Bless his little heart, mom had brought him the most beautiful set of balloons to use on his session. I ADORED the colors and they just complimented his bubbly personality so well. But…helium floats. And right in the middle of doing those awesome shots of the whole family walking up the hill, we lost our beloved balloons. Fortunately for all of us, it was probably only me who was the most heartbroken, but I did not cry ;-). Little man, instead, was happiest when he had a cup full of Cheerios. You can see in most of the images toward the end, his little chipmunk cheeks were stuffed full. He was irresistibly cute!!! (Another fun shot HERE).

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:

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.

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}

Here’s why Weight Watchers has been so easy for me: toddlers ;-). Seriously, the last time we were together, they weren’t nearly so speedy. This session totally reminded me of my days chasing after my older boys when they were this age (19 mos apart). It’s like oil and water…you set them down and they repel and go in opposite directions, LOL. So, I’d like to thank these beauties for keeping me on my toes and earning me those extra activity points. And again, what is it with kids and being upside down that makes them so gleefully happy??? Go figure.

I am SO excited to have partnered up with Gro Boutique to bring back the 2nd Annual Pinkle Toes Holiday Mini Sessions! This year’s theme is Candy Land and I’ve been working day and night to pull together this magical, sweet set. The *only* way to score one of these FREE exclusive kids-only mini sessions is by booking a full session for 2013. I just announced these a few days ago and the openings are already more than half full, so don’t wait around.  And yes, if you bring in an unwrapped toy/gift to your mini, you’ll receive a special surprise ;-0. Please contact me ASAP to get the full details.