It was early October. We were in Lake Forest at the beach. Read that statement again. Beach. October. Wow, what a dream! The sky was cloudy but the waves were calm. It was so serene and peaceful. It set the tone for a relaxing afternoon. Or so we thought. Mom had this vision of capturing little man on the beach and by the water. One, because they love the beach and two, to enhance the beautiful blue of his eyes. So we did just that. And in true toddler form, little man made his parents and I work for his beautiful smiles. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. We had gotten to the end of the session where all he wanted to do was play in the water. So we happily called it to let him do just that. I was standing with Mom, catching up after almost a year since their last family session & little man's cake smash for his first birthday. In an effort to distract little man from playing in the water, Dad brought him over to the rocks with the best surprise yet. SNACKS. Conversations got cut short by the most joyous sound. Baring a mouth-filled with crackers and enough crumbs on his face for a second snack later, little man broke into a fit of giggles. Giggling for no apparent reason other than loving his independence and his food. His laughter was so infectious and unrestrained. It sounded like it echoed across the beach and we all instantaneously smiled. It was such a pure moment of joy. And it still brings a smile to my face every time I think about it.
Writing these blogs never gets easier you guys. I experience so many beautiful moments with everyone. And this session was no different. The Jensens already have a special place in my heart, so every session seems to get better than the last. Filled with nothing but love and pure joy. Like how little man refused to let Mom and Dad have a moment together in front of the camera. How he carries himself with such a level of independence yet is slowly becoming more of the sweetest little cuddle bug. How we were able to ask a sweet young girl on the beach to help get little man to laugh and smile for a photo. Only to notice how enamored he was by her holding his toy. I can go on and on. But, this moment after the fact is so important. It's a gentle reminder of the beauty of spontaneity. The reminder to seek the beauty and imperfection in the unexpected, unplanned moments. Because let me tell you, as soon as those giggles ensued, I ran towards him with my camera and seemingly captured the best smiles of the entire session. Why? Because I wasn't forcing him to sit still. I wasn't asking him to smile at the camera. In that moment, little man was doing exactly what he wanted to do. Eat his snacks and have a jolly time doing so. I think this moment also speaks volumes to who the Jensens are. This trio is first and foremost beautiful inside and out. They are so loving and welcoming. They truly make you feel like you're a part of their family and not only that, but they cherish making memories together. Which is so important. Mom and Dad have always had a carefree and spontaneous nature about them. Especially once little man came into the picture. They of course want those classic photos and sometimes beg him to smile, but more often than not, they will do anything to hear the sweet sound of his giggles. And they do so with so much adoration and joy. They are truly such delightful people to be around and they are unapologetically themselves. Which is what they are instilling into their sweet baby boy. And I just adore that quality about them.
Jensens, you know the drill. Thank you for letting me be a part of another season of memories. Thank you for letting me watch sweet little man continue to grow into his spunky and charming little self. Thank you for sharing your joy with me. And thank you for making ME feel so loved along the way. I hope I have been able to reciprocate my adoration for you three, because you deserve to feel as loved as you make others feel! Thank you for the reminder of how important it is to allow children to authentically be themselves. Because sometimes, those end up being the most precious memories. So here's to you and your beautiful family and all the genuine moments we've shared thus far!
