We've got around 50 days to go before we get to meet our Baby #2, and it has me feeling all kinds of nostalgia. I realized today that I never actually featured Elias's birth story publicly, even though we had an amazing birth photographer. At the last minute, we had to use our 'Plan B' birth plan, and it disappointed me to the degree that even the images brought back sour feelings. But, Elias's birth was still incredibly beautiful, so today, I’d like to be vulnerable and honest enough to share his birth story, along with some tasteful image highlights.

My husband and I don't give each other Valentine's Day gifts. WAIT—before you make a quick judgment, it's probably not the reason you think it is... We don't hate the holiday, we're not making a point, and we're not just trying to save money. It's also not because we're cold or heartless. Read on to learn what we've discovered about each other over the years that has strengthened our love for one another.

When you have kids, the concept of "time" becomes all distorted and mysterious. On one hand, they are growing so quickly right under your nose, but on the other hand, the days can begin to feel long, monotonous, and "normal." This short post is a challenge to stay engaged.

Later this week, Chad and I will have been married ten years. How is it possible that all those years have passed so quickly? Then, at the same time, it feels like we have always been together; it’s so normal and natural and right. We have squeezed in SO many adventures, so many highlights and also lots of challenges. “Happily ever after is not a fairy tale. It’s a choice," and more on our daily decisions to fight for each other and not against...

Becoming a parent is certainly—by far—the most challenging transition I’ve ever experienced, and simultaneously the most beautiful and rewarding. Everything about becoming a first-time parent is hard. But, if I’m honest, the most challenging aspect I experienced personally was the unsolicited advice I received from others. In today's blog post I'm sharing a perspective that will hopefully encourage any other new parents who are experiencing the same challenge.

Last month, we had our Documentary Family Photographer come out to our house and capture our everyday life—giggles, fits, play time, work time, neighborhood walk and all. Perhaps they'll give you something to smile about and give you a glimpse into our world.

My husband and I are BOTH professional photographers. I’m committed to documenting our family life every single day, which means the camera is out and handy at all times. We have TONS of personal photos of our family, but we STILL choose to hire a photographer for these four specific reasons.

I love seeing our son get excited about printed photos of us together. Even as a photographer, I am terrible about getting photos printed, though. For that very reason, Chatbooks rocks! It's a simple, no-brainer approach to having current photo albums in our house. (This post includes a freebie link, too!)

This October we've been celebrating SEVEN YEARS of Langhoff Creative! On one hand, it's crazy to think it's only been that long, and on the other, it feels like it's just always been this way. I thought it would be interesting to share seven of our lessons from the last seven years.

Every mom has been there... You know, those frustrating moments in the rush of the morning when your little ones are quite literally stepping on your toes and reaching for things you are trying to accomplish—including hot food on the stovetop...

Time flies, so squeeze the ones you love a little tighter. And, by all means, don't forget to D O C U M E N T even the simplest things! The present quickly becomes the past. Documenting beauty in the everyday causes us to remember it, cherish it, and pass it on.

When you're facing adversity, When you don't feel up to the task, When you're exhausted, When it seems risky to others...

Sounds easy, right? ...But yet we're still scrolling, glued to the highlight reels of everyone in our feeds. Maybe the real question is, "While you are sitting there, worried about what everyone else is doing, what potential highlights in your own life are you missing out on creating?" More thoughts on this are in this post.

The human connection is a powerful thing. I've been extra aware of this in the last couple weeks... We certainly were not designed to live life alone. I'm grateful for my tribe—near and far and new. This post also includes a little self-exam at the end.

We've spent months planning as a team and months on our knees praying for God's guidance and wisdom to follow His lead as we launch a second campus for our church here in the RDU area. Chad and I each have different roles for this campus, and we're SO excited for the launch this weekend!