07/16/2026
This is a lengthy one, friends lol. Here we go!
First, the photography update:
My hard drive decided to quit on me. Very cool. 🥲Thankfully, all of our images are safe, but the backup process has taken much longer than expected. I'm hoping to be back to editing today or tomorrow, and my plan is to get a BUNCH of previews posted and galleries sent out over the next several days!
Lately, my workflow has looked a little different. When I have a babysitter, I spend that time editing as much as humanly possible. Then, in the little pockets of time between caring for my own kids, I send galleries, answer messages, and post previews when I can. Some sessions get a few previews, some are sent privately, and sometimes I simply finish the entire gallery and deliver it all at once. Social media has had to take a back seat for a while, and I truly appreciate your patience and grace.
Everett update:
Overall, he's actually been fairly stable since April, outside of fighting a nasty cold this past weekend. Our newest hurdle is that he has been vomiting every single day, sometimes multiple times a day, for over a month.🥺
During his liver transplant evaluation, doctors discovered what they believe is a foregut duplication cyst, which is a rare congenital cyst located next to his esophagus. The hope is that it's pressing on nearby structures and causing the constant vomiting because, if that's the case, removing it could solve the problem. If it isn't the cause, we're worried this could instead be a progression of his metabolic disorder.
We were supposed to be at St. Louis Children's Hospital today for a sedated MRI and surgery consultation, but because of his cold symptoms, the anesthesiologists weren't comfortable proceeding. As frustrating as that has been, we completely understand why. Unfortunately, they couldn't get him rescheduled anytime soon, so we're now working with OSF Children's Hospital to hopefully get him in sooner and finally get some answers.
To help people understand what our days really look like, every time Everett throws up, I have to measure exactly how much formula he lost and make a replacement batch to account for every ounce. His formula is literally medicine to his body... Every ingredient is weighed to the gram and precisely calculated for his body. There is no room for guessing or taking shortcuts. It's a level of constant vigilance that's hard to explain until you live it, and after a month of daily vomiting, we're simply exhausted.😮💨
As for the liver transplant, he was approved!
The honest truth is that Gideon and I haven't found complete peace about listing him just yet. A liver transplant isn't a cure for his disease. It can dramatically improve his quality of life, but it also comes with significant risks and a lifetime of unknowns. Right now, we're taking the time to address the other medical concerns in front of us before making that decision. We'd be so grateful if you would continue praying for wisdom, peace, and clear direction.
Life looks a lot different than it did even a year ago. Like any family navigating a major life change, we're still finding our rhythm. Between being a full time medical caregiver, raising three wonderful kiddos, loving my husband well, running the photography business I've poured my heart into for the past 10 years, and building our passion project, Everett's Place Play Café, I've had to learn that some seasons simply require a different pace.🥹
I want you to know that I'm incredibly grateful you've chosen me to capture your memories. Your patience, your encouragement, and the grace you've extended to our family have meant more than I can put into words. I'm working hard to find a routine that allows me to care well for my family while continuing to serve yours with the same heart, creativity, and quality you've always known from me. Thank you for sticking with me through this season. I truly have the best clients, and I will never take your support for granted. ❤️
Since I don't access to share YOUR images, I will share the family session we had with Bethany Hellman Photography recently. When I told her I wanted to get images showing our love for Everett and marking this moment in time (pre transplant with just his tube and port scars), she NAILED IT. 😭 Couldn't be more thankful to my good friend for these images. 🥹
**The best support is still to book a session with me! Check out my current Mini Session Opportunities! https://book.usesession.com/i/l8NCfOFCd
