the.kropa's!

The first time that I met Jill, Erik and Brandt, they were complete strangers just like any new client. However, they hold a completely different place in my heart now. This may be one of the most bizarre and small-world stories I've ever heard, and I'm still blown away every time I think about it. Ok, so several months after I took the Kropa's photos last summer, Jill emailed me to ask what my husband's name was and where his family was from. Not knowing what was prompting the question from her, I replied that my husband's name was Simon and that he grew up on the west side of Indianapolis. I thought to myself, "Man, this is weird. Maybe she's wondering where his extended family is from." So I added that Simon's grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles were from Pakistan. I hit "send" on the email, and I think I got almost an instant response from Jill. She had been talking with her mom and/or grandma about me and the fact that I had taken their family photos, and they recognized my last name. Believe it or not, when Simon's grandparents were coming to the United States to start a new life here, Jill's grandma and grandpa actually sponsored them. I am not sure of all of the details, but from my understanding, there was some sort of affiliation between their Christian churches, and Jill's grandparents supported Simon's grandparents financially and added guidance when moving to the United States. The families continued to remain close as they were growing up, and Jill remembers going to Sangar family get-togethers as a young girl and getting bangles from Simon's mom and all of the aunts! There are probably old photos that exist somewhere with Jill and Simon together as young children. Isn't that so Bizarre??!! I think is it amazing that we met through my photography. I LOVE my job!

So, after learning of all of that, I was so excited when Jill emailed me this Spring to tell me that she was pregnant for baby #2! Last weekend we hung out to take some photos of the belly before baby Christian is born, and to also get some new shots of Brandt. Check 'em out...

Meet Christian...:)

Brandt is so cute and acts MUCH older than 3!

Just a glimpse of the nursery. We'll save the rest of the nursery once Christian is born and we have our first shoot together!

We headed outside so Brandt could play a little!



My all-time FAVORITE pregnancy photo EVER!!!




Air-Brandt...

I love how Hans snuck into this photo:)




So sweet..





Big brother Hans is going to have his hands full with TWO younger brothers!!!


Jill and Erik, thank you so much. And if any other Unger's are out there, thanks for sharing your story with me and I am so thankful for your family's generosity. I hope you enjoy your slideshow!