Precious.

How gorgeous is this baby girl? I sure do get to photograph some adorable little munchkins...but this one I almost missed out on!

This baby girl made her way into the world and Mom and Dad were quickly wrapped up in this gorgeous little girl that we didn't get to her session until she was 14 days old...in fact, I did a rare evening newborn session just to be sure to get it in amongst the other newborn sessions I had going on that week. Lucky for me she was such a precious (and cooperative) little bundle. She was SO easy going that I captured far fewer images than I normally do during a newborn session with just as much prop and drop variety. She was such a great little model!

Take a peek as this beautiful and easy going baby girl!

It Won't Last Long

Having a newborn can certainly be a challange. First time parents have to learn all the ins and outs of caring for a newborn in a very short amount of time. No owners manual...just trial and error. As a result parenting a newborn can be difficult. Sleepless nights, constant questions and certainly plenty of worry. But, despite all that the biggest complaint any parent will make about having a newborn is that it goes by too quickly. That squishy sleepy newborn phase passes so fast and suddenly that tiny newborn is 12 lbs and starting to smile.

Each moment with a new baby is precious, enjoy it (even the sleepless parts) and whatever you do DOCUMENT it! I don't care if you have a disposable camera or hire a professional just be sure to capture as much of the early days as possible because it's gone in a blink of an eye. As the memory of that little wrinkled body, that tiny cry and sweet smell begin to fade photographs can bring you back to such a amazing time in a baby and parents life!

FOUR

Four years ago today (yikes) my daughter Lara made her much anticipated appearance into the world. The day started off rather early and as dawn was approaching on a hot and humid spring morning my hubby and I left for the hospital. We listened to music, laughed and talked. We were so excited to meet this little person. I was one day past my due date but still wasn't convinced that this was "it"...but to appease my hubby we continued to the hospital. As we drove something happened that took us both by surprise...we saw a star shooting across the sky. It was right in front of us...and almost seemed meant for us (who else would be up so crazy early?). It was at that moment I knew I was ready to meet this kid....it was going to be a good day!

So, on Mother's Day today I celebrate my daughter's 4th birthday,  my sweet little boy and being a mom! Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and moms-to-be!

Sugar and spice and everything nice....

I am not sure why, but over the past couple of years it seems I have been meeting and photographing nothing but boys...pretty much every baby born around the time of my daughter's birth was a boy....and all of the wee ones coming into the world when my son was born are also boys.

So, when I was given the chance to document the end of Ella's 1st year of life I was SO excited. Finally a chance to bust out the pink backdrop and do some pretty girly shots!

Let me tell you, Ella did not disappoint. The little miss came all dressed up and so much fun to photograph. I did with Ella what I would do with any little one...I let her be a kid! I didn't "pose" Ella at all. I put her on the backdrop and gave her props...but I just followed her around while she played and explored. At one point she was munching on some snacks and I kept shooting and got some awesome shots!

Having kids of my own has really given me the patience and skills to get "the" shot when working with children. Not everyone can do it (or even wants to) but to me there is nothing better than the innocence, mischievousness and joy of a child that can be captured in a photograph.

Here are some of my favourite moments with Ella...what a doll! :-)

Look at those eyelashes!

One of the GREAT captures of Ella while snacking.

I just had to use some of my Easter props.