Meet your neighbors, the Hagedorn Family.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW?

My husband and I are both working remotely, and I can feel the tension of wanting to be present and available to my daughters as they navigate alternative schooling while also wanting to fulfill work expectations. My youngest just turned six. For her, it was tough to come to terms with not getting to bring in treats to share with classmates and not having a birthday party. My nine-year-old is loving this time at home, but she is not accustomed to having homework; she expects work to be done at school, and time at home to be spent in leisure. She is bright and capable, but it was a struggle at first to motivate her to keep up with the few tasks being asked of her, when she just wanted to be in control of what she did each day. We are all introverts, so being home more isn't too difficult, but there's a sense that we never get a break from each other, while we also miss the routines of seeing friends, going to church, playing at a park, or eating in a restaurant. We have to monitor our feelings and reactions and be comfortable articulating our needs if we would benefit from a nap or some time alone (and when fuses are short, we're all getting practice in extending grace and forgiveness).

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Our girls are in kindergarten and fourth grade, and while they've generally been close, this last month has allowed them to rely on each other even more, in ways that will serve them well long term. When they are diligent, they can complete their schoolwork before lunch, leaving open the rest of the day for creativity. Their imaginations are vast and their energy never seems to flag. If the weather is nice, they enjoy biking in our driveway or running around outside, concocting elaborate scenarios that can fill an afternoon. My oldest has enjoyed listening to endless audiobooks and science podcasts as she tries to "reverse engineer" whatever broken electronic device we'll give her to dissemble. She's been growing in her piano skills because there is extended time at home to practice. My kindergartner is always seeking us out, enjoying our presence. She's gaining confidence as she takes ownership in her own schooling, impressing me with what she can accomplish with minimal guidance (don't get me wrong: encouragement is still needed, but far less than I originally anticipated). We have plenty of space in our home, but it's not unusual for them both to seek me out, even if it means they're crammed in my 100-square-foot craft room with me; while I work at my desk, they sprawl out to do schoolwork alongside, and it's a precious time to have together that wouldn't have been afforded to us without the Safer at Home order. We're playing board games on school nights and I'm willing to indulge in reading yet another chapter in our current bedtime read-aloud because we can have a more relaxed schedule. We love our daughters' school, teachers, and classmates, and yet my daughters are also benefiting from the organic learning that can take place when there is freedom in the day to explore interests.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

I hope they look back and recall the fun we generated on our own. I hope this time grounds them in an appreciation for health, a feeling of love and safety, and a value for the blessings that are abundant around us, with an eye to helping others. When this experience is behind us, I hope they won't quickly take for granted play dates with friends, hugs with loved ones, and schooldays filled with activity and joy.

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site as we prepare the studio to re-open in just a few weeks. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking yourselves to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD. ENJOY 20% OFF IN HONOR OF MOTHER’S DAY!

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!