It’s nice to snuggle and cuddle a sweet new baby. And it’s also nice to sleep a whole night through. So, really, this is probably the best of both worlds: Photographing sweet new babies.

I usually try to get newborns to sleep, because they look peaceful and relaxed and their eyes aren’t distractingly pointed in two different directions and they aren’t making weird faces. But this little guy looked so sweet and peaceful and relaxed, he actually looked great awake!

If he was mine, I’d smooch those little lips. But he’s not, so I didn’t. Therefore, I wish I could turn back time and smooch my own babies. But again… I did sleep all night last night… There are advantages to every stage.

Big sis.

I can’t help it. I love a screaming baby. They’re so mad. It’s all they can do. So helpless and mad. It makes me melt.

Mama was one of Sophia’s favorite teachers. She says Sophia was one of her favorite students. Of course we love her.

I took a break from shooting for a couple months, so it felt good to get back in the groove with such a sweet little subject!

Ahhh… the fur. I love baby fur.

I can’t help it. One of my favorite shots from every session. Why? My kids think I’m so weird that I love little baby bottoms, but I just can’t help it.

Thanks you two for taking such good care of my babies, and I’m so excited for you to have your own!

I think I might be super hilarious to babies… I’ve gotten several smilers lately! 

Nothing melts me like a strong daddy and a tiny baby.

And a gorgeous mom with perfect hair giving snuggles.

First, the little bun

and then… announcing… the amazingly sweet and sleepy and calm little Gino!
He’s a happy baby.

The cutest toes, with a little character (the overlap).

I adore this little family shot:

He didn’t sleep the entire time… He did wake up to poop on dad, pee on his favorite toy, and lose his bellybutton thingy. It was a pretty eventful day for the little guy~ you can kind of tell by the look on his face that was all part of his master plan to rule the world. He’s got one household down.

Not an easy feat, considering they had three kids under 2! But they take it all in stride. It was so much fun for me to watch how much they cherished these children.

I’m pretty sure if he had the verbal skills, he’d be saying: Mom… he’s touching me!

You know I love me a good slice-of-life shot that shows how things REALLY are:

Are these the yummiest-looking little piggies ever?

The pink princess:

I think it has to do with my baby going to first grade. I’ve tried to pretend like he’s just one step out of babyhood for as long as I can. But there’s just no denying it. His face is skinny. His little recess-induced monkey bar hands are tough and calloused. He reads. He writes. He eats his lunch at school with his friends instead of with me.

I know that time has passed for me. I’m ok. I’ve been so lucky to have four beautiful babies.

But I think that fact makes these newborn sessions even more precious and fun!

This sweet baby is the first child of my first bride and groom. So I’m practically an auntie!

I loved this session. Got some snuggles, smelled that sweet newborn baby head, touched those soft fingers and cheeks, then went home and slept all night! I miss those early days, but not TOO much.

Such a beautiful, proud mama!

I love these days of the family bed. (at least for nap times, I didn’t sleep well with babies in my bed!)

Anyway… We had lots of fun.

Anyway… have you ever seen a more beautiful baby?

I love the colors here…

A snuggle with grandma…

Gosh, she’s YUMMY…

Perfect. Look at those lips!

Thanks Mrs. H for being an AMAZING teacher, and for letting me play for a bit with your perfect sweet baby!

But anyway…

I think it will be fun and I was flattered and excited when they asked me to participate. I’m the “crazy family life/successful business/trying to balance it all” angle.  I don’t know that I’ve mastered my life in any way, I’m probably more an example of “what not to do” at times, but I HAVE learned a lot about life and business in this journey! I always love it when people get together to share what they know and help each other along the way. While I walk into it feeling nervous, I walk out of it feeling really happy and excited and inspired. So, tomorrow should be lots fun.

Of course, while I’m here, I’ve got to post pictures! I’ve got a really special place in my heart for families. Even my weddings/engagements I consider to be “family” photography because it’s really just the first family photos they ever take. It’s all people who love each other and devote their lives to each other and stand by each other and sacrifice for each other. Seriously, what could be more beautiful?

Here’s an awesome family welcoming a new member. Such a magical time, I always feel so honored to be there to witness it.