you’ve been in the world for one whole week, and you already have paparazzi and groupies! your big brother and his camera took as many photos and I did, but they all were of you and your big, funny, patient family, all of whom already love and protect you— even if it’s just from your big brother putting his lollipop in your hair.
Claire Addison Lynch, you are so loved! I may be biased, but, as an Allison Claire, I think you have a wonderful name. And wow, do you have wonderful parents. You already have your mom’s gentleness, patience and palpable kindness; your dad’s warm heart and affinity for the Fighting Irish and the St. Louis Blues; and I’m not just talking about the hockey team… you, Claire, have the biggest, bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, and it’s clear that that dominant gene does not fall far from the DNA tree, either.
Three years ago, when we were sipping cocktails in our Fort Lauderdale finest, did you ever think we’d fast forward to strategizing on when to pull your daughter’s pacifier and for how many minutes to get the perfect photo? I didn’t not!?
Thank you to Matt and Erica for welcoming me into your home, letting me crawl all over your couch and for introducing me to the future Queen of Babe Tostal 2040!
Born of Annie’s recent Masters degree, she created a full-fledged business crafting candles to represent Chicago neighborhoods. But, in her ever-so-Annie way, each candle is thoughtfully based on more than just the neighborhood’s vibe; it’s the history, the culture, and all that comes along with it. The candles are all-encompassing views into each niche that makes Chicago so special. And did I want to come along on this journey with her? You bet your ass.
Read MoreSometimes you meet people and you feel like you’ve known them for a decade. Meg + Derek are those people.
Read MoreWhere to even begin? Kyle and Darci. Kyle and Darci have kids. Kyle and Darci have twin kids. Kyle and Darci have twin kids who are two years old. Kyle and Darci have twin kids who are two years old that can TALK. And, as luck would have it, some of their favorite words are from Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Where did the time go, and how do we make it stop?
Read MoreI’ve heard it said that people come into your life for a reason. I’ve also heard it said what’s meant to be will be. Those are two of the phrases that I think about when I think about Missy. Those are also phrases that I think about when I think about Tyler and Missy.
Having met when we were freshmen in high school, Missy and I became fast friends; so much so, I actually don’t remember high school without Missy and Missy without high school. She has one of those personalities and laughs that make you feel like you’ve known her your whole life— and I’ve known her for more than half of mine. I’m lucky to have known someone that I can talk to about quite literally anything without feeling the need for censorship, knowing that there would never be any judgement, only genuine and sincere honesty, waiting for me on the other side. From hours in the pool together wearing Speedos we only dream of still fitting into to hours in the car together driving back and forth from Tom Turk’s little sanctuary in Orchard Park, I don’t know that we ever ran out of things to talk about. Until we went to college, where we spent a couple years growing apart, only to grow back together again.
Queue Tyler Firmage— what an f-ing human being. He is in every way her counterpart and her equal, balancing her in every way she both did and didn’t know she needed. He both protects and pushes her, both loves and calls her on her bullshit. He’s the ultimate gentleman and would give you the clothes off his back if you needed them. He reminds me so much of Missy’s dad with his gentle, patient honesty. And finally, he puts all other dog dads to shame.
These two have welcomed me into their arms, their home, their relationship and their lives in every way. Missy came into my life for a reason: to help me survive high school, to lift me up when I need it and understand me when no one else does— our relationship snapping back like a rubber band even after five years of being apart. Tyler came into Missy’s life to make damn-sure she knows how special, courageous, strong, intelligent and weird she is, and according to me, that’s always what was meant to be, for her.
Miss Ada Hall— you’re one year old and you have no idea how lucky you are. I spent last Sunday in Oak Park with the Halls, and the only way that I know how to describe this family after spending a day with them is “the real deal.”
Read MoreHere’s what I know: when your friend of 10 years asks you to photograph and to be the only witness at her wedding, you don’t ever stop feeling honored. It’s been almost two weeks since I spent the morning with Maddie & Josh, and I’ve yet to stop feeling warm and fuzzy.
Read MoreSeattle, Discovery Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Bainbridge Island Ferry, Olympic National Park, Rialto Beach, Forks, La Push, Hoh Rain Forest and back again.
