All in the Merry Month of May

May is coming to a close and my, oh my, what a FULL month it has been!  I know I'm not alone when I say next to December, May is the 2nd busiest month of the year.  May holds the most birthdays all year; Mother's Day; spring cleaning; gardening, planting time; end-of-the-school-year events, graduations, etc. etc...  I decided to highlight some of the many good things that happened this month with small vignettes for this blog post.  I miss hanging out here and have so much I want to say, but finding time to say it all is the challenge.   So now, I'm making time to show off some of the people I've had the privilege of photographing over the past month, with more of their unique stories to come in later posts.   Plus, some personal goodies, too.  Grab your coffee or tea, settle in and take a look-see.  

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I had an Inspiration Through Art session with this adorable family.  Their 10 month-old baby boy, "C" has had many health challenges since birth.  He'll need open heart surgery eventually.   Here he is with his daddy and (step)mommy and future baby sister to come!!  He was such a sweetheart throughout our session together; not crying once, and keeping a keen eye on all that was happening around him.  Such a beautiful boy and family.  "C" is another of my littlest heroes to admire!  Thank you for that honor. 

After my Inspiration session, I was off to a first birthday party!   I spent a fun-filled, celebratory afternoon with this dear family of friends whom I have photographed multiple times (lucky me - that's right!).  The party was great and little miss "L" was the star of the day!!  She was so cute in the grass.  She did not like the sensation of it, but she managed.  I just love first birthday parties and "L's" was spectacular!  And another outstanding cake was created by Kathleen's Konfections.  If you haven't tasted her delicious baked confections yet, you haven't fully lived.  Thanks again, my friends for a fabulous afternoon!  You spoil me!  :-)  Just look at this beauty!!!  Makes my heart melt. 

I photographed a wedding in New Cumberland, PA - near Harrisburg - Memorial Day weekend.  What a day it was!  I am still reveling in all the wonderful moments that took place on Stephie & Jimmy's big day with many firsts for me to experience.  The first time I witnessed the bride sing a love song to her groom; first time I witnessed the shoe game (fabulous, by the way! must check it out!); first time photographing a wedding while my oldest daughter, Chelsea worked as the couple's videographer!  Wow!  That's my girl!  She's off to Nashville, TN for the summer to work an internship, so it was great to spend time with her at Stephie & Jimmy's wedding!  We even managed to dance a couple of songs together!  Thanks for inspiring me, Chels!!  Fun times!!  And Congratulations to the happy couple!  You were super to work with - Thanks for everything, my new friends!!  

And speaking of firsts, I photographed this loving family consisting of two daddies and two beautiful daughters.  Confession time.  I have never had the privilege of knowing (let alone photographing) a same-sex, married couple with children.  I know.  I know.  Well, I do happen to live in rural Pennsylvania and, as far as population dynamics go, this isn't a common occurrence in our area - at least to my knowledge.  This family set the bar high.  They are my precedent for non-traditional marriage, and I can honestly say I am in awe of them and their life.  Their girls adore their dads.  What an amazing family!!  Thank you, my new friends for your generosity and for granting me the honor of being your photographer.  Your girls are radiant, healthy beauties so full of life and love.      

On the home front, I've been rearranging.  Plus, painting and preparing to move my office.  Alanna is ready to have her pink bedroom back.  She's tired of sharing a room with her little sister.  So, it's time for momma to move back to my old office - a bit smaller (okay, a lot smaller), but it sure is bright and pretty!  

We have been cleaning out, purging unused items.  We managed to have a very successful yard sale this month, hosted by my parents (thanks, Mom & Dad!).  We also donated to a worthy, charitable cause:  The Rudden Family Foundation, Inc. who serve the homeless or at risk of becoming homeless with donated household furnishings.  It felt great to unload and clean out.  Like a weight lifted from our shoulders.  Ahh!  So good.  So thankful.   

