.

My twin sister and nephew were in town from the night before. How awesome it was that they were there when I went into actual labor. I thank God for this everyday.

We took our time to go to the hospital - I hadn't actually started to feel any contractions just yet, which was strange to me, yet I wasn't complaining! :) When we actually got there, there weren't any other patients there so they got me all checked in right away. The doctor on call was so incredibly sweet - and told me everything would be ok. I'm convinced every doctor and nurse we encountered during our time at St. Joseph Medical Center was an angel. We wouldn't have been able to get through the process so well without them. Sincerely.

After getting checked in, my sister and nephew Max, along with my hubby Jason sat down, took a deep breath and prayed. It was a good moment. My little sister Erin, and my dad soon came after, and we just 'rode out' the contractions for awhile, that began coming a bit more strongly. My then, 2-year-old nephew Max John, simply wanted to walk up and down the hallways with me. So there we were, myself and my sweet, 2-year-old nephew, walking the hallways of the labor ward. I'll never forget those moments with him. He just wanted me to be ok. :) Oh so sweet.

I walked the halls for a few hours and finally had to brace myself for what was coming. Contractions were becoming intense and I wasn't dilating - not at all. But outside, a winter storm was brewing and my doctor was at another hospital in town, delivering another baby. She told the doctors who were 'looking after' me, to continue to wait it out, to see if this baby would come on his own. So that's what we did. The nurses made me as comfortable as possible. And my dad and sisters were trying to keep me calm and make me laugh. Jason was just as calm as can be. He was my rock.

A few hours went by and my body was still uncooperative. But I'll tell you - God was my strength in those moments. I think about those intense hours now, and don't even remember the pain I was feeling. Plus, I was lucky enough to also have my AMAZING sis-in-law Julie there too. She helped coach me through the hard contractions, rubbed my back, and simply just sat with me. I was so very blessed that she could be there with me, along with my sisters and daddy. She helped in more ways than she probably knows! I am so thankful for her presence there.

One my my best friends, April was also in the room with me. I've been in the room with both Julie and April, for the births of some of their children. What an amazing experience it was - and what AMAZING moments to witness such miracles. April has such a calming spirit about her. Even in the moments of silence, her company meant so much.

I was so thankful and still am thankful that I had so many people there, to help and support Jason and I. Definitely feel VERY blessed God knew exactly what and who we needed that day.

As the contractions continued to become more intense, my doctor finally arrived. She decided fairly quickly, after realizing that I hadn't dilated at all, that this baby wasn't coming out the natural way. Of course I was a bit scared, Jason was scared, but having the support of my family there, and knowing God had it all under control, there was a definite peace. The doctor decided very quickly that she would deliver our baby boy via c-section. It all happened so fast. While I was petrified, Julie, April, my sisters, dad and Jason all prayed before they 'rolled' me into the operating room. I felt a calm and peace like I've never felt before and the excitement arose with the fact we were almost ready to meet our new baby boy!

As they wheeled me into the room, I closed my eyes for a moment, took a deep breath and waited for Jason. They prepped me for a spinal tap and it all happened so fast - the needle was in and the medicine began to filter through my body. What a weird sensation - but honestly, I felt a little less tense, as I wasn't able to feel the contractions any longer. From there, Jason came by my side and the process began. What a crazy moment. An amazing moment. The pressure was quite intense, but that's when I heard him - his voice - his cry. It was 4:21pm. I couldn't see him just yet, as they had to clean him up, but I looked back at the table where they took him and just smiled, teared up, and said THANK YOU JESUS.

Eli Joseph Allison weighed in at 9lbs, 7ounces. My doctor told me there was no way I could have delivered him naturally. I was certainly ok with that. :) And oh so thankful for her quick decision to do what she had to do!

I had to wait until they stitched me up, before they'd let me hold our baby boy, but when I held him for the first time, I fell in love. I knew I would love him, but I didn't know the measure of love until I saw him for the first time. Until I held him in my arms. It was an overwhelming feeling. I was overjoyed.

We spent the next few days in the hospital and couldn't have asked for a better place to have our baby boy. Many special people visited and we were so thankful for each and every one. While it was somewhat of a haze, our doctors/nurses/family/friends were Heaven sent. We were so blessed and so thankful. Even after we came home from the hospital, the blessings still came, with meals, gifts for our new baby, and simple visits and phone calls that meant and still mean so much.

Everyday, we are incredibly thankful that God gave us such a special gift. As we celebrate the marking of his 1st year, we remain so grateful and so appreciative for all the moments we've already shared with him - and simply cannot wait for the many more to come!

On Saturday, we celebrated Eli's birthday with friends and family. What a blessing. What a wonderful celebration. Oh so thankful for such a special time!

Happy Birthday Eli! We love you so much!!!

Diving into his cake! Made special, by the very talented, April Howell!

A drum 'solo' soon followed. :) He's definitely going to be a drummer!

Daddy bought him a drum set, to open on his birthday. Needless to say, he LOVED it very much!

His smile melts my heart, EVERY time. :)

2011 Holiday Session Giveaway

It's the holiday season - a season of sharing, caring, and giving back. And that's exactly what we want to do this year - give back for making this year an amazing one!

We're having another giveaway and we want to know - what is your favorite holiday tradition? Tell us why you love the holidays with family and friends, then submit your favorite holiday get together photo. It can be a picture of your family around the Christmas tree, you and friends enjoying a Thanksgiving meal, or just a photo capturing what you treasure most. It doesn't have to be professional, just a photo that makes you smile. :)

You have until Dec. 16th, at midnight, to submit your comment and photograph. We'll announce ONE winner for the free session Dec. 17th. We will also draw 2 entries for a 50% discount on a session booked with us. Session giveaway open to families, couples, singles, doggies and kids! (doggies and kids, have your parents submit the form!) ;)

What you'll receive:

- A FREE session on us! Up to an hour, at the location of your choice. (we can suggest a few if you don't have any in mind!)
- An online gallery of your images, artistically enhanced, to share with friends and family.
- A FREE 8x10 of your favorite image from the session.

So start submitting your comments and photos today, by CLICKING HERE! Or, you can submit your entries via email, to info@heysistersphotography.com.

Terms and Conditions:
1.) You must be a fan of Hey Sisters! Photography on Facebook to enter. CLICK HERE and hit the LIKE button. That's it! Then send us your submission!
2.) All entries must include a comment and photograph. (photograph does not have to be professional)
3.) You must take advantage of the FREE session before March 31st, 2012. If your entry is drawn to receive the 50% discount, you must book your session date with us before Dec. 31st, 2011. You have until Dec. 31st, 2012 to take advantage of the 50% discount.
4.) Promotion ends December 16th, 2011 at midnight.
5.) Must include phone number and email to complete registration for contact purposes ONLY.

Good luck!

The Kovach Family | Mishawaka, IN

The Kovach's are dear friends and I must say, they're incredibly adorable and so much fun to be around.

We ventured out in the frigid temperatures a few weeks ago, to snap a few family photos and what troopers! They make cold look good! ;)

Their little one Orion is a little charmer and their oldest Jaxon is such a little gentleman - and Matt and Michelle - they are oh so sweet in so many ways.

Had a blast spending some time with them!

Richard & Gina are Having a Baby!

I've known beautiful Gina for many, many years.

We recently reconnected via Facebook and I'm so very thankful we did! :)

Gina, and her so in love with her husband Richard are expecting a little girl VERY soon. I was lucky enough to be able snap some photos of them before her arrival!

These two are gorgeous, inside and out - and I could certainly tell, even after being married 5 years, the 'spark' is still there. ♥

Congrats you two!