Cutie Carmen...

This morning I had the chance to play with our newest little baby planner, and we had a ball! She is not exactly a sleepy, curly little newborn as most of our new baby planners start out, and it was a fun change of pace.

She was smiley, talkative, and big on eye contact and cutie expressions.


She also knows she has these two wrapped around her little finger, dontcha think?
This qualifies as one of those "they made me do this" clothing choices (I think you could hear Carmen and I both saying this to ourselves)...this outfit came off of her build-a-bear. And yet...I happen to *heart* this photo...look how proud Dad is!
Welcome to the Sugar club, Miss Carmen!

When Matthew Smiles...

The whole world smiles with him!
This morning was Matthew's 4 month baby plan session. His mommy combined our 2 session "Sweet Beginnings" package (maternity and newborn) with our 3 session "Sugar and Spice" baby plan (3 sessions in the first year). This means I get to see a LOT of Matthew, and I look forward to it like crazy!

For one, his sister Caroline is the munchkin that prompted me to create a baby plan in the first place.

For another, she looks forward to seeing me as much as I look forward to seeing her. I've known her since she was just 4 months old, and there is nothing more special than seeing these sweet babies grow up, learn to sit, crawl, walk, talk, and then become big sisters and brothers to new babies.

It's a special thing, this job I have.

So anyway...Matthew.

He smiles.

A lot.

And I don't mean just with his mouth or cheeks...He smiles with his entire body. Take a look:
And here:
Admit it...you're smiling now too!
He is just a joy! And a bit of a chunk...I can't wait for his next session when we get to showcase all those rolls as he sits up like a big boy!
And when Matthew cries...he cries with his whole body too.

Nash...

Remember that cute little baby bunny from last week? That is baby Nash, resident little brother to the superstar that is Hopper, and hands-down the *easiest* newborn I've ever had the chance to photograph.

I told his mommy more than once to tell me her secret, because I have NEVER EVER worked with an easier little one.

Hopper, however, kept me on my toes. He's a fast one!

Their mommy casually mentioned that they just happen to have this gigantic shell...could we incorporate that?

This is me = Giddy.

Their silk curtains were the perfect backdrop. And again...he slept!Just to prove that Nash really does know how to cry...this is the one time that he expressed dissatisfaction.
And then he rolled over and did this:

Seriously...easiest kid. Ever.

For real this time...

This is the last session of '07. After today, there are NO MORE.

On the flip side, the kids will be home from school for approximately 2.5 weeks, starting Friday. Lord help me.

We met in the park this morning to celebrate Andrew's big first birthday. I've known Andrew for longer than that...and if you've been to our studio you've seen his gorgeous pregnant mommy. What a difference a year makes!

Happy Birthday sweet Andrew! Happy first year as a big sister Katy! Happy Christmas to all the grandparents in attendance (there were many!).

I'm saving the grandparent images until later...but for now-a sneak peek of these two babies, who absolutely ended my year on a high note.


It truly doesn't get better than this:

The LAST image of 2007. LOVE IT!

Introducing...

Ethan Edward, little brother to Alex...my last sweet newborn of 2007!

I love how Alex is looking at Ethan in this very first image from our session (literally, the first click of my shutter)...Curious? Or a hint of trepidation?



For those lucky enough to receive one of the Christmas Cards/Birth Announcements-this will grace the back. The boys' sweet mom gave me free reign in designing their card (which could stem from the fact that she thinks I'm a design genius. Or the fact that she is slowly recovering from her c-section. Who knows...) Either way-*LOVE* the laughter and happiness in this moment. And the tones...earth tones make me swoon.

Call me crazy...but I *think* he might be a thumb sucker.



How we ended our session...many nursing sessions, two poops, and one "Are we done yet?" big brother couldn't put him to sleep. But he was no match for the Miracle Blanket? Ahhhhh...bliss.