Expecting

My good friend is expecting her 3rd baby in a few weeks. We don't get to see one another very often, but this weekend she and her family came to visit. They are expecting another little girl - I'm so happy & excited for them! Both sisters are ready for "their" baby to come and I'm sure they will be thrilled when she arrives.

One of the things that I've enjoyed during the past 8 years (or so), is the opportunity to share the experience of starting a family with a few close friends. Cristin is one of those friends. She and I became friends shortly after the birth of my 1st baby. Over the years we've been able to share our thoughts, hopes, fears, frustrations and joys on topics ranging from education to husbands to children to...you name it! I'm lucky to have such a wonderful friend.

So, it is with joy that I can share a little part in the birth of this new life! I can't wait to meet her!

Eldest sister - such a big girl!

This one melts my heart because of the way they are looking at one another!!

Engaged!

This was one of the fastest sessions to date! We were squeezing it in over a lunch hour! Despite my "kind of sort of knowing where we are going" navigation, we managed to find this most wonderful spot for the engagement photos. Heather was looking for just a couple of images, so we fast-tracked it and got busy! I love them! Especially right.before.the.kiss!

I'll have your gallery to you soon, Heather!

THANKS!

Charmer

Oh Boy! How can a person with only 2 teeth, who drools, and who prefers to run around naked be so adorable?!?! This family has a special place in my heart and it was my pleasure to be able to capture him at this most-wonderful age!

He has the BEST squishy feet that he rests on top of one another. The chubbiest little legs, and the sweetest smile. And his mom & sister aren't bad, either!

Enjoy! But fair warning that these images might give you the "i want a baby" urge!

Family Fun

This was such a fun family and a wonderful session. I knew it would be good when mom said "I don't own anything matchy-matchy - I just need to find clothes without holes"!! That's real!

We focused on things the kids do everyday, like skateboarding, riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline. The children were so kind, and I was lucky that they let me in to capture of bit of each of them.

THANKS guys!!

Every Puppy Should Have a Boy

Happy Monday!!

quote by Erma Bombeck

"Have a Baby If"

Philosophy is a line of beauty products with packaging that I just love. This weekend, I smelled their new product "Baby Grace" (I have their "Pure Grace" perfume and it is yummy). The Baby Grace is so soft and sweet, but what really got me was the packaging:

"Have A Baby If...
Have a baby if you've ever wondered what your soul looks like.
Have a baby if you need proof that God truly does exist.
Have a baby if you have lost your innocence, a baby will find it for you.
Have a baby if you have trouble staying in the moment.
Have a baby if you dare to feel the winds of heaven each time you feel their breath across your cheek.
Have a baby if you can't put your finger on what is missing from your life. "

I'm not saying that you should have a baby if you want these things. Nature makes me feel this way. As does life. Babies certainly remind me of the miracle. Children do too. As do People. Connections. We all need them. And we are lucky to have them.

The Object of Their Affection

There is a lot of love and affection for the newest member of this family. She was so sweet and cuddly. Big sister was very gentle and loving and quick to tell me all about what her little sister liked. And she asked me lots of "why" questions. Why is she on the blanket? Why is the heater on? Why do you have "fill in blank"? Why is she lying here? Why. Why. Why.

It was a pleasure - thank you guys!!! Congratulations!!!

Parenthood

The road to parenthood isn't always easy. We say "I'll have a baby when...", assuming that when we are ready, God will be ready. As many of us realize, myself included, through miscarriages, early births, complicated pregnancies, or even no pregnancies, we are no more in control of when we become parents than when we ourselves were born. It's all up to a higher power.

These beautiful, sweet babies are all here and with their loving parents, the parents they were MEANT to have, because of love, determination, and perseverence.

Meet Delia, sweet, chubby, bundle of love. And her mother.

And these two little peanuts, Rowan & Phoebe. How cute are they?!? Phoebe ended up on top of her brother and with her arms and feet in his face many times throughout the session. He didn't mind though - I think he knows that he will be putting up with her for a long time! And she didn't flinch when he would squirm and cry. She, too, knows that she has a lifetime friend.

I have many more to share, but right now I need to stop and take a break for my own family. I've been going, going, going for a few weeks now. We have some *very exciting* news to share. These little babies are a hint!

Sleeping Beauties

Life is such a miracle. Photographing newborns is a true joy for me - these tiny beings are so small for such a short period of time.

They grow and change before our eyes and their little features; hair, lips, toes, smell, skin, are only in a state of "newness" for what seems to be the blink of an eye.
Yet, no matter how much they change, and how new they are, as parents, we "know" them.


We see glimpses of their personality almost immediately. We see them with pure love.


If you are expecting or know of anyone who is expecting, consider capturing these fleeting moments in time. You will be so happy that you did. And so will your children, when they have these images years from now! Be sure to check out the newborn gallery on my website!

And on a side note, in August I attended a 2 day class focused entirely on newborn photography. It was taught by Kelley Ryden, who, along with her sister Tracy, create some of the most beautiful newborn art! Recently, Kelley and Tracy, and their images were featured on the Today Show. How exciting! Check out the interview to see some adorable newborn shots!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Pitter Patter

This photo makes my heart happy. One of my favorites.

So does this one.


More to come.....

L.O.V.E.

Mom and her girls.

My Heart

He is almost 2. He is my last baby. I'm feeling the pain that pulls deep in a mother's heart as her children grow. Bittersweet.

If you find that you are rarely in photos because you are usually behind the camera, remind yourself to use your self-timer and get in those photos!! I always forget, but yesterday I decided to take a few "self-portraits" with my son.

Mother & Daughter

This session got me thinking about the relationship between mothers and daughters. As a mom to 2 girls, I understand the special yet complex dynamic that is a mother and her daughter. It really is a unique bond, that I look forward to nurturing and enhancing as life goes on. I truly enjoyed watching and capturing the bond between this mom and her sweet little girl.

Family

I really enjoyed capturing these family portraits last week. This is the style of photography that really "speaks" to me, where people are doing the little "ordinary" things that make up an "extraordinary" life. I envision the little boy someday looking at these photos and being able to see the love and joy and dedication his parents have for him. And the parents looking back and thinking "I can't believe how small he was - he is growing up so fast"!