Most couples will never have to dive into the emotional waters of what is commonly called infertility. However, for what is estimated to be nearly 10% of the American population it is indeed their reality. Infertility can be a heart wrenching, expensive and emotional journey into an almost surreal experience of doctors, medications, and various procedures, all with one dream in mind: a baby.

Sarah and Barrett know first hand about the challenges that infertility brings. After trying to conceive on their own with no success, they finally turned to the medical world for help. Eventually Sarah was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a problem that is estimated to plague 1 out of every 40 women. Undeterred by the difficultly that lay ahead, Sarah and Barrett began their journey into the world of infertility treatment, which for Sarah meant regular shots, daily medication, and medical supervision to help increase their chances to conceive. In just the first round of treatment Sarah found herself pregnant with their first son, whom they named Nate. When Sarah and Barrett decided it was time to try for baby #2, the process was not quite as simple; it took a couple of rounds of treatment before they were able to get pregnant with their second son, Zack. Then when it was time to try for one last child, Sarah would find it the most challenging experience yet. After months of treatment, more powerful medications, and the near destruction of her ovaries, they finally conceived their son Jaden. And then, with their hands full of three very lively young boys, Sarah and Barrett thought their little family was complete.

In February of this year my heart leapt with joy and tears filled my eyes when I saw Sarah's status on Facebook:

Nate: $2,000; Zack: $7,000; Jaden: $10,000..... Getting pregnant 100% naturally, unexpectedly, for FREE?! PRICELESS!!!! Yup, we are expecting #4!! Due Sept. 10th... 11 weeks today...here is our littlest Plants! So beautiful! :) God still does miracles!

Sarah summed it up beautifully. God obviously had a better plan. And arriving at Sarah and Barrett's house and resting my eyes on little Timothy for the very first time was indeed a precious gift. So sweet and snuggly, baby Timothy is indeed a reminder that nothing is impossible for God.

Barrett and Sarah, thank you so much for allowing me to come into your home and share your story. You have such a beautiful family, full of amazing energy and wonderfully handsome kiddos. Enjoy your pictures!

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I am totally unsure of how they keep up with four beautiful, lively, and totally snuggly children 5 and under, but Eric and Morgan absolutely do! And while Morgan has assured me she is not always so adorable, I really find it hard to believe. I am lost as to how she remains so fashionable and lovely with so many little ones to care for. I have a hard time just getting dressed for the day, and I only have 2 wee ones. ;)

Getting to spend a couple hours with Eric and Morgan and their sweet family was truly precious. Seeing their littlest one sitting up on her own, the boys snuggling their Mommy and Daddy, and the tickling fun simply made my heart melt. How could I not smile and giggle right along with them?

While the older boys weren't so sure of the whole experience at first, they quickly allowed me to slip into the background of their familiar routine to watch the beautiful everyday moments that they cherish unfold before me and my camera. I will admit it; I fell in love. I fell in love with every precious face, delightful giggle, and chubby roll. And even now, I find myself smiling as I look through the pictures from my brief time with them.

Thanks, Eric and Morgan, for allowing me to have a front row seat in your home for a little while. I hope that these pictures will bring smiles to your faces for generations to come. Enjoy!

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If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, then it is probably pretty obvious how very precious adoption is to our family; after all, that is how we were blessed with 4 precious daughters! Having been through the process ourselves, we know first hand what an arduous and taxing journey it can be on even the most amazing of families. It takes a special family to commit to the journey, and the emotional roller coaster ride that accompanies the adoption process. And, in my humble opinion, adopting through the foster care system may just be the most challenging type of adoption. So, the first family chosen for this project—one I would like to honor—has battled through and overcome that very journey!

Last week I had the incredible privilege to meet and photograph this beautiful family—I will call them the "H" family. Not long after getting married, Michael and Kristi chose to add to their family through adoption. Michael already had two sons whom Kristi adored, and they couldn't wait to have a little girl. Due to medical reasons, Michael and Kristi thought adoption would be their best choice to have the little girl of their dreams. As with most couples, they had no idea where to start and were watching different opportunities close to them because of their high costs. Then a dear friend told them of a special foster-adopt program called Options for Recovery, which catered to babies. Every door began to fly open as they began their journey. They became licensed foster parents in January of 2006. Just a few months later, a darling 3.5 month old baby girl named Brianne was placed with them.

Over the next year and a half they would wait, pray, go to court appearances, and walk through the reunification/visitation roller coaster to see what would become of the little girl they fell immediately in love with. When I asked what brought them through such a challenging process while keeping them close as a family, they explained it was their faith that God had a plan. Finally, while on a trip to Disneyland, they got the phone call with the wonderful news that Brianne was indeed going to be theirs. In October of 2007, Brianne's adoption was finalized.

As I got to watch this family interact, the thing that most impressed me was how much they all truly enjoy each other. Brianne is doted on not only by her parents but also by her two big brothers, Zane and Andrew. I would have to agree with the H family: God did have a plan. He put together a beautiful family that totally digs each other. Love that!

Michael and Kristi, thank you so much for allowing me into your family's life for a bit; it was a beautiful thing to behold. Enjoy your pictures!

Slideshow

Recently, I had the fun privilege of flying out to Colorado to do a photo session with one of my favorite families: the Fish family. I first got to meet Matt and Catherine back when I was a freshman in college. They are some of the most easily lovable people I have ever met, and they have been stuck with me ever since. ;) It has been about 2 years since I last was able to go out to Colorado and do a family session for them, and I was so excited.

Matt and Catherine both work so hard to not only provide for their family but also to serve others in incredible ways. We have been so blessed by them over the years that I wanted to go out and suprise them with a photo session. I ended up being so incredibly touched yet again by their precious family and darling children; somehow I am certain I left receiving far more then I could ever give.

Matt and Catherine, you both inspire me to be better then I am; I adore you all. I hope you enjoy the few glimpses into your lives that I managed to capture. :)

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Greg and the Girls

I really dig the days when Greg is home. Yeah for a holiday! Of course the girls really enjoy having him around all day too. This morning I tried to grab a shot of them having their tickle wars on our bed; however, Anna decided to watch me when I grabbed the camera instead. Haha. :) Oh well, they are still adorable. Moments with my family = priceless!