Anna Mayermaternity photographer | Anna Mayer

It’s all about the lifestyle.

Anna — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:09:01 +0000

Sometimes I wish my house was quieter when I am trying to write an email or a blog post (for reference, right now, Lydia is next to me at my desk, coloring a picture and singing her thoughts into an impromptu and never-ending song). Sometimes I wish that I didn’t have to replace an expensive print because some small person drove a hot-wheels over it before we could package it. Sometimes I wish that the sound of sibling squabbles, the Wii, and a million home-work questions didn’t waft up the stairs to my office all afternoon. Sometimes I wish that my kids didn’t have to tell me EVERY detail of their day, in my ear, while I edit photos. Some days, when the clock tells me its time to ride my bike down to the elementary school to pick up my daughter, I wish I had a few more minutes to finish what I am doing. But everyday I am glad that our crazy lifestyle is what it is.

I am thankful that I get to hear those beautiful songs about life, sung to me by my rapidly growing preschooler. I am thankful that I am the one who helps my kids do their homework, resolve their conflicts or learn of their latest Wii accomplishments. Everyday I am thankful that my kids want to tell me about their day, and that they can. And every time I ride along Milwaukee River Parkway with my daughter peddling hard in front of me, my heart swells a little with happiness and contentment.

This self-employed, work-from-home-life is a recipe for complete chaos; especially when you have four kids, your youngest doesn’t go to daycare and you are a complete softy when it comes to moms-at-work interruptions. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

* Yesterday, Brian and I slipped out into the back yard to attempt to hold a strategy meeting at the picnic table. Within 20 seconds, this was what our “meeting” looked like! I had to run for the camera, because this moment is a perfect example of our everyday reality; and what a good one it is!!

Life. Captured. Before and After in Campbell, CA.

Anna — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:47:00 +0000

Good things come to those who wait!

Day Fifteen. The man I love.

Anna — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:54:34 +0000

I am one of the world’s luckiest women. Seriously. Ten years and one month ago I married a man who, I now realize, I hardley knew. We met on December 31st, 1997 and we married December, 31st, 1998. I was only 22 years old! I do believe that God had a hand in it all. We could have discovered, as we grew to know one another, that we were crazy to marry so young and so fast (well, I think our parents might think so, no matter what). Instead, we have discovered that we are perfectly suited for one another. I cannot imagine a better friend and companion. (This crazy, “let’s just do it” attitude has become our family mantra, actually)

As we celebrated ten years of marriage last month, I couldn’t help but dream of the years to come. It seems that with each anniversary I love him more than the last. When it seems impossible to grow closer or more content, I do. I can’t wait to see where we will be in another ten years!

Thank you, Brian, for sharing life with me, for loving me completely, and for being my best friend. I love you.

Day Fourteen. Happy Birthday Lydia!

Anna — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:19:17 +0000

Well, her birthday was a couple of weeks ago, but I love this shot of her blowing out her candles like the big-girl she is. She has changed so dramatically over the last few months and even weeks, I can hardely believe it. Her new favorite activity is pretending; pretending to be a mommy, pretending to be a doggy, pretending to go to the beach . . . It is so delightful to watch as her little mind unfolds into to a little lady. I will try to capture a few shots of her elaborate set-ups for you soon. For now, here is my big-birthday-girl . . .

Day thirteen. A new little Max in Campbell.

Anna — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:08:09 +0000

There are few things sweeter than that new-mama love. Little Max’s mama loves him with everything she has and she just glows with it.

Our first take at capturing his adorableness was nothing short of a disaster. He just wasn’t going to have it. So we rescheduled and I told his mama I had this cool vision for his photos but that we needed a nice warm day with no rain to make it happen. Today dawned sunny and pretty warm, despite a forecast of rain, rain, rain. So despite the insanity of my day at home juggeling the social calendars of four kids on my own, I snuck Mr. Max in. We ran over to the field near my house that we’d used for Lydie’s photo shoot and in just 30 minutes we captured a whole lotta’ newborn goodness. Funny, too, since I was at his house for 1.5 hours and got nothin’! I have so many sweet ones, can’t wait to show Max’s mommy, but for now, just a little sneak peek.