You know those people you spend time trying to come up with excuses to meet? The ones you keep seeing around town and hearing awesome stories about, and you can't help but want to know them?

Once upon a time, the Smiths were those people to me. We had met a couple times but never had a chance to chat or get to know them much. And then three years ago…

The McCowns have been our home base out here in Tennessee. With our families thousands of miles away, these four incredible people have opened their home and their hearts to us without hesitation or limit. They have showered my husband and me with love and support in every imaginable way, even including keeping our children overnight MULTIPLE times in the last several years. (Are they unbelievable, or what?!)…

Genuine, abiding, adoring love. That is what I have witnessed over the past year between these two. Since the first time I met them, Matt and Leah have had me captivated! From the way they talk about each other and publicly praise one another, to the tears in their eyes and sparkle in their smiles when they look at and speak to each other, there is no question that these two are and have something special…

Melissa thought it was strange when James wanted to join her for her morning run. This former-collegiate-mid-distance-track-star-turned-long-distance-road-race star is no jogger. But her 7-8 minute mile pace for an easy 8 mile day is but a Sunday stroll for James, whose personal records and race victories are equally impressive. Unusual as it was for him to want to run 8 miles at her pace, Melissa welcomed his company that morning since it's a rare treat for them to get to train together...

The only thing sweeter and more adorable than a one year old as cute as Addison is her fan club (aka family). Sweet Addison has her parents and grandparents and aunt wrapped around her tiny little finger and I just about melted watching them all with her! To me, one of the most wonderful things in the world is when children are loved well and surrounded by a healthy and supportive community...

As my own babies are growing and my youngest will be two in a few months (how can that be?!), newborn sessions are becoming even sweeter to me with each and every one. This one was no exception. And this precious baby girl was only four days old! Oh, the sweet squeaks and scents and cries of brand new life – I love every tiny little thing about it all!

It always feels surreal and is such a humbling privilege to walk into a family's home in their first days of being there with their brand new child. This sweet little love stole my heart the second I laid eyes on her...