Okay, Lauren. Now call me and tell me what you think! xoxo

This adorable little blue-eyed cherub looks so much like her mama it blows me away. The older she gets, the more she looks like Chrislyn. I love seeing family resemblances. My own daughter looks nothing like me but so much like my mother-in-law’s mom and brothers. It’s so endearing to see features replicated over and over in families. I don’t know why that makes me happy, but it does. My son is sometimes a miniature replica of my dad, except with blond hair instead of brown. Sometimes just the way my boy looks at me freaks me out because it feels like my dad as a baby is staring me down. Anyway, Chrislyn is clearly a gorgeous momma, so Holland is a lucky baby.

Making faces in the mirror! I love how Holland is look straight at me in the one above. She was very intrigued by my camera.

Daddy Jason was the best man in our wedding, my husband’s awesome friend from college. One of my personal goals for 2012 is to help my hubby find more time to hang out with Jason. As time passes and things get busier and busier with the kids, James and I often don’t get many one-on-one moments with our closest friends. I know James cherishes his friendship with Jason (in a manly way, of course) and I’d like to help them find more time to do manly things together again (you know, like play video games, have some beers … and whatever else they do). Chrislyn, I hope to see you more often this year too! I always have so much fun talking to you and sharing recipes and crafty ideas together! Flashback! Here’s one of the staircase images we did when Chrislyn was still pregnant with their little girl.

Holland let us know when the session was over. Jason & Chrislyn, thank you for being our friends. Thanks for blessing us over the years with laughter, great food, beautiful handmade gifts (Chrislyn) and awesome conversation. We hope for many more get-togethers between our two families in 2012! ♥

I seriously think Maranda had to have practiced her facial expressions in the mirror because she had the perfect “looks” every time (she was just a natural, I’m sure she didn’t actually practice in the mirror … I’m the only dork who does that). And the breeze was really workin’ it for us that day, too. I’m so excited to give these pictures to Maranda. She’s the type of mom who has dreamed about having a baby forever. She blogged about her pregnancy and captured every little detail so she’d never forget what it felt like to have a little person grow inside of her. You could just see the joy in her eyes every time you talked to her about her little guy. She cherished every single moment of her pregnancy and shared the details with all of us who followed her blog.

Don’t worry. No moms or baby bellies were harmed in the creation of these middle-of-the-road photographs. Josh was looking out for cars and cyclists. I am a sucker for middle-of-the-road shots. I don’t know what it is about them. Maybe it’s the visual of the long road ahead (or behind) that a beautiful journey is just beginning? I love ‘em and I’m glad my client mommies are up for these types of pictures.

We brought along the balloons from Maranda’s baby shower and used them in a few frames.

Maranda, her family and Josh all love to go hunting. I love that she wore this camouflage-type shirt for the latter part of the session. I can totally picture Maranda’s blog post about her son’s first hunting adventure (several years down the road, hopefully). Maranda, thank you for letting me take your pictures! It has been a joy watching you grow into motherhood. Your energy and passion for mothering is refreshing and I’m so happy for you three. I just wish we got to see you all more often! xoxo

After a long night and eventful morning, precious little Noelle was born on June 30, 2011.

Thank you, Phu and Samantha. It has been a privilege getting to photograph such special moments in your life together!