Christine and Jeff have become more than just maternity or family photography clients. They are honest and beautiful in how they move through life and how they navigate the challenges of having a growing family. See the beautiful photos and meet this wonderful family.

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself and (Jeff or Christine) how you met. How you decided to have kids, what are your hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.

We met online on Match.com. We probably would have never met otherwise – but we hit it off. We went on numerous adventures, and then after a grueling hike up to Mailbox Peak, Christine couldn’t resist a lifetime commitment. Children came quickly because we'd both waited a long time to start a family and were both ready to go. Prior to having kids, we both completed endurance alpine bicycle events including Double Triple Bypass. Jeff used to race bicycles but now mostly bikes to work daily. We also raise vegetables in our front yard and chickens in our backyard.

2. Tell me about why you decided to have professional family or maternity photographs, and why you trusted me to take these special photos.

This time in our lives is really special: I (Christine) loved being pregnant and wanted a way to remember this time. As I learned the first time around, pregnancy and subsequently our children’s infancy is so fleeting that I really wanted to capture and cherish this time. With the addition of our second child, we also reached an important family milestone in that we’ve reached our peak size (according to present plans anyway). We searched for a photographer who could document this time with beautiful photographs that we could cherish for the years to come. Christine also really enjoyed chatting with you on the phone before booking the maternity session. I (Christine) felt a connection in that my daughter was the same age as your son and you made me feel at ease about the whole process.

3. Please feel free to include anything else you like that is interesting about you or your parenting philosophy. I am interested how you guys are juggling a new baby and making it work as a couple. I have to say my fear is that I wouldn’t be able to do it. It sounds like you have a lot of great tools.

It really takes a village to raise a child. Our children are 18 months apart and we would not be able to raise our kids without support, while we both work. We’ve learned to ask for help and we have been fortunate to have had help from Christine’s parents, nannies, and babysitters. It was all very daunting at first: when faced with caring for both children the day Jeff went back to work, I (Christine) was fearful that it was all going to end terribly, but we survived and it’s getting better. In terms of making it work as a couple, we are by no means exemplary as a couple. We definitely had our ups and downs during the initial weeks, but in the end, we do best when we treat each other with kindness, consideration, and work on communication.

Seattle Maternity and Newborn Photography - Christine and Jeff - April 2016