The garden is planted and doing great.  The lilacs were especially fragrant this year!  And they bloomed just in time for Mother's Day!  Just gorgeous!   I have more flower shots to offer on my Flickr photo stream.  Stop by and say "hi!" when you can.  I always appreciate hearing from my family and friends.  Click here to visit me > My 3 Girls Photography on Flickr <

Our baby isn't such a baby anymore.  Emilia graduated from preschool and will attend kindergarten in the fall.  Isn't she a beauty?  All of her teachers remarked at her dancing abilities and free spirit.  She won the classroom "Best Girl Artist" award.  I know she has so much ability and is uber talented.  I'm a proud mommy.   

I wrapped up my first school year as a preschool, pre-K building substitute teacher.  It was a joy!  I loved getting to know all of the children at Robeson Lutheran Preschool.  I look forward to helping out again in the future.   

June promises to slow down a bit - just a bit, though.  These May days were absolutely filled with much goodness - so many moments to treasure forever.  Thank you, my friends, for stopping by.  Here's to finding time to highlight all the gratitude and good in our lives.  My windows are rolled down!!     

Onward! 

Super Baby Celebrates Two | Inspiration Through Art

The last time I had the privilege of photographing this precious baby girl and her family, she was just 8 months young.  She sat up fairly well on her own, still developing those baby muscles of hers.   She has had multiple health issues as she began her life, and if you haven't previously read about her from our first Inspiration Through Art session together, you may want to visit that post by clicking >here<.   Baby "M" has not had the easiest start in life.  She was born missing a chromosome, diagnosed with DiGeorge Syndrome; on feeding tubes and eventually, she triumphed open heart surgery at the tender age of 13 months.  This super girl just celebrated her 2nd birthday and I am happy to report that she is thriving, growing by leaps and bounds!!  She's a miracle baby, if ever there was one!  I was astounded once again to be in her presence, to experience her joy, her gorgeous eyes, terrific smile and by how closely bonded this family is to one another!  They all shine brightly!!  "M" cannot help but thrive so beautifully since she is loved so well by her family. 

"M" isn't speaking yet, but is steadily learning sign language, which she taught to me also.  She not only can sit up very well by herself now, but she can run circles around me!!  She's a girl on the GO!  Nothing can stop this Super Toddler!  ;-)  

Here she is at our first session together… 

And, here she is at 2 years with her siblings: 

We celebrated her recent birthday with balloons and bubbles at Reading's own Goggle Works.  My many thanks and heartfelt gratitude go out to this wonderful, creatively rejuvenating location for allowing us the privilege.  What a lovely time we had!  Such fun!  

What a complete joy it was to spend time with this amazing family again.  "M" is quick on her feet, just as most 2 year-young toddlers are!   Thank you all again and again for honoring me with your trust, smiles and love.  I wish you much good health, prosperity, happiness and continued strengthened family love.  You should know that you enrich me and my life by sharing your gifts of the spirit, your story, and especially, your smiles with me.  I am humbled and grateful to you.  I hope to continue documenting your family's progress in future years… 

God's blessings and terrific love always be yours, my friends!!!

For families interested in learning more about Inspiration Through Art, a non-profit organization connecting professional photographers with families with a child(ren) suffering from a serious illness, or serious life altering disability, please contact www.inspirationthroughart.org to apply.  Be sure to request your preferred photographer to document and tell your story.  I would be honored to be your family's chosen professional.  Thank you kindly.  

Cute Little Lemon Face

Someone from one of the photography groups (I can't for the life of me remember which one, or who it was!) that I belong to on Facebook posted a link of photos of babies and toddlers taking their first taste of a lemon.  I had a big smile on my face as I viewed those photos - thank you to the person that shared them and to the photographers that created them.  You may view the photos by clicking >here<.  I knew I wanted to try this also.  So, when my friends and I got together for their beautiful baby girl's 6 month photos I just had to ask them if it would be okay to try this idea!  They said "Sure!"  Yay!!  I had so much fun with their darling baby girl and her adventurous spirit this morning.  

