Stefanie Renee Photography

27/07/2025

My sweet Archie is 3 today. 3 years that have totally flew by like a blink in the eye. It has seemed like you have grown up even faster than your siblings because we are so busy there isn't time to soak it all in it seems. But because of that you are light years ahead of most 3 years. You are wanting to do things like play "aw bon" (football) and play baseball, wanting your own baseball pants just like Spence and wearing them to every game. You use your "cross stick" running around scooping up lacrosse balls. You are a fan of any sport with a helmet really and anything the boys do. You have recently become obsessed with looking for costumes, specifically Power Rangers and love super heroes. Which is ironic because despite the age difference these are two things both Colton and Spence were obsessed with. Its also so adorable at every sporting event hearing the kids friends say "Hi Archie" and him knowing most of them by name. He is equally obsessed with the kids friends and every single one of them seem to love him as their own baby brother. And I can't wait to see Colton and his friends at ages of 16 when Archie will be 7 allowing Archie to hang with them and being the coolest elementary kid ever, I can just see it and it makes my heart explode how sweet these boys are.

I think Bay has realized a baby brother isn't all that bad. They are someone who will play house with you and be your real life baby. He is also little enough to allow things like playing "hair cut" and allowing you to put make up on him. He also isn’t as rough as the older boys yet making him much easier to play with. But can still be annoying when he takes your book you have written your songs in and starts ripping out pages.

You are full of so much energy and excitement. You are honestly the reason why I could go back to Disney a million times. Seeing how much you adore meeting every character, how badly you want to watch the fireworks and how brave, excited and scared you seem riding every ride including Slinky Dog. But you come off of each one saying "I want to do that again."

Seeing you with Baby Lilo has also been absolutely adorable and totally reminds me of Spence and Winnie. I think you two will have a special bond because you are babies together, even though sometimes she wants to bite you. You also adore the dogs. Grizz especially I would say.

You are currently absolutely obsessed with me which is a blessing and a curse. I am the only one who can really do anything for you and you panic when I am not here, which makes me feel so terrible for leaving you and going to work. Especially when you say things like " can I come?" " I will be good, I promise."

You are also a big fan of "mimming" aka swimming, "gopping" (ice cream) and gum. So much so we have to careful saying those words.

Archie these 3 years have honestly been such a treasure. You are my 4th baby and having 4 babies was something I always wanted. A nice even number because 2 just didn't seem like enough. Being your mom is such an honor to witness all of these moments is nothing short of remarkable and an honor. You have been the most perfect addition to our family, rounding us out and making us whole. You completed us in so many ways. You are probably one of the most tolerate toddlers as you are used to being shuffled around and waiting. You are use to staying up as late as everyone else and no naps because you can’t miss anything. You are also entirely spoiled. You have everyone giving in to you because you are cute. And soon I think this will even include your siblings friend circle. I love you more than you will ever know and I look forward to what year #3 has in store for you.

And as an ending some of my favorite things you say.

“Aw bon “ (football)
“ him a creepy guy”
“Gopping” ( ice cream)
“Kmanks” (thanks)
“It’s morphing time”
“Boys!” ( this include bay)
“ night. Seep good. Love my heart”. (A combo of what all the kids tell us)
“I’m hunky”. ( hungry)
“No it not”
“Actually yes or no”

12/07/2025

South Haven 2025

06/07/2025

Today you have reached double digits. 10. Time really is a thief. It always seems like there is such a long time before you reach certain milestones and then before you know it you are there in the blink of an eye. And as I look through pictures that compile your 9th year of life one thing that still rings true through them is your shining enthusiastic sweet personality. The way you look at the firework with amazement is the same way you looked at it at 5. And while you are too old to have "pandy and blankie" I have an exact photo of you like this at maybe 3 or 4. It's somewhat refreshing to see that same light in your eyes and know that maybe it will always be there. And you will always hold some wonder and amazement for simple things and still hold that same sweet smile as you look at me.

I know life is a little tough for you are you were the true middle child until Archie came along. And still you aren't the oldest, you aren't the baby and you aren't the only girl making you in a tough space. You are also sandwiched between 2 very bold personalities. But you make your own space, even if this comes with a lot of frustration. You are so sweet and loving to your family and you can see you shine as a big brother, when you get opportunities when Colton isn't around. You take care of Bayleigh and Archie and they do adore you. Colton gives you a hard time as only an older brother should but at times he also realizes how special you are. Especially when he asks you questions and then says "Spence will know, he knows everything." Because he truly understands how smart you are. I am always amazed by how smart you are and the facts you know and remember that sometimes get spouted out on our way to school. Like questions of people asking me how long will it take the Earth to go dark if the sun dies? Like 2 seconds? And you respond with "actually 8 minutes because that's the time it takes light to reach earth." (this could be incorrect recollection). Your love for tinkering and fooling with things, while frustrating at times, I know if I can't figure out how something works if I give you a few minutes I know you will be able to. I know these two skills will get you far in life and you will do great things.

