There’s really nothing quite like the expectation of a new baby.

And as a mama, no one can quite prepare you for how you begin to feel about the little creature in your belly.

Excitement, exhaustion, and just plain old anxiety start to feel like old friends because they show up day after day.

And while everyone can see your belly expand and the baby grow… it’s somehow still deeply intimate and personal.

We really are capable of incredible things.

Crystalyn, it’s true - pregnant women really do beam… and you are no exception! Thanks so much for allowing me the immense privilege of photographing your little family. I can’t wait to see baby Ellis!!

One of my favorite parts of photographing families is working with the little kids.

Adults are great (don’t get me wrong), but kids have no filter.

They don’t like you? They’ll tell you right away.

They think you’re silly or scary or safe? You’ll know pretty quickly.

Kids don’t act or think or operate like adults. (Captain Obvious over here)

But that means I get to pull out all my tricks. Making up the silliest questions, pondering the most outrageous scenarios, and doing the weirdest dances.

Usually the kids end up being just that - kids. But somewhere hidden in those hundreds of photos I take are the genuine, in-between, unexpectedly pure, little faces.

And those are my favorites.

Jared and Amanda, thank you so much for choosing me year after year! It has been so lovely to watch Gus grow up over the last several years and I’m in love with what a sweet little man he is. Much love to your little family! :)