Thank you my friends so much for sharing your precious baby with me and my lens.  She's a doll and you are doing such a great job with her.  I wish you all the best - always.  And know that I love you.

Take a look at these and just try NOT to smile while doing so!!  Double dare you!!  ;)-  

a quick note:  in image #6 - her Daddy was holding the lemon up in front of her - as you'll notice she didn't shrug it off… ;) 

  

Thank you again!  I hope you enjoyed and lost on my dare!!  ;) 

images are copyrighted by law;  images may not be duplicated without consent, and are the property of Barbara Liszcz of © My 3 Girls Photography.  thank you.

September is FAMILY Photography Month at My 3 Girls Photography | Special Limited Offer

Calling all families interested in having your very own personal portrait session with me this September!  This offer has been created just for YOU!!  Think about updating your family's photo wall with beautiful, natural light portraits;  creating timeless memories;  having fun together;  utilizing your high-res images for Birthday or Holiday cards;  creating calendar gifts or scrapbooking your portraits;  photo books and albums;  sharing your family's achievements and growth;  AND help a local charitable establishment - the Greater Berks Food Bank - at the same time.  10% of all photography profits generated by My 3 Girls Photography this fall will be donated to the Greater Berks Food Bank, a growing community cornerstone to aid and assist our local friends in need of proper nutrition.  Charitable causes are one of my principle foundations in business.  Philanthropic endeavors suit me well and just like great big bear hugs from my girls, these things fill me up with happiness and good old fashioned purpose.  I am a strong believer in community and in the idea that we make a difference by working together for the greater good.  I hope you would agree, and then contact me to schedule your family's session!  Please do not delay as these sessions do tend to fill up quickly.  Thank you!! 

I look forward to your smiles and our time together, my friends!!  Cheers!! 

Birthdays to Celebrate | Family Photography at Daniel Boone Homestead

I had the good fortune of spending time while exploring with and getting to know this very sweet family last weekend.  And what a morning we had!  So much fun!  When setting up our session date, this mom said that she would like to have their photos done close to her children's birthdays.  Not knowing at the time exactly when their birthdays were, we set up our location and time.  Come to find out, while we were chatting during our session together, that these beautiful children, although 2 years apart, share the same birthday (completely unplanned and coincidental also!)!!  And that happens to be TODAY!!  

I thought to offer a short sneak peek from our time together AND also wish both "K" and "I" a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  Here's wishing you, K & I all the wonders of the stars, and moon, big belly-full laughter, tickles for your tummies, and many, many wishes to grow on!!  

Thank you again, my new friends!  I sincerely enjoyed meeting you, hanging out, chatting about life, and am very grateful for your joyous, beaming smiles!!  Happy Family!!  :)

Wishing you a day full of terrific celebration, happy family!!  :) 

With great big hugs and warm appreciation,

~ Barb ~ 

Super Baby | Inspiration Through Art

I miss my blog.  And posting more frequently.  But, lucky for me, this fall has been beyond busy!  So, now it is time to get caught up - show off some of the beautiful people I have been surrounded by lately!  You may get inundated with posts over the next few weeks - fair warning! ;) 

I absolutely, thoroughly love my job.  And I love meeting families like the one you are about to meet.  They have a unique story.  A very special one.  They have been blessed with a "special needs" baby (if we must put a label on her).  I do believe she's going to break out of any and all labels ever placed on her, though.  

I was contacted by baby "M"'s mama.  She found my information through the charitable organization that I am proudly a member of, Inspiration Through Art.  This organization is a liaison, working partnership connecting professional photographers with families living with & loving special needs babies & children; or any family with children that are somehow effected by medical issues, needs, trauma, or otherwise.  How fortunate for me that after contacting 3 photographers, I was the one she chose!  I am honored and forever strengthened by working with families like this one via Inspiration Through Art.  If you are a photographer reading this, I would highly recommend that you apply for ITA membership.  You won't regret it.  

