Right Where She Belongs | The Lewis Family | Indianapolis Family Photographer

I first met the Lewis family in November 2015 when they hired for a mini session.  We bonded over adoption (I, myself am adopted) because they were trying to expand their family by adopting a little girl from China.  They already had two energetic and active boys but felt the calling to adopt.  I blogged about their session and their pending adoption - see it here.  Theirs is an amazing story about Monica feeling God's call to adopt from China, which is where she spent a portion of her 20's as a student traveling abroad. She saw the orphans and knew someday she'd be back.  Seriously - go back to my blog post from back then and read it - tear jerker for sure! 

After our session, I kept up with their adoption journey through Facebook.  Their desire and strength was unwavering.  Adoption is a long process and you never know when that call is going to come in to say you have been matched.  Their call came last fall and they traveled to China in October to bring Elin home. 

As we began our session this spring, 7 months after bringing her home, I was AMAZED by Elin's demeanor and presence.  She is an inspiring little girl - and she shows no signs (well at least to me, an outsider) that she's only been in the States less than a year.  She understands English and Monica said she's ready to start preschool this fall, just like any other soon to be 4 year old.  And most importantly, she is exactly right where she belongs.  Elin was meant to be in the Lewis' arms - it's so apparent.  God knew exactly what he was doing and I think they would agree that the wait was worth it. 

So what is next for the Lewis family?  Well....they have prayed over it and have already started the process of adopting from India.  This time.....they will be bringing Bayla home.  If you want to follow their story or help them in any way (adoption is not cheap!), please reach out to me and I'll get you in touch. 

If you are looking for a family photographer in the Indianapolis area, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388. 

Silly Sisters | The Hufford Family | Indianapolis Family Photographer

This might possibly be one of my favorite sessions to date.  For one, my clients were our good friends the Hufford's and we know them pretty well and love them to pieces.  Second, their girls, Lilly and Sammie, were in the most giddy and happy moods during the session that it really made life easy for me.  (:  Lastly, it was plain fun.  I seriously almost peed my pants at one point when the girls got a hold of the wagon and started running downhill with it and Matt had to run after them full steam.  It. Was. Hilarious. Don't worry, Matt, I didn't include any of those photos in the blog.  (: 

My husband and Matt go WAY back - they attended grade school and high school together.  They have this great group of grade school/high school friends that we keep in touch with and see fairly often.  I love how we all have watched each other's progress through various stages in life - dating, marriage, and now kids.  There used to be beer pong parties that lasted until the wee morning hours and now there are birthday parties in the afternoon that involve dozens of kids running around as we try to get a few words in with our friends before hearing "Mom, I need to go potty" or running to break up a quarrel.  At least we have each other through this stage.....and there is still beer.  (: 

Thanks to Matt and Amelia for the opportunity to take some family photos - it was a blast!

Kelly Martin Photography offers custom on-location lifestyle and portrait professional photography services in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.  Session types include family, newborn, maternity, children, couples, engagement, seniors, lifestyle and more!  Real. Creative. Personalized.

If you are looking for a family or children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

Waiting for Elin | The Lewis Family | Greenwood Family Photographer

I was connected with the Lewis family through another client (shout out to the Hauser's!!).  After a quick phone conversation with Monica (mom) to set up the session, I knew immediately that this was going to be the beginning of a wonderful relationship.  On the phone, I quickly discovered that they are in the process of adopting from abroad.  China to be exact.  Adoption can be a long, frustrating, emotional, drawn-out process - and not to mention all of the costs involved.  I was instantly intrigued with her story and their passion for adopting. 

Our connection lies in the fact that I too am adopted.  My parents waited over 3 years for me and I was lucky to be adopted during infancy.  Adoption is part of our family - my dad was adopted; my aunt was adopted, and my uncle was adopted.  Adoption changes lives and brings families together - something I will forever be grateful for.  

Back to the Lewis family.  They currently have two boys: Emery (11) and Asher (8).  They are really funny and outgoing boys - love sports and just playing around.  I felt like I was looking into my own future with two energetic boys bouncing all over the place.  I will say, they were much easier to photograph than toddlers - they actually did great and followed my directions!  It was such a fun session with them! 

The Lewis' love their boys, and they are hoping to add to the love in their house.  They are currently waiting for Elin, their little girl they are hoping to adopt.  They have not been matched yet, but they gave their future daughter a name so that they could pray for her by name.  Monica's tie to adoption first starts with her great grandmother Aggie who adopted Monica's grandma, who was abandoned at a young age.  If not for her great grandmother Aggie's loving heart and openness, the family's chain would look severely different. 

Then Monica was 22 years old - a student traveling to Belize, Rotan, Hong Kong, China and Thailand.  It was there she saw such a great need to help less fortunate children.  Orphans.  She left there saying that she'd be back someday.  And that someday has come.  The Lewis' family faith in God through this whole endeavor is inspiring.  They knew they wanted to adopt someday, but financially they did not know if they could afford it.  No, they didn't win the lottery - they are putting it all in God's hands and they know that He will not fail them.  With the love from God and support from their friends and family, they will bring Elin home. 

Thank you so much to the Lewis family for sharing your story with me - it hits home in my heart and I pray with you that you bring Elin home as soon as possible. 

If you want to help the Lewis family out in any way, please contact me and I can get you in touch.     

With that, I present to you, the Lewis family - Monica, Nathan, Emery and Asher.  Next time I photograph them, hopefully Elin will be the star of the show (: 

Kelly Martin Photography offers custom on-location lifestyle and portrait professional photography services in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.  Session types include family, newborn, maternity, children, couples, engagement, seniors, lifestyle and more!  Real. Creative. Personalized.

If you are looking for a family or children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.