Watching the 'W' Family Grow | Washington, D.C. Baby, Child, Family Photographer

I'm always amazed at how much a family can change in the span of a year or two. The last time I saw the 'W' family, they had one baby who had just turned 6 months old. Fast forward 2 years and that baby is now a big sister. And the new baby in the family isn't even that little anymore. She just celebrated her 1st birthday and is running at full speed! So cute to see this tiny person moving around so quickly and so independently. She's also very friendly. She gave me a cheery greeting when I arrived and kept climbing into my lap for snuggles by the end of our session - perks of the job! =)

Thank you to the 'W' family for welcoming me into your lovely home and for allowing me to spend time with you. I loved watching your tender and loving interactions with your adorable girls. You are a beautiful family.

Here is a sneak peak from our session:

     

Marvelous 'M' on the Move | Washington, D.C. Baby Photographer

When I photographed baby 'M' back in the fall, she was sitting pretty at 8 months old. Fast forward to her 1yr-old portraits, and she is very much on the move. I had a great time following her around the house, trying to capture her with her favorite things. She is such a super sweet and pleasant baby and has the most adorable open-mouth-smile-with-tongue-hanging-out. So stinkin' cute!

Happy 1st Birthday, Baby 'M'!

Here is a sneak peak from our session:

     

             

"Move Over Big Sis, I'm Here To Stay" | Washington, D.C. Baby Photographer

Born less than two years after her strong-willed, high-energy big sister, Baby 'M' must have known that she needed a dramatic entrance to get her time in the limelight. She entered this world at near record speed, catching her family completely off guard. What a way to get their attention!

I was thrilled and honored when her parents asked me to photo-document her first year, like I had done with their first child. I applaud their efforts to try to get as many photos of the second child as the first. I totally understand that challenge - been there myself! 

At nearly four months old, Baby 'M' is a gentle and happy baby. Of course, nothing makes her smile more than snuggles with mom or dad. I did catch a few exciting glimpses of sweet sisterly affection in-between the comings and goings of the very active two-year-old.

Thank you so much to the lovely 'F' Family for giving me the wonderful opportunity to be part of and to document this exciting journey. I look forward to seeing them again in a few months to see how much both girls have grown and developed.

Here is a sneak peak from our session:

Happy Holidays with the 'S' Family | Washington, DC Baby, Family Photographer

I met the lovely 'S' Family a couple days before Christmas, while their relatives from Germany were in town to celebrate the holidays and their first grandchild's 6 month birthday. The little boy is one lucky fellow, as he is showered with SO much love from all directions. And he reciprocates with such adorable smiles, giggles, and cuddles - you would never guess that his relatives lived thousands of miles away and don't get to see him very often. He definitely had a sweet relationship with his grandmother who had a special knack for making him laugh.

Thank you to not only the 'S' Family, but also to all of the wonderful families that I had the honor of working with this year. I am grateful to each and every one of you, for allowing me to capture such special moments in your lives. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Here is a sneak peak from my last session of 2012:

A Sunny Sunday with the 'S' Family | Washington, DC Child and Family Photographer

I met the lovely and beautiful 'S' family on a cool, brisk November afternoon. Despite the falling temps, the little girl was a such a cheerful and smiley doll, just a darling. Meanwhile, big brother was impressively outgoing, friendly, and articulate. Immediately upon meeting me, he had so much to tell me about his new preschool, Halloween, and Transformers - all very important topics for a little boy. Now I know why his grandmother takes so many pictures of him - a beautiful child, so photogenic and a joy to work with.

Thank you 'S' family for braving the cold and time change to come out and play with me!

Here is a sneak peak from our session:

"Catch Me if You Can" | Washington, DC Baby and Family Photographer

Not every kid sits and smiles on command. If they did, my work would be pretty dull and boring. Instead, it's the chase that keeps things challenging and interesting. Like with this darling 18-month-old, who I photographed several times during her first year when she was barely mobile. Not only is she walking and talking now, but she's running away, far away, at top speed. With a fiery spirit, she definitely dictated where we went and what we did during our time together. Kids like her remind me that the session is all about them, and all I can do is follow their lead and enjoy the ride.

Here is a sneak peak from our session:

More than just about a pretty face | Alexandria, VA Baby Photographer

     

Third Time's a Charm | Arlington, VA Baby and Family Photographer

I was excited to return to the home of the 'N' family to take portraits of their newly expanded family. I had taken photos of them two years ago when their first daughter was only a few months old. She is now an adorable, strong-willed 2 1/2yr old who sports the cutest pigtails ever. I've known big brother since he was about a year old, just as he was learning to walk. Crazy to think that he'll be starting kindergarten in a couple months - how time flies! Always a sweet boy, he's wonderfully gentle and loving with his new baby sister, and enjoyed being "helpful" to me by dancing around to make his other sister laugh. 

We had originally scheduled the session for several weeks ago when the baby was 5 weeks old, but the derecho hit the night before, turning our lives upside down for a few days. Needless to say, we had to reschedule. But that extra time gave super petite baby 'C' some time to grow into her newborn sized clothes and become a little more alert. But then when time finally came for her portraits, she wasn't at all in a modeling mood, and I had to return a couple days later for another try. Patience and persistence paid off, as she was finally ready for her closeups during our third session attempt. And my kids were more than happy to come along with me to have a playdate with the older kids, so it all worked out for the best. 

Huge congratulations to the 'N' family on their beautiful baby girl! I look forward to watching her grow up alongside her wonderful siblings.

Here is a sneak peak from our session:

Healthy, Happy, and Hopeful for a Bright Future | Washington, DC Baby and Family Photographer

The half way point of a baby's first year is always an important milestone to celebrate. But for the 'W' family, they are especially thankful, as their baby girl was born with health issues which made her infancy extra complicated and nerve-wracking. But now that she's a bit older, Baby 'C' is finally thriving and is blossoming into a sweet, happy, and healthy baby. 

I had the privilege of meeting them at the Bishop's Gardens at the Washington National Cathedral. Last fall, a large crane had fallen and damaged part of the garden wall and arches, and adjacent plants and shrubs. Although restoration and repairs are underway, the gardens are still open to visitors as there are plenty of other areas which are quite lovely and definitely worth a visit. 

From the start of our session, Baby 'C' was smiley and a joy to work with. But what really made her light up and laugh was interactions with her daddy - so sweet. She is also a super steady sitter and never fussed about where we placed her, which made for an even more fun and creative time together. And her parents were wonderfully flexible and open to my ideas.

Wishing Baby 'C' a very happy half-birthday!!! You and your family have a lot to celebrate. Thank you again for the opportunity to capture such a positive and hopeful time in your lives. Best wishes to you all!

Here is a sneak peak from our session: