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Capturing Quiet Beginnings in Rosemont

When I arrived at the C family’s home in the Rosemont area of Sacramento, the house was still and peaceful. It was the kind of calm that only exists in the first moments of morning, right before the day begins to unfold. I had arrived just as the children were waking up for the day. B, a recycling specialist, and J, a stay-at-home mom, were already up, prepping for the day and waiting for the morning rhythm to begin.

We’d had a chance to connect during a little meet-and-greet beforehand, so I already knew their story—and I was so moved by it.

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A Journey of Hope, Science, and Love

B and J met at a gym and bonded over their shared love of hiking. They started meeting up for weekly hikes… and never stopped.

Their journey into parenthood was shaped by science, hope, and a deep commitment to one another. Their oldest child, R (4), was conceived through IVF—he’s the life of the party: energetic, talkative, and wildly creative. When IVF wasn’t an option again, B and J turned to embryo adoption. They knew the embryos they adopted didn’t have the highest ratings, and yet they held on to hope.

That hope was rewarded beyond their expectations. Their twin girls, I and A, are now 1 year old. I is a little wild one with deep dimples and a fearless spirit. A is her calm, sweet counterpart—mama’s girl through and through. One of the sweetest parts of their story is that they remain in touch with the embryo donors, a couple from Spain they lovingly call the “tios.” The twins even have two biological siblings across the globe.

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Morning Routines, Full of Love

The first part of our session was spent capturing the everyday magic of their home life. Each child was snuggled, changed, and played with, all within a rhythm that clearly came from hard-earned practice. B and J moved with such grace and teamwork—you could tell this was a home that runs on love and intention.

Breakfast was a feat of its own, lovingly prepared with every allergy carefully considered. After cleanup, the house filled with playful energy. R led the way with his imagination, crafting entire worlds and inviting me into them like the social butterfly he is.

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Learning Happens Everywhere

During our pre-session call, J mentioned her interest in homeschooling, and it was evident throughout the home. One corner was set up like a tiny preschool, and intentional toys were thoughtfully incorporated into everyday spaces.

At one point, B started assembling a sensory table while the kids gathered around to “help.” It was another glimpse into the way J works to nurture learning and development with creativity and care.

Soon after, bottles were given, the babies napped, and B and R got to work weeding together outside. Meanwhile, J prepped an incredible picnic lunch. Their teamwork was beautiful to witness.

To finish off our time together, finally, it was park time! The weather was perfect, and the whole family played together—climbing, running, and exploring. B and J were present for it all, actively engaged, right by their children’s sides.

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The Little Moments That Mattered

This day was such a gift to witness. I saw so much love poured into every small action. And in between the busy and the messy and the tired, I also saw the quiet love between B and J—the way they smiled at each other, the way they gently tagged in and out to support each other, the way they still shared a glance or a touch in the middle of the chaos.

As a fellow parent of young kids, I know how hard that is to hold on to. But they’re doing it with grace.

One of the most touching moments for me personally was when one of the twins reached up to me to be held—something J said she’d never done with a stranger before. And later, when R took my hand on our walk back from the park. Cue the tears. 😭

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A Reminder for Every Mom

Before I wrap this up, I want to share a powerful reflection from J, after asking what a perfect day for her looks like, that stopped me in my tracks. It’s something so many moms need to hear:

“A hike with a picnic, eating a meal prepared by me. I wish I could remember how much work it takes me to prepare for a hike or a family outing. Some days I’m just so stressed out that I feel like a bad mom. But then I stop and realize—just preparing for a family of five to enjoy a day out, making sure foods are allergy-friendly, that we all have the right clothes, extra clothes, diapers—that’s not something a bad mom would do. Sitting on a picnic blanket with my husband and kids is my dream come true. It’s all I ever wanted. I’d love to capture the true joy in our simple life.”

As a fellow mom, I can so relate to that feeling of wondering if we’re doing it right—if we’re present enough, patient enough, doing enough. But this is the reminder we all need: Every single detail we manage, every ounce of energy we pour into making life feel safe, fun, and full for our kids—it is proof that we’re doing an incredible job. We don’t need perfectly curated lives to be great mothers. We just need moments of connection, care, and love—and those are happening every day, even when we can’t always see them in the moment.

That’s what I hope every mom walks away with after a session with me: the chance to see those beautiful moments in the chaos, and to recognize how deeply loved and needed they are. To remember the way their babies look at them with absolute adoration. You are doing a good job. Let’s make sure you have the proof to hold onto.

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Want to Remember These Days Too?

If this season feels like a blur, if you’re doing all the things and wondering if you’re doing any of it right, this kind of session is for you. You don’t have to plan or pose a thing—I’ll come to you, camera in hand, ready to document the real, beautiful, everyday stuff of your life.

Let’s tell your story, exactly as it is. Just fill out the form below 😘

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