It’s always funny how life just happens the way it does, isn’t it? At the end of March it marked FOUR years since we brought our daughter home as a wee babe from Ethiopia. And when I sit and think about it, I can’t even imagine it possible. SO much has happened and changed in those 4 short years. She’s grown into a beautiful, smart, charismatic little girl. She’s in full time French kindergarten. She has friends. Interests and opinions of her own. A deep love for animals. A sweet fashion sense and a sense of humour that is a lot like mine (which may or may not be a good thing. LOL!). And as wonderful as it’s been to be a part of her growth, it’s left my husband and I feeling a little old! 
In May we’ll also be celebrating THREE years with our son. This may be even more unbelievable to me. Adopting him as an ‘older child’ from the foster care system, just over a year after becoming first time parents to an infant created a MASSIVE mountain for our family. One that on my darkest days, I thought I’d never be able to climb. But time has a way of fixing things. It heals some of the deepest wounds of the heart. It provides time for thought and reflection. And it makes the impossible seem possible…even if it takes a while. Our son loves Beybaldes, Star Wars, Taekwondo, eating pancakes and bugging his sister. He’s currently experiencing his first crush on a girl at school and he’s learning to speak, read and write french at a neck-breaking pace. He is handsome, clever and silly. Mostly though? He loves his Mom. He frequently tells me how beautiful I am and how I am the best mom in the world. I feel lucky for this and to have made the progress we have. The road has been a long one…and we still have a ways to go. But in three years we’ve accomplished so much.
I’m going to admit that I am a bit embarrassed at how long it’s taken me to photograph my own kids! Even my son (who previously, couldn’t care less about photos) asked me last week why I hadn’t taken them out for a session. So I knew it was time. I had a location I wanted to try out, a nice, evenly lit day and two eager participants…so I seized the opportunity. As I finished up the photos I remarked to my husband about how easy this process has become over the course of the past 3 years. Gone are the days of coming away from a session with them exhausted and frustrated. And as I sorted through the images on my computer afterwards, my heart fluttered at what I was able to capture. These photos are so very THEM. And not just the happy them. The serious them. The goofy them. The sassy them. The loving them. These images show the connection that I am so grateful they have.
If you are thinking about booking a professional photography session for your child or children in Ottawa – I’d love to speak with you! As an award winning child and family photographer, I am please to offer one-of-a-kind photography experiences that allow your kids to have fun and express who they are! Book your session today and document this wonderful time in the life of your family! 
my goodness Danielle…these two are just beyond words gorgeous!
They are looking SO grown up! Nice shots, Danielle!
Danielle, your children are beautiful! Amazing pictures!
You and Nick are wonderful parents, and your children are precious! I heart you all!
Just amazing Danielle! Your kids are beautiful and you are truly talented my friend! Congrats on the milestones you and Nick have reached! Miss you guys!
Oh Danielle. They are so beautiful. The serious one of your son is breathtaking! And the ones of them tickling each other, truly priceless.
awwww. they are so sweet
Wow! Stunning images and gorgeous kids….
Oh my gosh Danielle, these are adorable. I have a total sense of your kids’ personalities just from looking at these pics. I love them : )
Hooray for cooperative kids and a successful session – on so many levels! Your kids a super cute and I love the close up one of them back to back! My fav.
I was smiling even before I scrolled down to the photos. So happy for you Danielle. And, your kiddos are gorgeous. The last photo’s my favourite!
So basically…your kids are gorgeous. And the picture of Isaiah sitting on that pipe (or whatever it is)…holy cow. Watch out mom….you are going to have some girls chasing after him!
Ha! My favourite go-to location in the city. Same spot as on my blog today too
Beautiful children!!!!!! Zia is so grown up!!!!! It is so hard to believe how time flies!!! It will be four years the end of April that we went and got Jeremiah!!!!!! And I wish I lived closer so you could photograph Jeremiah and Amelia!!!!!
They are gorgeous Danielle!
Beautiful Danielle, your son has such deep soulful eyes and oh man your daughter has such a spark about her!
wow…I guess I know the kids are growing up, but when you see a picture it makes it so much more real or something. ha you feel old I have a few years on you! Beautiful shots as always, glad you hear you are on the ” otherside” and enjoying life!
Stunning, as always!
Your children are gorgeous & I love what you wrote.
xoxo
SO beautiful – your thoughts & your work. They are just the cutest! How far apart in age are they? You’ll have to remind me. And your words struck a chord with me (of course), the uphill battle, the climb. It’s something that only adoptive families know of, although we didn’t adopt two a year + apart, we did it all at once in one big swoop
it’s been an amazing ride, but you are so right, exhausting & nice to see the other side & hear how great 3 and 4 years out are for you & your family. We’ve almost climbed the 1 year mountain. Unbelievable, but yet, it always feels like it’s been this way, right? 
Love their session! Great job!
why did you make me cry:)? danielle, you guys are just fabulous parents with absolutely fabulous kids:). and photogenic! this may be my favourite session of yours yet;)…
Superb photography indeed!
It is wonderful to see these photos Danielle, but I am most happy about what you wrote. I am really happy for you and your beautiful family!!!
Natasha
You must be so proud Danielle. I think my favourite photo is the one with your son’s arm draped protectively over his sister’s shoulder.
Danielle, beautiful kids, photos and story of how they both became yours.
Oh my dog! How did I miss these! LOVE THEM! Love the location too! Well done!!!
OMG they are adorable and very stylish – wonderful shot of the two of them laughing and just being a sister and brother who love each other!