This little cutie pie was so petite, so striking that I swear she didn't even look real sometimes. She has such a powerful little personality in that tiny body and she will melt your heart when she waves to you. Mom and dad, I'm seriously concerned for you all in about 15 years ;-). 

Today....

When I realized a few days ago that I wanted to recreate this image for this wonderful mommy, I never believed that it might actually happen. The chances of getting a newborn perfectly posed + his toddler brother to even want to be in the same room + mom actually still having that beautiful skirt were pretty slim. But it worked. First try. It was a gooooooood day. I'm still in shock ;-).

She is very much herself. She expresses her artistic side through her outfits and accessories. I imaging she was a lot of fun growing up, mom ;-).

Now she's getting ready to graduate high school and start a new chapter in life. It makes me equally happy and melancholy for both her and her mom. I remember how incredibly exciting this time in my own life was, but I also can't begin to fathom getting to this point with my own children.

We managed to find a LOT of color in the most unlikely places this evening. Tired of going to the same places, I decided we should explore an area I hadn't been to in years. It was fun to see it through fresh eyes!

In true Austin fashion, there was some event going on at the park when we met for our photo session that day. Parking...oh lovely parking. Well, let's just say it wasn't easy to snag a spot. But we pushed forward--all the way forward to the really, REALLY LOUD live music that happened to be there. We were shouting at each other to try and communicate. It was rather comical. But again, they pushed on through and managed to keep a great sense of humor. The pics of mom and her cubs...oh my...

Growing up with my clients is a privilege I cherish. It's like I have the largest extended family on the planet and I get to be there to celebrate the biggest milestones and the happiest moments in so many people's lives. 

This particular session was very special to them and to me. It's marking the time as a family of three, how they've settled in so nicely into parenthood, this little beauty with her joy and spirit, and how--in just a few months--they will add one more to their nest.

The weather was incredible and the light fell perfectly on them no matter where they were. Everywhere we explored, we found beautiful little nooks to help them tell their family story. This gazebo was breathtaking, covered in every inch by jasmine in full bloom. We could smell it before we even turned the corner to spot it. It was like a fairytale unfolding before us.

I had *just* finished watching The Tree of Life a few days before their session. Even if I didn't fully understand the movie, I was completely inspired by the memory-like progression of the film...those little snippets flashing on screen making even the smallest moments seem significant. It greatly influenced my approach to their session and the ones I've had since. I need to watch it again.

And then, as if we needed icing on this cake, we stopped by this wildflower field on our way home for some signature Pinkle Toes Texas wildflower images ;-). Seriously, it was if we could do no wrong this afternoon.

I'm so happy we got to do this session before baby #2 arrives and I'm very much looking forward to see how baby girl up here embraces her new role as Big Sister!