It's a BOY!!!

On Friday evening, I had the chance to meet the Alves, as well as some of their family and friends as together they celebrated the gender reveal of the littlest love coming this Fall.  Jenna, their family friend, did an incredible job planning the reveal and Jaymelynn, step sister added the sweetest little touches like the cake pop.  ( In all seriousness, I may need them for my daughter's birthday this summer)

Megan and Josh's two year old son, Cade is incredibly cute and is going to be a fabulous big brother.  And I'm not just saying that to be kind.  The little guy had no problem sharing any of his toys with all of the other kiddos.

In addition to his big brother Cade, it looks like this little love is going to be surrounded by cuteness!  Look at all of these darling faces.

 

The actual gender reveal was so well planned.  But even the best laid plans can go awry.   Cade was to open a box filled with balloons revealing if the baby is going to be a boy or girl.  At the same time all of the guests were going to spray the family with blue silly string.

During the shower of silly sting, everyone started to notice that it was a little more wet than expected.  And after a delayed response, everyone went running for cover as they noticed the sprinklers had come on.  Now, how's that for timing!  But of course it did not dampen this joyous occasion.  Congratulations to the Alves family!!!

A new twist on the standard bunny photos

While asking around about where to take pictures with the Easter Bunny, I was sent a message by the Easter Bunny herself explaining that she does private bookings for events or for personal family sessions.  The photographer in me knew I had to jump at this opportunity to get some unique photos of my own little loves with the Easter Bunny.  The mom in me decided to see if anyone else was interested in getting away from the normal (and quite boring in my opinion) mall shot.  

And today I had the privilege of photographing some adorable little loves that I know as well as meeting some darling new faces.

I must admit the morning started off with quite a bump in the road.  While I was setting up at a local park, I learned I needed a specific permit/written approval to take the photos.   I was surprised to learn this because I have seen so many photographers at this park.  And I myself have taken pictures there on several occasions.  The security guard I spoke with said I could still take the pictures there if I ditched all the props.  He appeared to be overly hesitant to give me the okay to a prop free shoot that I decided it would be much easier to change locations.   After 15-20 STRESSFUL minutes, a lot of texting, and a 2 mile drive we were back on track.  Those who know me, know I love to plan and probably plan too much so on a personal level this certainly served as a lesson on being flexible.

In looking over the photos, my heart jumped for joy at all the of shots.  While done intentionally, the variety of photographs came out even better than I had anticipated.

One thing I really enjoyed about photographing the Easter Bunny like this, is the time window allowed for the kids to play around and be themselves.  For instance, in the shot below this loveable four year old boy was balancing an egg on his head.  (A chance to goof like this would definitely not happen at the mall)

Another great bonus to taking pictures this way,  I was able to get some beautiful shots of the little loves who were not fans of the Easter Bunny.    

I was hoping we would be able to sneak the bunny in the background of one of their photos, but this was not. going. to. happen.

There is no denying I thoroughly loved being able to take Easter Bunny pictures today.  I would highly highly recommend trying those Easter Bunny or Santa photos this way at least once.  And if you weren't already convinced maybe this last little love will win you over on the idea with all his cuteness.

Baby Chase

On March 22, 2014 Chase Dean Stewart was welcomed into this world by his loving parents and big brother Troy.

This pint size perfection weighed a little under six pounds on the day I got to photograph him and I couldn't help but soak in his beautiful newborn smell and soft baby skin.  

Aside from being ridiculously cute, Big Brother Troy was so patient and helpful.  And he just adores his little brother.  I can tell these two are going to be best buds.
















Before our session began, I warned Mom that at some point her little love was certain to have an accident on one of the blankets but there was no need to worry.  (It comes with the territory.)  A few times we thought it was coming but it wasn't until he was nestled in Dad's arms that it happened.  Dad was such a trooper as we cleaned off his arm and settled right into photographs as Chase continued to dream...

It just goes to prove there is no better place for a baby to be than in Dad's or Mom's arm.  Chase showed me his gorgeous blue eyes as he lay safely cuddled in Mom's arms.

Flawless, just flawless!

My favorite thing about photographing newborns is the unexpected shot like catching a yawn











        
Or the sweet smile baby tries to hide.






And I love the expected too.  These tiny toes are precious.

There were lots of great photographs from this session but there is something about this next one that pulls on my heartstrings.  Being a mom of two little ones myself I look at this photo and see how all of life's importance can rest in the two little faces that Mom and Dad look down upon.  Life is never the same when you become a parent in simply the most amazing and unexpected way.

Thank you Stewart family for welcoming me into your home and giving me the honor of photographing your sweet family at this miraculous time in your lives.