This is the shoot that I've been waiting over a month for!! Today I'm introducing you to Elena Marie - my brand new niece! She was born on March 4th up in MN and I was able to drive up this last weekend to see her. Just like her parents and big brother, Elena has a FULL (and I mean FULL) head of dark hair and beautiful olive skin.

It's always so fun to photograph new babies - but especially when they're related to you. :) 

Elena was given a little green dress by a friend of the family, and my sister couldn't wait to use it for the photos. 

BABY FEET! 

I really couldn't get over how much hair this little princess has... it's just so pretty!

Rolls and wrinkles - isn't it funny how they're only adorable on little babies? :) 

Leo kept a close watch on his younger sister the entire time... mostly because he wanted to be in the photos too. :) 

He's pretty obsessed with kissing and holding Elena - SO cute!

My sister seriously looks amazing for having two kids in the past two years.... I hope I look that good when I have kids! :)

I can't believe these two have been married for almost 4 years now... it just seems like yesterday I photographed their wedding! I love that they keep laughing together... :)

So sweet... 

Jose is one proud papa!

So glad I could finally meet her! Congratulations, Mel and Jose! :)

Today is a a pretty awesome day to celebrate - my mother was born 60 years ago! Happy birthday, mom! :)

Now, for those of you that have never met my mother, there are a few things you need to know. Unfortunately, I don't have time for all of my favorite things about my mom, but here are just a few: 

1. She is beautiful. Let me tell you, my mom makes aging look easy. The smile wrinkles on her face? She's earned every single one. And because of my parents' incredibly healthy lifestyle, she looks absolutely radiant every single day. Someday when I have five kids and ten grandchildren, I hope I look as amazing as she does. 

2. She is resilient. When your husband is suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer, life gets REAL. Yet through all the stress, anxiety, unknowns, and what-ifs, my mom's strength and faith in God has never wavered. Her quiet spirit and inner peace has helped lead my family through some really dark times, and I'm so so thankful for her. 

3. She is a legacy. Like most women my age, the older I get the more I act like my mother! But unlike some women, I absolutely love it. When people tell me how much I look or act just like my mom, it truly is a HUGE compliment (duh - did I mention she's beautiful?). My mother is productive, compassionate, self-less, generous, protective, and so so strong! The legacy that she leaves for her children and grandchildren is a lovely one and I'm so so proud to call her my mother. 

And I know I show these photos of my parents ALL the time... but I just adore how lovely, fresh and young my mom looks. :) 

Happy 60th birthday, mom!! I hope you have such a beautiful day - love you so much! :)