Life Before 8AM {Liz}

0

“See and appreciate the significance in the mundane, in the everyday, in the fleeting. The big moments are important, but some of the best moments are the in-between ones.” – Karen Jacot Photography

 

When I heard about the opportunity for Karen to come into our home and photograph us in our “element” before 8am, the photographer in me was intrigued. It felt like an opportunity to journey into a remote African safari, where you’re driven straight into the natural habits of wild animals to observe and photograph their rarely seen daily routines. Who knows what you might see and experience in the wild! As the client, it felt terrifying. My “morning look” has been known to scare small children and our routine feels like running a marathon you’ve never really trained for despite doing it every day since becoming a parent. Let’s get down to the bare bones of the whole experience: it felt vulnerable. Well, it’s good to be vulnerable and let foreigners into your habitat every now and again. I am so glad we did. These images remind me that while the days are long, the years are short. One day in the not so distant future, we will reminisce about these seemingly mundane and exhausting days with fondness. The frustration over toddler tantrums will be replaced with fond memories over just how little and sweet they once were. So thank you for these memories, Karen.

Our Saturday mornings start early. When Karen showed up at 6:00, my daughter was already awake and my oldest son was ready to start his day!

1-30-16-liz-102

I love those early morning snuggles. Bed head is also a favorite of mine (my kids’ bed head, not mine).

1-30-16-liz-107Our twin son is usually up decades before anyone else. In fact, he’s been known to make his own “breakfast” before any of us realize he’s awake. He makes a mean bowl of Pirate Bootie. Today he opted for Daddy snuggles.

1-30-16-liz-112My oldest son was recently given a couple of puzzles by his grandparents. No better way to get your mind moving than with a puzzle. I chose coffee. Lots of coffee.
1-30-16-liz-116

Our kids love to help in the kitchen, which is good news for me, because the kitchen is my least favorite place to be, maybe in the world (is that too dramatic?). Let’s just say I have other strengths.

1-30-16-liz-117

This is a perfect example of how the twins look up to their older brother. For better or worse..

1-30-16-liz-115This looks suspect.

1-30-16-liz-118It’s great to be reminded that some day she won’t need the chair or her tiptoes to reach the counter.

.1-30-16-liz-125

It’s a love hate relationship with these two.

1-30-16-liz-137My husband is an amazing chef and I love how much our oldest loves to cook with his Dad. They are so similar. I’ve learned a lot about my husband as I navigate parenting our four-year-old.

1-30-16-liz-129

They’ll do anything for a laugh. Which is great, because most days I really need to laugh!

1-30-16-liz-132

Laps are precious when you’re a twin. When you see one, you snag it.

1-30-16-liz-141

This image brings a sense of peace and gratitude. We are in the thick of it – raising twin toddlers and a four-year-old. Life is busy and loud. This is a beautifully quiet moment of prayer. Also, it reminds me that we have a cat. Two actually. I should go feed them.

1-30-16-liz-145

You like sugar, huh?

Is there sugar in syrup?

Yes.

Then YES! -Elf

1-30-16-liz-151Learn from the older brother, my babies!

1-30-16-liz-149

Saturday mornings are all about play time. Within moments they’re in their own little world.

1-30-16-liz-152Most Saturdays start with coffee and pancakes followed almost immediately by running. Lots and lots of running. A special thanks to Karen Jacot for taking the time to capture our Saturday morning. I love how ordinary these pictures are, and I mean that in the most extraordinary way.

For more pictures and a peek into Karen’s perspective of this Life Before 8am shoot, be sure to check out her post here. And don’t forget to check out the rest of the posts in this amazing series as well!

Previous articleInfertility: The Second Child
Next articleSnack 911
Mom to a 3 ½ year old boy and 16 month old girl/boy twins, Liz Fendell is a recovering perfectionist hailing from St. Louis. Her current aspirations are showering three times a week and keeping all three of her precious munchkins alive. She survives on her ability to laugh at herself and with her nearest and dearest. Her new mantra is, “I am enough” and believes a healthy dose of humility and grace can get her through anything. And if that doesn’t work there’s always Plan B: witness protection. She exercises when she can and has recently pondered strapping her Fitbit to her 3 ½ year old son. Surely that kid is reaching 10,000 steps per day! A full time stay-at-home mom and talented lifestyle photographer {at Liz Fendell Photography}; she is passionate about capturing both the ordinary and the extraordinary moments in her clients’ lives.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here