Blessed With A Bonus~ Poplar Grove, IL Newborn Photographer
December 21, 2011
I was so excited to hear from this family again!! You might even remember them from their maternity session for their little girl just over 2 years ago.
As most of you know, I’ve been on maternity leave after giving birth to my little princess 6 weeks ago. Well these little guys were born 12 weeks ago. Their mama contacted me last week asking if I could possibly take their newborn photos. I was so overjoyed! I was also a little nervous. Normally newborn photography is done within the first 14 days of the baby’s life. These little guys spent 3 weeks in the NICU and then I’m sure it was quite the adjustment when they came home. The little guys are just the sweetest. Little mister Jeffery was so quiet & sleepy…UNLESS his brother Michael was asleep, then of course he was awake. Michael was normally WIDE awake…as you can see, he did finally give in and then HE was the one sleeping and Jeffery was awake.
Then we have their precious big sister Grace….oh, she’s such a doll!!! A smart, sweet, precious little firecracker!!! This mama and daddy are so very blessed!!! But as a mother of three, I know how hard it can be to find time for each other as parents. When Joanna asked for a photo of just her and Jeff…I was so touched. Then to catch her snuggling in his neck both with so much joy on their faces, it brought tears to my eyes. Still, seeing that photo below makes me all misty. Thank you Jeff and Joanna for allowing me to come into your home and spend the day with your beautiful family!!
So much ♥ love,
~Julie MayRee~



















It was such an honor to get to photograph this sweet little family. A family of little princesses.












When contacted by Tracy, the mama in these photos, back almost 3 months ago, I did not have a clue how much I would be touched by the story of her little unborn angel Liam. This couple has so much courage, so much heart and so much love to give their little boy. At only 13 weeks they found out that something was “different” about their little guy. He was diagnosed with Limb Body Wall Complex, a fatal condition. They demonstrate such courage and faith to continue this pregnancy, praying for a miracle for their wee little sweetheart. They continue on, nurturing this baby showing even the unborn child what amazing parents they are. They have taken him to the zoo, Milwaukee Brewers games and to 4th of July fireworks so he too will get a chance to experience all of the amazing things in life. They continue to grow this child with prayers that his heart and lungs will become strong enough to be operated on after birth. They love, cherish and support each other through this journey of not knowing what’s next. They pray for the miracle that Liam will beat ALL odds. They pray that they get to spend an hour or two or even a lifetime with their little angel, that he will take that percent of a percent chance and survive this. Tracy & Luke, I thank you for sharing the journey of little Liam with me. I thank you for being such amazing and encouraging people. 




















Ruth posted the following on December 22, 2011 at 1:12 am.
what a great family to get to photograph….the shots are beautiful!