Documenting the bonds and love in a family of 8 through a Newborn Lifestyle Photoshoot is a rare opportunity! My dear friends, Micah & Tommi, invited me to Athens, GA, to capture a precious morning with their family. They gather on the porch, ambling one-by-one, to connect, love, and wake up, embracing the best way to start a new day.

I observed quiet moments between Tommi and a big kid, followed by raucous laughter among a whole bunch of them. No matter what, there was an undercurrent of love and respect.

Sam checking in to see if mama is doing OK. Mia responding to her 4-week old sibling’s cry. Little Micah pteradactyling his way through the hallway to the mirth of everyone around. Silas gently coming to the rescue of a sibling wrestling with an unopenable jar of something yummy. Judah sharing an interesting fact or cracking a joke, bringing layers of depth to moments. Micah’s watchful care observing, intervening, and engaging in interesting, advanced-level conversations with kids, always listening and responding meaningfully.

All the while, Tommi balanced care for everyone – including herself. She managed her “New Mother’s Thumb” (who even knew that’s a thing!?) and the journey it takes to process a beautiful birth and growing family.

As the sign on the porch wall so aptly sums it all up…

And so together, they built a life they loved…

Newborn Lifestyle Photoshoot

Nearby their house is a beautiful park with shoals. Thirty minutes there were spent exploring, nursing the baby, splashing the water, balancing in the forest. A busy and special time! I’m so glad that we didn’t just stick with the Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot but really went into telling more of their story. The different parts of who they are!

Tommi has candidly spoken of one of her stress management techniques – a bath! No matter the time of day or night, this has been a place of finding her peace, and reentering. It featured during her pregnancy and after Jack was born. So, we had to up the bar, creating a beautiful floral milk bath with real flowers, that resulted in sweet smiles, and drifting off to la la land…

Tommi is an inspirational example of growth and determination.

She does the hard work, ensuring no stagnation, creating space for personal growth and facilitating accountable journeys. She helps others become who they were meant to be, providing support and accountability on their transformative paths.

Follow her on Instagram or FaceBook for good doses of real, raw, and incredible inspiration!

Ahhhh, Tommi and Micah! I can’t tell you how precious it was to be with you for a newborn lifestyle photoshoot. Having known you for decades, and seeing how the Lord has nurtured yourselves and your family into the beautiful bunch you are today. It’s an honor and a privilege.

Thank you for inviting me to tell your story!