I feel very fortunate that this family moved to Austin not so long ago. I got to document big brother when he was just 9 months old and then at one year. And now, I had the honor of meeting his sweet baby sister (whose name I ADORE). I love watching families who love one another. Everyone is relaxed and happy and content and it’s evident in each of their photo sessions. And Calla fits in so perfectly. Couple more fav’s HERE and HERE.

Just after Christmas, we managed to squeeze in a few maternity pictures out here at the studio. It actually wasn’t as cold as it looked that day, but mama’s accessories totally inspired the wintry feel of this photo session:

We had decided on a particular location for their photo session, but I was yearning to try something new. I’ve been so tired of the dull, lifeless, brown grass thanks to the cold temps and drought conditions. We needed life. We needed color. And so I asked the kind folks at Green ‘n Growing if they would allow us to come in for a few to shoot in their store. They could not have been more kind and accommodating and the greenhouse and plant life were so very beautiful. It’s actually one of my eldest’s favorite garden stores (when he’s shopping for plants and trees to attract butterflies). Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

But, I owe most of this to a beautiful family willing to try something new ;-). That little girl couldn’t have been more joyful and more pleasant to work with. She absolutely sparkles and it’s quite obvious that her parents are enamored with her, too. The bubble pics were my fav, of course. In fact, there’s another one posted HERE if you want to see.

Look at little miss’ pinkies in most of these pics. Everything she did was just so delicate and lady-like, and just so. I have about a bazillion more pics of her with that little pinky sticking out. She just makes you want to take a big sigh because all is right with the world. She is a beautiful, perfect addition to her little family. Two other favs shown HERE and HERE.

I don’t think I ever got a chance to blog her mommy and daddy’s maternity session from last year, either:

This was my first official photo session of 2013 and I must say, I think we kicked this year off just right. This little guy was a complete angel and watching how easily he has fit into his family was such a blessing. Truthfully, I didn’t want to leave that morning. He was so snuggly and adorable! And the bubble chair? TDF. I definitely need one of those in my house STAT! [My personal fav from this session HERE].

I have been so anxious to finally get the chance to sit down and go through these images. I knew I would love them and indeed, I do. Here’s why:

– Because mom and I had a total connection from the second I walked in for this shoot. I would say something and it was exactly what she was thinking and vice versa.

– Because of the Avatar tree. Oh my word, that tree! The second I pulled into their driveway, I knew we had to find a way to use it. I pretty much ran into the house and told mom, “Look…we’ve got about 15 minutes left of decent light by that tree. Can we make it happen?” I really don’t know how we were able to pull together a toddler + a newborn for those shots to come to fruition, but I think I cried when we did, LOL. Mom e-mailed me a few days later and said all the leaves had fallen off that tree. Just. In. Time!

– Because I adore this family. We’ve been working together ever since big brother was first born. I will always remember the day mom called me trying to get an appointment. I had promised my husband I would take some time off and I said I couldn’t do her newborn photos. But I felt so, so bad telling her no. So we worked it out. I’ll be forever grateful I did. What an absolute joy to watch mr. man grow up and to see the arrival of a baby sister, too.

– Because she couldn’t be more perfect if she tried. Or funny, too.

– Because she let us do this.

– Because it brings me back to a reality outside what is consuming my mind right now. And it makes me smile. Big.

Thank you to this beautiful baby and her family for being so very patient while waiting for me to give you these images. Their understanding about our family situation has been so moving. This holiday season, I feel very, very blessed to know all of these wonderful people.

Oh…baby girl nailed this one. Just nailed it!

*Someone* had a birth day today ;-). I’ll give you a hint…you can’t really see him in these pics ;-). I found that to be incredibly convenient because this someone + his family happen to be the models for the in-home newborn photo session demonstration at the first January workshop! There are two–yes, only TWO–openings left for the Austin lifestyle photography workshops in 2013. I do not have any more Austin workshops on the calendar at this time, so please don’t miss out if this is something you’ve been thinking about attending. You’ll need to complete the contact form on that page to get the dates, pricing, and other details.

Meanwhile, I’ll just wait around here until I can get my hands on him for his newborn session part A in the next week or two ;-).

It wasn’t long ago when I first met them, creating one of my favorite at-home family sessions. Since then, a baby brother has been added to the mix. I love this mama for so many reasons, the biggest of which was how she greeted me at the door that day: “It is what it is,” she said. I dig that. No outlandish expectations of getting perfect family pictures with the unpredictable combo of a toddler and an infant. And when I saw the pic she chose for her family holiday photo cards? I think I squealed out loud–I can’t wait to get mine in the mail. She is the picture of grace under pressure, so laid back, and just lets her kids be. I admire that. And she has two photo sessions that show it. Her kiddos are going to appreciate having a mommy like her!

Make sure you don’t miss my fav from this session HERE!

I’ve spent a lot of time with this family and I’ve LOVED every minute of it. Getting to meet their new baby girl was no exception. I was AMAZED by how much she looked like and yet didn’t look like her big sis as a newborn. And those lips! Those chubby cheeks! They don’t come any cuter than that, I tell ya.

I’m going to be heading out to the holiday mini sessions this weekend. I’m so excited to get into the holiday spirit visiting with each of my clients, old and new. I have a handful of openings left for next weekend (this one is full), so please let me know if you’d like more info to participate.

It was several years ago when I first began working with these guys…getting to old to remember when, but I know mr. man with the glasses up there was only about 4-5 months old. I will always remember that session…how amazing his big brother and sister were with him. There were just three kiddos back then. Hmmmm…I only had two kids back then…

And when we met up last year, one more baby had been added to the broode. A family of 6.

But then…I got an e-mail earlier this year and surprise! Another baby girl had decided to join the fam! And so this fall, they were a family of 7. It was wonderful to get to see them all and to tour their new home (they designed themselves). She is probably one of the most organized, patient mommies that I know and the house radiates equal parts energy and love. I didn’t want to leave that night. So fun to be part of all the activity there.

{Fav image from this session HERE}