Please meet this littlest hero (as ITA lovingly refers to her) baby "M" and her gorgeous sister, too. 

Here she is with both her big sister and her big brother.  

They share an amazing bond, these three.  

And the whole family, too. … 

From the original email I received from this brave one's mama: 

[My daughter], "M" is currently 7 months old and is on a feeding machine 24 hours a day. "M" was diagnosed with DiGeorge Syndrome. She is missing a chromosome. She was in the hospital for a month after her diagnosis and had a G-tube placed. "M" has a cleft palate and a VSD. She might have other issues but we won't know until she gets older. I pray that "M" is a lucky one and hopefully won't have too much to deal with. Due to our financial situation we haven't been able to do a lot with [her]. I would love to have pictures to show her when she's older of how strong and beautiful she is right now. I see other families go out with their children without a care in the world. I always end up feeling sad that "M" is always stuck at home. … Thank you for taking the time to read this and bless you for the time you give to all these super babies.

Caring for "M" requires extra special attention.  This is a regular occurrence, a way of life now for this family.    

I cannot say it better than her loving mommy does:

"I love the one picture where I am venting M's G-tube. It shows my new normal and my new life, which I can't say is too bad. I am thankful for my 3 children and anything that comes with them."  

That's the heart of bravery and fierce love.  Of strength and courage.  A wonderfully dedicated mother.

M's siblings had time to play a little hide and chase around the large trees.  Children being children, releasing their joy in playful games.  :) 

M adores her brother and sister… enough to taste!  So sweet and such a natural reaction for a baby.  

 She's saying, "Just look at those cheeks on that sweet face!!"  *Pinch* 

She has a good grip! ;) 

Baby M, your light shines on everyone that comes close to you.  I am forever changed by meeting you and your incredibly devoted family.  It's moments and times like these that make us all appreciate the beauty of life, the hardships we endure, the terrific joys and laughter, the struggles, the wins and losses.  The fact that life may not be perfect, but we make the best of what we have and by doing so, make it perfect for us.  I cannot thank you enough for gracing me with your amazing, strong, beautiful spirit and for the chance to meet an angel.  You are super, baby! 

God bless you, your family and the physicians and health professionals that take tender care of you, too. 

With deep appreciation,
Barb  

It's Great to be ONE!

The first year of life is filled with so many firsts!  Human babies are doing some phenomenal things in the first year ~ it completely amazes us parents!  The milestones, the accomplishments, the pride, and, yes, the independence, too.  Ultimately, isn't that our goal as parents - to raise independent people capable of taking care of their own needs and wants?  Oh, it can be the hardest thing to do, yet so necessary.  It's a constant balance at play.  And, speaking of play!  One of the best parts of my job is that I get to play with sweethearts like the one you are about to see!  :)  While his brain neurons were zapping away at all the different stimuli and new experiences, I had the complete privilege of photographing him once again.  I also had the distinct pleasure and honor of photographing Tommy when he was a newborn babe (thanks mom & dad!).  If you'd like to view a few from our 1st session together, please click > here <  

Tommy's mommy and daddy suggested that we have our session at LedgeRock Golf Course, where they are members.  One word to describe this location - monumental.  I was amazed by the sprawling, hilly terrain filled with so many terrific views and green - everywhere!  Thank you so much K & T for inviting me to this uniquely gorgeous location.  And to think, it's in our backyard, practically!  Wow!  Thank you so much, my friends.  I am completely humbled once again.  

   

Celebrating one year wouldn't be complete without a little cake, or cupcake created with love by our mutual good friend, Kathleen of Kathleen's Konfections.  

Let the cupcake fun begin! :) 

So many great memories were created this day.  Thank you again, friends.  I am honored by your friendship and by your appreciation of my photography.  Wishing you all the best, always!  And a very happy 1st birthday to Tommy!! :)

Love & light,
Barb