Stefanie Jayne Photography

12/12/2022

After 356, our favorite babe left. The outfit on the left is the outfit we brought her home in that was way too large at the time. And she left basically a toddler.

What a joy to watch this medically fragile babe grow and thrive right before our eyes. We witnessed miracles. Her life, her story. I wish I could share all that God has done for her, but you’ll just have to take my word for it.

So now, we experience all the feelings under the sun. Sorrow. Heartache. Joy. Hope. Feelings of emptiness.

And while we signed up for foster care knowing reunification is our hope and goal, it doesn’t make the sorrow any softer.

Our home is a little quieter, and our hearts are a bit deflated. Her room empty. Yet we celebrate that she is with her family. They love her so well. And we love them so much too!

Our foster care journey is different than many. We had the privilege of having her family in our home…even for overnight visits. Her family became ours. We know where she is. Only one state away. But man does that state feel worlds away.

Our heads always knew she wasn’t ours but our hearts didn’t know that. We got too attached. And I have no regrets, even though I miss her constantly and my heart and arms yearn to hold her. I’d do it all over again for her. I’d carry the details of her story. Give her all the kisses and cuddles. Every I Love you. I’d pray for her future daily. Hang out in the middle of the night. Put my business on hold to be her full time momma. Heat up her bottles to the exact right temperature. Take her to countless doctors appointments. Find the exact right swaddle for her strong preferences. Sing her favorite night time songs. Narrate her every move. Make awkward facial expressions in exchange for the sweetest smiles. Play her favorite worship songs. Delight in every little thing she did or discovered. Receive her hugs and kisses. Oh man, that was the best—her high pitched “huuuu” voice as she leans in for hugs and kisses. I would do it all over again. Every SINGLE thing. She was worth it. And I will forever remember this last year as a season of joy. Even in the chaos and the grief. The joy was pervasive.

Cont’d in comments.

10/28/2022

Life and business update. I deleted Instagram for months. Oops.

We still have our favorite baby with us. And love her and her family more every day. They will be together soon which is so bittersweet. Someone will have to come pick me up off the floor. There will be loss for us, but a family reunified. It’s amazing how we’ve been able to play such a foundational role in her life. What an honor.

I’ve sort of let my business fall to the side as I prioritize baby girl and all her appointments. I’ve said yes to a handful of inquiries this year. And I’m sooooo grateful to be trusted to photograph some amazing families…new and past clients. I don’t think I’ll ever want to stop capturing new life and growing families. What a privilege. I got to document this little guy. He is an answered prayer. A little miracle. And so dearly loved and adored. I know all babes are, but especially this one.

Eventually I may be active on social media again…maybe. 🤷🏼‍♀️ not sure I’m ready to keep up with the Joneses and make reels and TikToks. It’s been nice to be present with our foster babe and for me to be able to focus on creating art for a select number of clients. I have to say, after having this baby girl in our home, I’m even more certain and convinced of the importance of being present, documenting our days, and adorning the walls of our home with heirloom artwork of our favorite people.

01/06/2022

Our family has changed! We are officially foster parents to the most precious baby girl.

A couple of years ago, the Lord invited us to become foster parents. It took some time for us to say “yes” in our actions and get all the paperwork rolling.  And wow, what has been on the other side of the “yes” is something so very special. And Holy.

Our heart and goal for fostering is to fill in the gap for a time- to meet a need for a home, love, stability, hope, belonging and prayer…not just for this little babe, but for her momma too. Our heart is for the bio family.  For reunification.  Our goal is not to complete our family. But to be a witness in seeing someone else’s family restored. And dreams fulfilled. Would y’all join us in praying that we can be part of a beautiful reunification story?

As stewards of her story, we will not be sharing her name, face, or details of her story on social media.

We don’t know how long she will be with us.  Maybe weeks, months, or years.  But what we do know is that these are holy moments we are living.  And what an honor to be entrusted with much.  We love her something fierce.  

Thank you to everyone who has come alongside us, prayed for us, given us your baby clothes, baby swings, bouncy seats, car seats, etc. We had pretty much everything we needed when she arrived.  And that is a testament to the incredible community God has surrounded us with.  Thank you so much.

12/09/2021

Sometimes I have great ideas. But run out of time. In studio Christmas Sessions was something I was hoping to do but got booked up quickly and ran out of time on the calendar.
But I’m soooo glad I got to do a little session with this little cutie who has her first birthday next week.

What have you been meaning to do but are running out of time?

10/21/2021

I’m eagerly awaiting this piece of art! I cannot wait to see it in person.💗

I love having software that helps clients visualize what the art would look like on the walls of their home. But there is nothing like seeing it in person! And staring at it daily 😍😍😍

10/19/2021

04/21/2021

So excited to have Portraits for a Purpose this Friday evening and Saturday morning. It's not too late to sign up. There are still a few spots 🙂
www.stefaniejaynephotography.com/portraitsforapurpose

04/10/2021

I announced Portraits for a Purpose over on Instagram and sent an email to folks on the email list, but haven't posted here!

These are short, 20 minutes sessions and proceeds go to the non-profit you choose!

www.stefaniejaynephotography.com/portraitsforapurpose

If you sign up by today, you get this beautiful gift as well!!! Win win!

03/25/2021

So I find myself using Instagram way more than FB. I use FB more for photography groups. And Instagram for random browsing.

What are y'all doing these days? I'm assuming if there is little to no comments, you're using Instagram more 🤣

09/30/2020

It was fun (and challenging in a good way) creating this little behind the scenes video. This is a very small glimpse into a portrait session. Come join me, I promise we will have fun!

08/27/2020

Aaaaahhh the beauty and purity of being 5. She rocked this session! Her mom told me today that she still talks about the photoshoot in the water, which makes my heart so happy! We are making family memories here and supporting small businesses and local non profits in the process 🥰😍 (link in bio for more Portrait for a Purpose sessions that are coming up this Saturday).

Check out the wall art I was just able to deliver to the family in my stories :)