Well, we had hoped that we’d be able to spend some time outside for his newborn photo session, but that day happened to be rather cloudy and drizzly and somewhat chilly. We opted for spending time cuddling up indoors and it worked out beautifully (love the dramatic and moody lighting that helped create). But lo and behold, it warmed up a little and the rain paused and we took a short little walk down to the dock outside. I honestly had never even been to this part of town before…never even knew it existed…and I tell you, if I lived there, I would never leave. Also, if I had two adorable baby boys like this beautiful mama, I probably would never leave either. Especially if I could do THIS all day…

Thank you again, to my dear friend Leah for trusting me to take care of your friends while you (we?) anxiously await the arrival of your new little one ;-).

That little baby boy was just as perfect as he could be! Laid back, easy going, didn’t make a fuss. His big brother, on the other hand, is super duper fast and you gotta be quick to keep up with him. The best part of this session was right after we had finished up with all of the family pics and began to work on baby bro’s individual shots. Big brother didn’t want much to do with the shoot up until that point, funny enough, but when he saw his little brother getting all of the attention:

It was actually pretty sweet because when he decided he was ready, he motioned for us to put the baby in his arms. Precious! Just precious! Baby brother’s reaction to all of this fuss can be found HERE ;-).

Each of these families will receive a FREE Pinkle Toes photo session! Congrats to these families and thank you to everyone who participated and voted. I love looking at how these come together year after year. (In no particular order, these are the winners from the popular vote, judge’s choice, and random drawing).

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:

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].

She arrived just in time for the holidays and I would say it’s fairly obvious that she is adored by all in her family. I can see sooooo much of her big brother in her! (Maternity session HERE and my personal fav from the newborn 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!

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.