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!!

The secret to precious photos?

Embracing the silliness.

Encouraging the crazy faces.

Saying yes when your son picks you up and swings you around.

Keeping in mind that your child’s “perfect smiling” face is just one version of how they can look lovely… and there are so many more.

Celebrating the stage that your child is in - the awkward, the goofy, the refusing-to-cooperate, the hates-photos-with-a-passion stage.

And loving them because of it all.

Amanda, you and your children are just breathtaking. (Not just because it was so cold!) I’m so so thankful that we could work together again, and LOVED hanging out with your precious babies. Much love to you!!