Newborn - Grant Alexander

I can remember when Aiden was born, it was a very surreal moment. I had been around plenty of babies, but there was something very unique and special about meeting Aiden for the first time - after growing up with my sister for 26 years - sharing a childhood and many seasons of life together - witnessing the moment she became more than a daughter, wife and sister but now mother was a memory I won't forget. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to do with Aiden - it all being so new, I just knew I loved him. That being said, meeting my second nephew for the first time did not disappoint. Unlike Aiden, I was actually there for Grant's delivery. Watching him as he took his first breath, let out his first cry and met his mom and dad for the very first time. It was a priceless moment and an exciting one at that - it was also a bit more relaxed as I think we all felt a little more experienced this time around! Mr. Grant, just like his brother, has already won over our hearts. Easy enough, considering he favors Aiden so much. The two could be twins. But this one it seems already has his own personality. I may be a bit biased, but as a second child myself, I think this little man is going to take after me!

It has always been a treat for me to take photos of my sweet nephew, Aiden, and now I'm privileged to twice the fun as Grant will be finding himself on the other side of the lens just as much. Welcome to the world, Grant Alexander!

-Paige

Emma - Sneak Peek - Raleigh, NC

Project 52 - Brothers [1:52]

When I first started in photography I choose to do a 365-project. It's pretty simple, one photo everyday, totaling in 365 photos for the year. It was a strategic way of challenging myself to pick up my camera each day, to think outside of the box and imagine what ordinary life could look like through the other side of a lens. I think I made it about half way. Life got busy and my project was pushed to the back burner. But there's aspects of it I have missed. Shooting for shooting sake is probably what I miss the most. So I've decided to start a new project. At times, my ambition gets a bit ahead of me so I've decided to pace myself this time. Instead of a 365-project, I'm going for what from this point forward will be referred to as Project 52. Again, simple, a photo a week - and to keep me on track and focused - the theme will be "brothers". Once a week for the next year I will take a photo of my sweet nephews together. Not such a difficult task for this adoring Aunt. I look forward to what the next year holds, even more so, I hope to have 52 photos to look back on in a year from now that will have documented these two boys as they grow. I could stare at this first photo for hours. I cannot express the way my heart melts to watch Aiden, who mind you is ALL boy (destruction and noise are his hobbies) interact so gently and sweetly with his baby brother. This big brother is in love, and my friends, it is precious.

A Family Reunion – Hilton Head Island, SC

It's been a few weeks now since we got back from Hilton Head Island, SC for a family reunion celebrating our grandparents 65th wedding anniversary! We had a great time bike riding, golfing, and relaxing by the pool and on the beach. Most of all, we were grateful to spend time with our family that we don't get to see as often as we'd like.

As I've said before, HHI is one of my favorite places and when you combine one of your favorite places with family, it always makes for a great week! We had 4 generations under one roof - cooking, eating, laughing, and simply enjoying time together!

Of all things, we were grateful to spend the week celebrating our amazing grandparents! It's rare these days to see marriages last 50+ years, let alone 65! It's been a blessing to watch my grandparents share life together - to be raised within a family that honors and celebrates commitment, love & loyalty. Our grandparents are a true example of what it means to love and laugh together - through the good and bad times. What a legacy they have left for all of us.