A morning in the life of the Cooney family in Louisville, Kentucky
This spring I took the Cooney’s family photos at their home in Louisville, Kentucky. We did a more candid-approach. I’ve done this “morning in the life” candid-style a few times now and can’t tell you how much it fuels me creatively. It’s because, if I were a mom, or a kid like Daisy or Stevie, I imagine this is what I would want to remember. I like to think of what memories must feel like from other people’s perspectives. I do this a lot when I’m taking photos. Today I felt inspired to write from what I imagine Stevie or Daisy’s perspective might be … a poem of sorts, so I included that below along with the photos.
The Cooneys were kind & crazy enough to let me into their house before everyone had woken up... while they were all cuddling in bed. I haven’t done that before (yes it felt a tad creepy lol), but we knew it would be nice for them to have the memory of co-sleeping before the new baby comes. Then I told them to go about their normal morning while I took photos and talked to them. I gave them a bit of direction for some moments, but for the most part, this was all them.
I was lucky enough to photograph them back in 2021 after they had their second baby. You can look at those photos here. It made it extra special to take photos in the same spots. The same people, everyone a little more grown up. The same house, more of their character and personalities built into the walls and space.
A little poem to fill in with the photos - hope you enjoy ❤
At the end of all it, what do you want to remember?
I think it’s this:
Pitter-patter of bare feet on the floor.
How it feels to wakeup after the windows have been open all night, the air of a cool spring’s rain filling the room.
Brushing your teeth, even if it takes a bit of persuasion (me, too)
The way the home fills with a warm orange glow, in contrast to the overcast clouds outside
Making breakfast, all by yourself or with a little help
Lighting the fairy candle
Practicing gratitude before beginning to eat your warm, fresh breakfast
A quick detour to see the garden, see the garden!
To find the perfect rock and taste the not-quite-ripe strawberries
(You make a face)
A check-in on the airstream progress, where your new home on wheels will soon be
Then frantically, happily, a race to the swing where you crowd together
Squealing before running back inside
One by one
Then you’re reading a book, Mama is doing all the funny voices
And braiding Papa’s hair
Giggles ensue
The photographer tells mom and dad to dance, you’re running wildly in circles around them
A moment to play with your dollhouse, to bicker with your sister
Dishes left on the table and little mementos scattered throughout the house
Mama poses in front of Papa’s painting of her when she carried you
Now a new little one to be here, soon
Another whole life to join yours
Then Papa’s leaving for work, Papa’s leaving for work!
You try not to cry
Being big and strong is oh-so-hard
So you say goodbye for now
To do it all over again tomorrow
I think, at the end of it all, that’s what I’d like to remember
