I remember what it felt like, those last few days before baby arrived. Full of joyful anticipation for what was to come, offset by a bit of nostalgia for the last precious moments of our familiar life together as two. It occurs to me now, as I look through these images of another family in waiting, that the days leading up to number two must be infinitely more emotional. Sure, you’ve done it before, you have all the tools — but your first child is your world. Fills you, undeniably and beautifully, to the very brim. So how do you learn to share your love / energy / time / patience? To not feel guilty for bringing a new all-consuming love into the picture?
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GABRIELLE IN THE CLOUDS
I have a special place in my heart for this sweet little nugget, who I’ve photographed since birth (see her newborn photos here). Gabrielle was six months old at the time of this session, and was nothing but beautiful baby squish, blue eyes, and lashes. And OH – that GLOW…can you believe the light in her parents’ bedroom? Between that ethereal light and the beautiful pintuck headboard, she looks like she’s sitting amongst the clouds. I mean, come on: how could I not be totally taken?
A GUY AND A GIRL AND A LITTLE POLKA DOT DRESS
Her laugh. His smile. And that darling polka dotted dress. Are you kidding me? They had me at hello.
No, really. See the second photo down on the left? That was a TEST SHOT. These two made my job easy. And it’s not because they are gorgeous (which — side note — they obviously are); it’s because they are so palpably head over heels for each other. Excited by the prospect of forever together. Invigorated by the very presence of their affianced. On this bright, refreshing autumn day, everything paled in comparison to their glow. I stood behind my camera in awe of their connection. What a true honor to capture it. xo
ONE
We blinked and a year went by. A year. A beautiful, exhausting, perfect whirlwind of a year. And if we were taken with you then, in that first moment, we’re completely overcome now. Smitten. Hooked. Wrapped around your tiny little finger.
In twelve months, we’ve watched you grow into a charming, silly, expressive, joyful, curious, independent little boy. You have this way about you…so full of vivacity, so much light. You wander and wonder with reckless abandon and share your delight with the world unselfishly.
NOT SO AWKWARD AFTER ALL
These two. See how snuggly they are? And how beautifully it translates on camera? When we first started Liz & Tom’s engagement session, they didn’t believe they could make that happen. I remember smiling to myself as they nervously complied with my direction from behind the camera — a nuzzle here, a tender look there. They were convinced that they looked incurably awkward, but of course, that wasn’t at all the case.