I loved the deep, rich, bold colors of his session. I loved the relaxed nature of his parents. I love that he had that relaxed nature, too. *These* are the kind of newborn sessions that make me wish I had hired a newborn photographer for all of my babies.

I love that it was such a contrast to the misty, wintry feel of her maternity pictures:

[Though it seems like forever ago in looking at the newborn pictures, I vividly remember the day she came out to the studio for her maternity session...it was so grey and cold outside...I swear it could have snowed. When she showed up in the grey sweater dress, I thought it suited the mood and showed off her beautiful belly so perfectly!]

When I crested the hilly road on my way to their home, the sun was just barely peeking over the mountains. Okay...there aren't really any mountains here in Austin, but I was speechless as the fog rolled in over the hills and the sun cast a golden glow in the valley. I knocked on the door and said, "We've got about 10 minutes left before we lose this golden opportunity...do you think we can make it out to the hills in time?" They sure did their best to rush out of the house and oh, I was so excited to catch that beautiful "mountain" view!

As the morning progressed, the scenes were just as beautiful. Their home glowed with sunshine and love. Don't those children have the most compelling eyes?! I love that they're almost the same ages/genders as my own kiddos and it's wonderful to see those big brothers dote on their sweet baby sister. They love her fiercely ;-)

- It was cold. Really cold. They were brave. Especially their mama in that cute little dress.

- Her boys are used to being in front of the camera (mom's a photog) and they made it much too easy for me.

- Her and her boys are beautiful beyond words.

I know photographers pray to have sleepy newborns at photo sessions, but this was a bit much. We tried everything we could to get this little snuggle bug to wake up for at least a few images for his photographic debut, but he would not oblige. He was just too content...

I have to say, I feel pretty special that I'm often one of the first people to know when my clients are expecting. Quite literally the day of the first session I had with her beautiful family, she whispered to me that she might be needing me again this past November. And sure enough, we did and he was a delight!

I first spoke of my friend Michelle (my sister in Virgo-hood) several years ago on my blog. I have longed for the opportunity to do something for her and I was thrilled when I finally got the chance to photograph her stunning family. She and the rest of the Heartsong family have given me and my kiddos and many, many other families in the Austin area the precious gift of music...together (did you see her on the news???).  It is a gift which has extended beyond the classroom at Heartsong for me and has even allowed my mother and I the opportunity to sing together in the Women of Heartsong Choir. I am eternally grateful for that.

Michelle was gifted with not only a beautiful voice and the talent to play the guitar (did you ever hear her song, "Welcome Baby" featured on this birth slideshow?), but she is magical when it comes to working with children...and their parents. Not surprisingly...she is also magical when it comes to her own family. It was a beautiful evening and I hope you love these images as much as I do, Michelle.