The reward

They say that your second baby's labor is the reward for the first.  Let me just say how true that was for my dear friend, MJ.  Most of her labor was all about this little dude, right here. MJ refused to have the baby until he was asleep in bed. :O)

 

 

MJ was absolutely radiant in labor. You would not believe her baby was born just two hours after this!

This image is everything I love about home births - laboring in a quiet, comfortable, dark space in the company of those you love.

After her little man finally fell asleep, this mama wasted no time at all! Hopped in the tub, kicked into gear, set her mind to it, and pushed that baby right out.

I think no matter how many times you do it, the moment when you meet your child just never gets old.

Hello, baby!

Enjoying the new view.

Welcome, Silvia Elise! It was an honor to be there for your first few moments.

**Watch the full slideshow below, or click here for the full screen version!**

Read more...

Feeling like fall

Who else has been up to their elbows in pumpkins lately? Perhaps even a few pumpkin lattes?

(Not up to your elbows, of course.)

I hope everyone had a happy Halloween! Well, and a happy October for that matter!

For me, autumn is all about the leaves! We've been having such a wonderfully dry autumn here, and it's the first year that Bella has really gotten to play in the leaves! Last year, Lillia couldn't stand the sound of leaves so piles of them were OUT! This year has been so much better.

It reminds me of being back in New England. We even had frost-coated leaves this morning, and I ran Bella out of the house to show her. Yes, I love fall that much.

These images of Bella playing in the leaves sum it all up for me. Happiness, anticipation, wonder, and freedom. All in one big pile. :O)

I would love to hear how you're celebrating this fall!

Read more...

Golden

Boy, do I have a great sneak peek for you tonight!

This was a session thrice rescheduled, and we were so lucky to catch one of the last days of beautiful evening sunlight. My favorites are below - I couldn't help but share a few more than usual!

What a family! Ashwin is the perfect mixture of sweet, goofy, and energetic. He was all over the place exploring the park.

Such a gorgeous evening, and such a delightful time spent with friends! We also did a few head shots during this session for Tara's business, Startup Recroot, so there's more to come!

P.S. My parents moved cross country to join us here and my schedule gets busier every day! I'm working on posts left and right and can't wait to share some of this year's favorite client slideshows with you soon.  :O)

Read more...

One more

I fell in love with this image the first moment I saw it.

I've finally finished this session, so no more swing portraits for a bit... unless you want to invite me over to your swing set!

Read more...

Daydream

My cousin's beautiful daughter. Of this entire session, this was the only one I needed to have in black and white. Some stories are just stronger that way.

Read more...

Swing!

Working on this charmer's session tonight! It's long overdue and bringing back the memories of this hot (hot!) July day at the park in Washington, D.C.

(Okay, so not as hot as the following week... But I sure could have used a swing to cool down.)

Read more...

Sisters

I was ambivalent about having another girl when I was pregnant with Lillia. I did, however, hope that Bella would someday have a sister - there's just something special about sisters.  When Lillia was born and I learned she was a girl, I had an unexpected relief and excitement - an anticipation of moments like this.

Today was a rough day with not enough sleep and too much stress and the three of us clashing hour after hour.  Looking back at the images from today's Week in the Life captures, there are so many beautiful moments and I am so glad to have them forever.

Read more...

Freedom

When you can dress yourself, life really is just that good.

Read more...

After the mist

We could actually see the clouds blowing across our feet. In and out, mist and sun, and a relentless wind drawing ripples in the sand, breaking waves, and setting kites free.

Read more...

Misty Beach

A trip to the beach.  Mist, wind, sand, and bright blue bubbles.

So many things to share, but I have a whole month of posting every day, so this will do for now.

Read more...

Baby blue eyes

Tonight I'm finishing the rest of this session but I can't get this smiling face out of my mind.

More to come....

Read more...

A little treat

This little guy was here on a quick visit and hopped on a plane a few hours after this. No worries. It had been a year since I saw him last and I'll do whatever it takes to squeeze myself into his PNW visits. Who could resist those eyes?

Mr. Max, I hope it's not another year before I get to see you again. I can't possibly imagine what you'll be into by then! (And how many hearts you will have broken....)

