Baby Patrick {Family Fun}

Let's continue right where we left off.  Sweet baby Patrick is home with the coolest big brother and sister that love to laugh, cuddle and help in any way they can. It's so fun to see how the image series turn out when kids are just their silly selves. They will never, ever be this little again and seeing them with their new baby brother is just short of heaven. In addition to Patrick's newborn session, it was important to me to capture what this time in life looks like for the whole family. 

There's just something about the way they look at their new little baby brother that is so full of awe, curiosity and promise. Oh, the adventures, fights, tattles, lessons and a lifetime of firsts these three will have together.

And now, possibly my favorite nursery of A-L-L time! Harry Potter fans everywhere are smiling a cheesy full-teeth grin right along with me in seeing all the fun hand crafted little details in Patrick's room. I think I may need that "...up to no good" artwork in my office ;) And to top it all off, Hedwig hangs out right there in Patrick's crib to keep an eye on things.

Up next are some very special images for Connor and Paige. We had tons of fun hanging out in their rooms and playing with their favorite toys. Sometimes my favorite thing to do is to just sit back and watch the imagination at work. A simple car or airplane becomes a full scale rescue or invasion. Unicorns can fly for days to reach the party that Princess Poppy is throwing.
Everyday, a new adventure.

Paige was so happy to show me her big girl room with all her new books and desk. She even settled in and shared a story with me. She loves to learn but also knows how to have F-U-N!!! With her leading the way for her younger brothers, there is no doubt in my mind these kids are going places!

Baby Patrick {Sneak Peek}

Meet sweet Patrick. He's a snuggly bundle of joy and has just come home to two of the most amazing parents in the world! I can't even put into simple words how incredibly blessed I am to know and to have worked with Ryan and Caitlin since his big sister Paige was a newborn. I have also enjoyed loving on, photographing and snuggling with his big brother, Connor as well. 

My eyes may have watered just a bit seeing their images large in canvas on the walls. So for me, as much as for them, it was such a very, vey special session.  One that I will A-L-W-A-Y-S cherish!

Seeing how much Paige and Conner have grown and taking some time to be a little silly while Patrick was getting ready for his pictures was such a highlight for me. Their little personalities and giggles made my heart so full.

Patrick did wonderful with his session. Full and happy he slept through the first half but most definitely favored keeping his gator blanket close. But once his little eyes opened, he was wide awake and didn't want to miss any part of the rest of the fun. Ahhh, those BIG baby blues will just melt your heart!!!

I can't wait to share more images later this week with some fun we had with Paige and Connor in their rooms with their favorite toys. And I am still geeking out over Patrick's Harry Potter nursery, there may be some HP Marathons in our future! Caitlin and Ryan, thank you so very much for inviting me to be part of such a wonderful time for your family! xoxo

Welcome Home Baby Ryleigh!

A few months ago our pastor shared a series entitled, Be Rich. With the underlining message being that there is so much more to life than wealth described only in monetary standards. It's true of many of our lives if we step back and look at our various blessings, despite the reality and challenges of life that we all face in one shape or another- we can certainly see the richness in our lives. Without a doubt, it is also a feeling that new mothers and fathers know so well but may not exactly be able to put into words. Months spent praying over and in preparation of this sweet, innocent little being who is completely dependent on them for each and every need. The weight and stress of such a responsibility is by no small statement- life changing.

And it is in these moments that new parents realize not only how truly blessed they are but also how strong they are together as a family.

I love watching the love and wonder in the eyes of new parents. Even through the sleepless nights and bewilderment over each and every cry, sigh or whimper- learning the foreign language of their newborn baby. Beginning mostly as a process of elimination of sounds and wiggles until they recognize each and every little coo. Then the peace that can overcome any stress when a sleeping baby snuggles in the folds of your arms. That is beautiful and never ceases to amaze me!

Little Ryleigh was wide eyed and so intrigued with everything around her when we started the session. We all enjoyed her love and little snuggles as she settled in to some of the most adorable wraps and headbands that her mom had for her. I will be honest and say that I would have been happy to hold her for hours, but she's only a teeny tiny newborn once so we did have a little work to do ;)

After lots of snacking, snuggles, walks and the experience rocking of her sweet grandma little Ryleigh was sound asleep. She is simply adorable and so is this precious little family of three!

I am so thankful to all the families that welcome me into their homes to capture this time in their lives. I always leave filled with joy and thankfulness for another sweet newborn welcomed home with so much love. It's inspiring and a cherish every moment!

Sneak Peek {Sweet Blakeley}

I know if I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times... I LOVE what I am soooo blessed to do! And that is even more true when I get to cuddle with precious brand new little babies!!! I think I am just one of those people who will always, ALWAYS love being around newborns. Ahhh, they are just so tiny and cute- and they smell so good!

Our own little Farrah was hugged and snuggled so much (and still is). Holding a newborn takes me back every time to when ours were that small. It makes my momma heart skip a beat! Each and every session it is such an honor to be able to preserve those tiny little details for another family. They are only so small for such an extremely short time and those moments need to be treasured.

Little Miss Blakeley is the first (and only) newborn in my entire 8 years of shooting that slept the entire session! Besides some repositioning and bow changes she barely made a peep and even when she did, she quickly returned to her sweet little dreaming.

Here are some of my favorites from the session:

Wow, she's a cutie and I really hope we will get to babysit soon! Hudson always gets on to me when I take pictures of the babies while he is at school. He loves them when they are teeny tiny too so I know he will be my first volunteer to help and would be a wonderful excuse to see this darling again :)

Ashley & Bryan, congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! And I know her big brothers are so excited to have her finally here!
xoxo!

Sneak Peek {Baby Shelby}

I am thrilled to be sharing Lil' Miss Shelby's sneak peek- can't wait to share the rest along with her precious nursery details :)

Oh, she just melts my heart- swoon!!!!

much, much more to come soon! xoxo :)

Sneak Peek {Baby Makes Three!}

One of the greatest joys in my life as a photographer is being part of so many exciting milestones in the lives of our friends and clients- something I am so very, VERY thankful for each and every day! From proposals to wedding vows, sharing the BIG news of  a new addition and all along the journey of a promising future and growing families!

What. A. Blessing!!!
That special time is quickly approaching for Christine and Jason and I couldn't be more "over the moon" happy for them :) They are such a sweet and adoring couple- and now soon to be wonderful parents!!!


Here's a quick little peek at Christine's maternity session, isn't she simply glowing!!!


More to come soon along with a peek inside the precious nursery.
xoxo!