They're growing up and I don't want to miss it!!

Leo, Joey and I have spent a lot of time together over the past couple of months! I was so busy this past fall that I didn't realize how much I missed them! They are both in school this year, Leo goes five days a week and Joey goes 3 days a week for 1/2 day. I have spent everyday with them since Christmas except for two days. Granted... they got on my nerves some days, but I feel like my relationship changed a bit with them. Instead of working on the computer when they were watching cartoons, I watched them too... instead of working every night until the wee hours of the morning and being irritable the next day, I went to bed early and cuddled with them in bed the next morning. We worked puzzles together, played games, watched movies, visited friends and family, talked to the baby in Mama's belly, but more than anything, we spent quality time together.

When I step back and look at the big picture and realize how little time I have to enjoy them as "children", it makes me sad. One of the reasons I started a photography business was to share the joy I experienced when I would photograph a special moment with one of my boys.... wonder, happiness, curiosity, love, tears, excitement.....I wanted to capture those same moments for people in an artistic fashion. Those moments you see everyday with your child, but may not always catch on camera. I feel like God has given me a talent and I definalty don't want to see that talent go to waste or not use it in the manner that he would want me to, but there comes a time when one has to step back and evaluate their life and all of the circumstances going on around and in it and determine if they need to make changes. I feel like it is a time for me to make some changes. What really makes me sad.... besides the fact that my boys are growing up on me, is that I haven't experienced the "joy" I once experienced capturing those special moments with my boys... why? because I haven't taken any pictures of them.

With all that being said... I am announcing that I will only be taking a limited number of photo sessions this year. Not only because I miss my boys, but as you know, I am going to have a third one coming in early May. I am going to have a 4 year old, 3 year old and a newborn..... I don't see where a photography business is going to fit in the picture unless I hire a full time nanny...... which I don't see happening.

What does a "limited number" mean? What I feel like I can reasonable handle and meet the expectations of from now until the Baby Ally comes is 2 sessions per week. Once the baby arrives, I am going to play it by ear and see. It may be one per week or it may be one per month. At this point I don't know how different it is going to be with the third one in the mix.

Concerning my "First Year Plan" clients and my "Three Session Plan" clients...

For those who have already started their plan, I will continue to photograph your child until the plan is complete. You will be my first serve clients.... considering we are under a "contract" for the named plan.
I urge you to please contact me ASAP to schedule your remaining sessions so we can get you on the appointment book.

I will not be taking any new "First Year" or "Three Session" clients for 2008.

Last but definatly not least, I want to thank all of my clients for their business and faith in me! I have met so many wonderful people over the past three years and have become great friends with many of you. I am excited about my future and hope you can respect my decision to cut back and spend more time with family.

To finish things off... here are some pics of the boys..... screaming at the top of their lungs!!

Comments

[Christina]

Hi, I am a friend of Megan Greiner's and a fan of your work. I have recently started my own photography business on a "very" part-time business. I just had to laugh when I read how you stay up till the "wee hours" of the night on your laptop, and then are grumpy the next day. That SO describes my current condition, and after only about 5 months, I am already wondering if my timing is right. (I also have two small boys -1 and 3 - at home) It is very refreshing to see you - with a few years of doing this - provide such valuable insight into keeping perspective. I really appreciate it. Best wishes to you and your family!

[megan]

i so respect your decision to spend more time with family. there will ALWAYS be clients wanting you to take pictures, but your kids will never have another childhood. of course, i'm bummed at what this means for me, since i think you have such an amazing talent! but family always comes first. :)

[Christy]

Thanks girls for your support!!

Jessica.. just email me when you want to get together!!
Leslie... I would love to hang out with you and the kids sometime!!

Christy

[leslie cross]

Amen to that! These are the moments we will can never get back. I would not trade this time with mine for all the money in the world. I wish more moms would slow down and take a breather. Just make sure you blog some pictures of that sweet little girl. I can't wait to see her.
Leslie

[jessica]

I've been checking every day in anticipation of what's new in your life!!

I love the words you chose to write this! There is NOTHING more important than our blessings from above!

Hopefully, before Ally arrives and when Sawyer begins to sleep, maybe we can have lunch!