Read more...

Savoring: flight

When we are lucky enough to have the whole family home at the same time it gets a little wild.

Lia enjoys a good airplane ride. She's not much of a laugh-er, but when her smile takes over her face, you know she's about ready to burst from happiness.

And Bella? Well you'll just have to imagine the peals of laughter.

These images make my heart sing and I feel so lucky to have them. Maybe someday they will decorate my hallway.

P.S. That's Lia's hand grabbing my lens in every shot of Bella. She's quite the go-getter.

Read more...

savoring: a picnic

Right now I'm savoring the bits of sunshine we had last week. Winter weather here is very gray, so much so that Bella shouts Look, it's sunny! when the cloud cover this out a bit. This was a day so bright that she kept squinting, saying, It's too sparkly today.

So, we ran outside for a sunny little picnic. (We do things like that since you never know how long it will last.)

Lia has apparently gotten over her fear of leaves and Bella enjoyed the grass (So squishy!), chatted with a spider, and took delight in an optimistic winter dandelion.

Whatever strikes your interest this week, I hope you'll take time to savor it (and come back to share!)

Read more...

Holiday Fun

Okay, I know. You thought the holidays were long gone. But I've been waiting forever (so it seems!) to post this adorable session.

I met this amazing family earlier in the year (last year!) and just in the course of getting to know one another, we realized that we already had mutual friends. It is a very small world, and Facebook definitely makes it seem smaller.

This is my kind of fun, cold and all. Going out where we can run around, play with rocks and make memories. We met up at Enchanted Winds Tree Farm and I just followed Brin around until they picked a tree! I can certainly see how cutting down your own Christmas tree could become a favorite holiday tradition.

There was the lightest dusting of snow that day, just enough to add that holiday feel. (Ok, snowbirds, stop laughing. I get my snow fix where I can, even in a flake or two.)

Brin is such a free spirit and I could have run around exploring with her all afternoon. Her parents embrace her independence and this family is completely in love.

And what girl doesn't need a bit of snuggle time with Papa?

Teresa, Mike and Brin, I cannot wait to see what lies in store for you this year. Two is a year of adventure, no doubt!

Read more...

Savoring: The Mess

Once upon a time I had one child and lots of time to write. Lately it's all I can do to keep up with the girls' monthly letters. Whenever I get pulled under by life, I take a moment to appreciate the wonderful little things that make life a bit more worthwhile.

Hence, my savoring posts.

Every time I have walked down my hallway this week I have tripped or stepped on a squeaky toy or stubbed my toe. Why?

Bella has set up a restaurant and invited all her stuffies. They are drinking coffee, eating ice cream and cookies, and then being put to bed. My pillow had no less that 3 friends already occupying it when I headed to bed last night.

And when we had real friends over, the oldest showed Bella how to make ice cream. You microwave it, of course! And then it goes in the freezer to stay cold.

I'm savoring the beginning of this make believe world, remembering bit by bit the hours upon hours of my childhood spent there. How is it that I had already forgotten most of it until now?

Read more...

Welcome to 2011!

And...... we're back.

What a busy month December was! My parents came to visit and soak up the craziness that is life with two little kids (but didn't get too wet since they wisely slept elsewhere).

Since they left I have been playing around with my camera, trying to get into the groove of the new year!

Let's just say that I'm loving this 80mm 1.4 lens. And Bella in red with rosy cheeks straight out of a nap.

That's all for now as I have cards to write and photos to edit - I hope your New Year is going spectacularly!

P.S. I think it's about time for another class - how many people got awesome new cameras this holiday?!

Read more...

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree*

So we continue our little How-To series with How to Decorate a Christmas Tree*

*when you are two

First, find your shiniest ormanenns.

Begin by placing each ornament on the tree at shoulder height.

This will create an even, orderly garlandesque appearance.

Indulge the adults when they insist the decorations be spaced out along the height of the tree. (It makes them feel better about themselves.)

When you find a good sturdy branch, use it for all it's worth.

And don't forget, ornaments can hold their friends, too!

Most importantly, do not forget to admire your masterpiece with giddy (maniacal) laughter.

Read more...