You are so kind and tender hearted. This is demonstrated by how you show up for those you love. Whether it be your family, your cats or your best friend. You are loving, kind and loyal.

I got a chance to coach you this year which was truly and honor and fun. And while you gave me a hard time because sometimes you can get so frustrated when things get hard, it was great to see you learn and grow and become a leader. You have so much athleticism and I can't wait to watch those skills grow as well. And honestly the most impressive sports moment of all was listening to you cheer for teammates you spent a lot of their time teasing you during baseball season. That was a true measure of your character.

Spence you came into this world boldly and fiercely. I hope that's how you continue to live your life. I hope you always maintain that sweet sensitive side even though the world is not. I hope you continue to hold the same space in your heart for animals who I think bring you comfort when life gets hard. I hope you don't let your older brother nagging you stop you from being you and prevent you from continuing to push to excel at sports. I hope you don't let Bayleighs demands make you a push over as you become use to giving in to her. While its so sweet for you to think of other peoples feeling don't forget its ok to stick to your guns and get what you want some of the time too. I hope you maintain the confidence to stick up for yourself and others. I am so excited to watch you continue to grow this year. I look forward to having a front row seat to all the amazing things you do. I love you so much and I am so proud of you always.

Happy Birthday Buddy. I love you with all my heart.

03/07/2025

Sometimes the perfect family photos isn't coordinating outfits and everyone smiling. Sometimes its just the beauty of being a family that loves each other deeply.

03/07/2025

Moms are perfection

30/06/2025

Here's to Colton tolerating my photos at almost 12, Bayleigh for always standing out, Archie's sheer joy, Spence for going with the flow and for trips to the most magical place.

21/06/2025

Hey everyone!

I added some mini session dates!

I hope to see all your adorable families and some new faces too!!

https://stefaniereneephotography.pixieset.com/booking/

If these don’t work, please reach out!

Welcome to my booking site. Please follow the instructions to book a session.

10/05/2025

It is such an honor to be invited back into people's lives to document their special moments.

29/03/2025

I wish I could stay home all day and photograph my kids

18/11/2024

Nothing better than fall weddings up north ❤️

Among whispered vows and rustling leaves, two hearts united as one on Walloon Lake.

Book your dream wedding on Walloon today. Visit www.hotelwalloon.com/walloon-weddings/ or the link in our bio to begin planning.

PC: Stefanie Renee Photography

11/10/2024

Last night you said to me "I don't want to turn 7, I want to stay 6." "Do you remember when I was in preschool and we would sleep downstairs alone every night? And dad would sleep with the boys up here. We would watch TV. I miss that." Me too little girl. And the truth is I don't really want you to turn 7 either but unfortunately time marches on. And I let you know that I miss it too. And truth be told I don't want you to turn 7 either, because each age you turn I mourn the little girl that came before because as you grow and change you won't be exactly her again. But with each birthday I am also excited to see you grow and change. To see who you will become and what great things you will do. There are times I look at you and I picture what teenage and adult Bayleigh looks like and I am very excited to meet her and see all the amazing things she does. I will for sure be in the front row cheering you on with everything I have.

Then after this conversation, Spence asked " mom do you cry every morning on our birthday?" And the simple answer was "yes." And I told him how I write letters to each of them on the morning of their birthday and add some photos. And simply thinking about being their mom and them getting bigger and needing me less breaks my heart, because I miss their tiny little baby faces and them sleeping on my chest.

But back to you Bayleigh. You are an amazing littler girl. I hear from all your teachers how sweet, kind and helpful you are. You seem like the model student. Which is great, but at home I think we get a little bit different of a Bayleigh. You are fierce and sometimes aggressive with the boys. Exerting your point anyway you can sometimes. You aren't shy like you are around friends and socially. You are assertive, sometimes demanding. Sometimes emotional. Being the only girl I think has some challenges that you face, but they don't seem to bother you. You also are a great big sister to Archie most of the time. Learning that even though he isn't a sister he still thinks you're wonderful and will play anything with you that you want. Unlike the bigger boys. You also are pretty use to getting your way being the only girl and the baby for 5 years. You also have so much confidence it seems and I want to nurture that because as a girl that can be hard to come by. You waver between the girliest girl with pink lipstick and dresses to a tomboy with big tees and shorts. You have dappled in some sports and I think you are finding that isn't half bad either. You are also extremely loyal as demonstrated by having 1 true best friend who I think you would prefer to live with her so you have another girl around. You are her are absolutely adorable together and I look forward to seeing you girls do things like homecoming and prom together.

Bayleigh I know you are going to be successful through life because you are a hard worker, you are determined to learn, you are assertive, you're loyal, confident and beautiful. I am proud of you for just being so amazing. I love you. And I feel like the luckiest mom in the world to have you as my daughter. And I know there is a reason I was fortunate enough to have a daughter. And you are likely the only one because lord knows we couldn't have two girls with personalities as big as yours.

We love you Bayleigh Brewer. Happy 7th Birthday

21/09/2024

Jordan wins on spot scouting on this one