Newborn Lake Days

toddler girl tries on sunglasses while dad look on

There is a particular kind of July morning in Wisconsin that feels like the whole summer has been building toward it. Warm before 9am, the garden already doing its best work, and a family of three that just became four still figuring out their new rhythm together.

We started inside — the quiet, milky slowness of a newborn morning with a toddler mixed in, which is its own specific kind of beautiful chaos. Big sister had opinions and energy and a very important role to play in all of it. Dad found his quiet moments with the baby the way new dads do — a little reverent, a little disbelieving, completely smitten.

And then there was the spin-around.

Mom and her toddler in the middle of the backyard, spinning just because. That is the whole job right there. That is the image I will always reach for when someone asks me why I do documentary work.

We made our way out to the garden where the tomatoes were coming in heavy and red on the vine, warm from the sun and absolutely irresistible to a toddler. Then a slow walk to close out the morning — the family dog's swishy tail leading the way, the baby tucked in and unbothered, big sister already three steps ahead.

swaddled newborn lies awake on a Boppy listening to white noise

Morning breakfast on the deck for toddler girl and mom and newborn

A family of four sits on an outside patio in the summer sun, eating breakfast together. The lake is nearby.

Focus on alert newborn face being held by dad eating cereal and toddler girl at the table

Dad passes newborn to mom while toddler girl eats cereal in the background

Dad and daughter both tip cereal bowls to cover their face and drink the milk while Mom stares lovingly at the newborn. Lake is in the background.

Dad checks toddler daughter's open mouth as she has a dramatic expression suggesting she has something he should investigate

newborn on Dad's shoulder squints in the morning brightness of the day, lake is in the background

Toddler girl cries while dad puts shoes on her.

Family of four smile and connect with each other outside next to the lake

Family of four smile and connect with each other outside next to the lake. Dad kisses baby.

Mom and newborn share the same surprised expression by the lake

Dad and toddler water the tomato plants while mom and newborn walk in opposite direction. Lake is in the background.

Joyful, happy toddler daughter smiles at camera while framed by her parents looking at each other

Toddler girl points out her newborn brother's feet while holding up her own.

The toddler girl examines her own feet while her brother's are above her.

Mom cradles baby in her arms at the lake, while dad cradles toddler in the background. Lake and sunshine

mom holds toddler daughter's hands while walking on the lake dock on a summer day. Toddler wears a rainbow shirt.

Mom playfully spins toddler daughter and hair and expressions show movement and happiness

toddler girl examines the back of chair in dramatic light

Mom and newborn are in the foreground, and dad and toddler daughter are in the background in a similar position.

Mom cradles newborn next to the lake

Dog tail swishes near newborn's face

colorful picture of girl examining bubbles coming out of a toy lawn mower on the lake

Newborn cries while Dad holds and older sister comes to comfort

close up of newborn's tiny hands in a curled position

Dad, daughter, and newborn embrace on the patio

Dad and toddler daughter make art together.

Mom holds pacifier in newborn's mouth with soft ambient light illuminating the side of the frame

Mom and newborn smile and engage with each other

Dog on a leash and toddler girl waits at the door with sunglasses.

This is July in Madison. This is what four looks like on an ordinary morning.

Here's what this mama had to say:

I would absolutely recommend Jen. I am so grateful for the moments she captured. She made us feel completely safe and encouraged us to be ourselves in the pictures, which makes them so much more special. Jen validated our experience as new parents and made me feel beautiful as a new mom. I loved all of the pictures she took. I am so happy with the product, and I would definitely use her again and recommend her to everyone!

xo-

jen

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