One of my favorite things about working as a photographer is being "invited in." Usually, there's a big milestone taking place in a family at the time of their session: birth of a baby, special birthday, or a yearly photo to document the growth of children. It's a view into their lives that I truly cherish.

It seemed like forever to wait. Of course, to no one more than my sister, who endured long days and nights of a trying pregnancy. She's one of the strongest people I know and to see her sidelined by nausea and sickness was unnerving; it was hard to watch and wait for it to pass.

And, through all these transitions, Brendan and Jenna have approached it like the team that they are. With laughter and love, it's easy to see that the joy in this household runs deep.

I imagine if all had gone according to her college self's plan, Catherine would own seven or eight dogs right about now. But, a very special man entered her life instead, and her life took the best kind of turn.