It's shocking isn't it? Heart melting, heart breaking in a way, bittersweet for sure...she's beautiful inside and out. She looks so grown up here. Recently, I looked at the 1st pictures that I took of her and the change is amazing. It's too fast!

Yes. You. Can.

You have given her the space and the foundation to be a strong beautiful woman. Just you watch and see....

i just love what you said. and it made me weepy. at 3 1/2 and 16 months, mine are still little, but my heart just cracked open imagining how i'll feel/ how i'll manage in ... how long? a year? two?

gulp.

thank you.

The time goes so fast. And there are the moments that literally take your breath away. When I started down this road almost two years ago now - I said "I don't have a choice, I have to do this for my daughter!" And it's true. Courtney will have her own battles to fight, but my hope is that my choice to live more authentically will save her some of the ones I waited so long to fight. Ellen will be the same - she will be a better woman for the changes and the choices you have made. YOU CAN DO IT. I CAN DO IT. We can do it - and you are helping us to figure out how to do it better!

Love those photos! She's beautiful!

I think we all have to tell ourselves those same words. Gorgeous pictures. Gorgeous daughter.

amazing pictures....you can do this and you are!

Hey, I just happened upon your blog this morning and was wondering if you could contact me back...I really like your blog design/layout and had a few questions. :) Thanks a bunch. Fun site!

My oldest is eleven-and on the cusp of becoming a teenger/woman. While she is glorious I do find myself looking at her face wondering who and what and how and why she will end up becoming. I am lucky because she is completely open with her changes and so I get to feast on her transformation to my hearts content.

Beautiful photos! Enchanting, actually! I think we are in a very similar "search"/ journey... (btw ~ I read and loved your profile page. Can't wait to read more!) xo

brene, these pictures are breathtaking! your photography is growing and revealing all the soul your heart holds and your eye sees. xo

Hi Brene,
I just met my daughter for dinner. She's 24 and on her own, kind of. I remember when she was younger feeling everything you describe. We've had some totally wonderful years and some extremely challenging ones. And I wouldn't trade either of them b/c always, she was becoming herself. I can tell you that it is totally awesome to know her as an adult. She is herself and also some reflection of me, as she chooses. and it never ceases to surprise me what she chooses to retain, honor, and hold special about her childhood.
all the best, Kathleen