Normally, when it comes to black and white versus color… and I’m a huge fan of color photos!

But for newborn photos… there’s just something pure and lovely about newborns that can only be conveyed through the lens of black and white.

The snuggles and smells and squishiness of this new little creature are instantly captivating and the whole world seems to slow down to a crawl.

And as a mom, having a baby is like meeting your absolute FAVORITE person… for the very first time.

It’s a mix of beauty and pain, tears and laughter, and far less poetic things (but VERY normal things) like poop and milk and blood and sweat.

Glamorous and mundane. This is parenthood.

You guys. I can’t even begin to tell you how incredibly happy I am for you!! Your little man is the sweetest and watching you parent him melts my heart. I can’t wait for him to grow up with ALL of your love! XOXO

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!!