Baby Brandski Has Arrived

You may recall, a few months ago when I took maternity photos for the "Brandskis" (If not, this link will jog your memory). The name is in quotes because it's a mix of their two last names. A little Brangelina if you will.

In April, little baby Brandski (Will) was welcomed into the world. Such a handsome boy. I took these photos when Will was just 4 and half weeks old.

I always love these photos of baby in their crib, because they grow so fast, it's fun to see how small they used to be.

And I LOVE LOVE LOVE these of mama and baby. Laurie made such a beautiful pregnant woman, and what and incredible mom she has morphed into. Seriously, she's a natural.

Will has the best room for a nursery. There's a great door that leads onto a big balcony. Perfect for opening the door and rocking baby boy to sleep with a nice breeze ...and some rockin' gospel on Sunday mornings.

One of the great things about doing photography with newborns is that they don't tend to care or even notice a camera in their face. On the flip side, as a photographer, we are at the mercy of the baby. ...but, that sometimes leads to some of my favorite photos.

I've noticed that dads tend to be very nervous the first few weeks of being a dad (understandably so), but it was amazing to watch Mike rock and soothe a cranky Will. He definitely had the magic, calming touch.

Trying so hard not fall asleep.

During the maternity shoot, we took some shots in front of a great window in mom and dad's room.  We wanted to get something similar with little William. It's hard to believe a full baby was in that tummy just a few weeks before.

Thanks again Mike and Laurie (and Will) for bringing me in to capture such a momentous occasion. You have a BEAUTIFUL family, and I can't wait to see how it keeps growing in the years to come.

Until next time...

Welcome to the World Arlo Erickson!

Remember about a month ago when I showed you all my BFF's super cute pregnant belly photos? Well, as most pregnant ladies tend to do, Brooke had her sweet little son just a little over three weeks ago. I'd like to introduce you all to the very handsome Arlo Erickson!

Isn't he just the cutest?! Brooke and Luke are our first really close friends (that we live near) to have a baby. It's so much fun to see him and be around him during the first couple weeks of his life. Ten years from now, I'll be able to be that annoying aunt/friend that can say "I was there on the day you were born!" while he just rolls his eyes and thinks "She says this all the time! Can I just have my birthday present?" Now I know why all my parents friends would always say "I remember when you were this big..." My how the tables have turned.

I need to start honing in my trailing off... Back to little Arlo. These photos were taken when he was only a week old. Look at all that hair!

I love this photo of Brooke and Arlo (below). I like to call Brooke "Martha" because she is just so good at everything. Her food is always the best. Her house and yard are incredible, and have you seen her nursery (if not, you can check it out here)? Being a new mom fits her so well too. He may not know it yet, but this guy is one lucky kid because he has an incredible mom.

I love this photo too ( I mean I love them all, but especially this one). You can see where he gets all that hair.

And the best part of a newborn are all the little details ...and yawns ...and squirms ...and the smell (most of the time).

We were only able to get a few pictures of Olive and Arlo. Olive was a little nervous around Arlo, which is probably a good thing. It was funny though because she wanted to be in the room, but would keep a wary eye on what he was doing.

What a perfect little face and a perfect little addition to the Erickson family. Thanks Brooke and Luke for letting me in to capture this amazing moment in your life. And also for letting me hold him and snuggle him up, but then give him back when he starts crying. :)

I'm sure I will have some follow-up for you guys from month to month and year to year. I can't help but photograph such a handsome face.

Until next time...

Baby Gracie

Remember the O'Neal family from a few months ago? If you'd like a little reminder, you can look back at their maternity pictures here. As you may have expected, cute little baby Gracie was born soon after that shoot with ten perfect little finger and ten perfect little toes.

When Gracie was just about a month old, I got the opportunity to go back and snap some more photos of baby G and the new parents. Look at that sweet little face!

I've known Andrew and Nikki for almost eight years now. I've been with them both for many a crazy college nights, and this is the first time that I've seen Andrew with such a kind, gentle hand. Being a dad suites him well.

And oh my gosh, Nikki is such a great new mama. Whenever Gracie would get a little fussy, Nikki would pick her up and she would calm right down again. Like mommy magic.

And look at those little baby fingers and toes. She's so precious. 

And to top it all off... a little Blue Steel for ya! She's born to be a model.

I love this family and their newest addition. I can't wait to see her grow through the years.

Until next time...

Seeing Double

Just kidding, no need to sprint off to the eye doctor. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to do my first twin babies photoshoot. If you thought one baby was cute, you are going to get twice as excited now. Double the baby cuteness is about to ensue!

Lindsey and John invited me over to their house to get some shots of the kids and the family! They have their hands full with two newborns and two very sweet (and energetic) dogs, but they make it work, and their family is so great!

Lucy and Henry were so adorable I had a hard time keeping my pinching fingers off those cute little cheeks. Don't you just want to go through the screen and pinch them yourself?

Lucy was such a daddy's girl. She just kept staring at him then smiling. So adorable!

I cannot get over how cute this family is. I mean seriously! I just kept clickin' my shutter away while they kept giving me one cute Christmas card pose after another!

We had to try hard to make this shot, but we got it. No broken baby bones in the process...

Such a SWEET little face!

...and so handsome!

Now that we are officially fb friends, I can't wait to see photos of these two as they grow up. I can just picture them being the best of friends when they are cute little toddlers.

And by the end of the shoot, after just a little fussing, they both drifted off to sleep.

Thanks again Mackey family! I had such a great time, and I completely adore your beautiful family!

Until next time...