I CANNOT believe it’s been a YEAR since this little girl was born!

BUT FIRST – the brothers!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT SHOT! Perfectly real-life!

OH MY WORD!

That brother of hers – he is SO excited about ALL THE THINGS! His excitement is contagious!

TIME FOR CAKE!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that little hand sneaking in to grab some icing!

SHE LOVED IT!

*N* had to show me his collection of GOLD! He caught a leprechaun – but it escaped!

And giants! ALL THE GIANTS! ALL THE BEANSTALKS!

When I got home and picked out my favorites – I realized that I didn’t have too many – hardly a handful of little *C* alone!

And it was HER birthday session after all!

SO – I met up with her a week later!

LOOK AT THOSE EYES!

And because life with a BRAND NEW ONE-YEAR OLD – is LIFE ON THE RUN!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for asking me to capture your first year as a family of FIVE!

I hope to see you all again soon!

ISN’T HE DARLING!

This is my FAVORITE way to photograph – just a bystander – capturing life EXACTLY as it is!

Those little hands. Shadows. Legos. Childhood.

I cannot tell you how much FUN was had by this girl and that gift!

OH MY HEART!

Do you see his concentration on that ice cream!

Stephanie – spending time with you and your family is always LOVELY!

Thank you so much for asking me to come capture your little-big guy’s party!

People often say – OH – I wish I could have you take pictures – but it’s a big expense.

I will agree with you – it is a big expense! And one that you will NOT regret!

ESPECIALLY when it comes to birthday parties! When you have a baby (or in this case – TWO) – most likely – you DREAM about their first birthday party! And chances are – that you are so focused on every little perfect detail and capturing their faces – that you miss out on really truly enjoying the event!

Here’s where I come in – ask me to come capture their birthday party. You can relax. Sit back. Instead of being on the other side (behind the camera) you can actually enjoy WITH THEM. And – AND BE IN THE PICTURES!

I was so excited when Andrea asked me to take pictures of their little guys turning ONE! Almost a year ago NOW!

ADORABLE!

I just LOVE those shots!

OH BOY!

You probably know by now – I LOVE CHUBBY BABIES! LOOK AT HIS CHEEKS!

Andrea & Kyle – thank you SO much for asking me to come capture their birthday! It was great knowing that you could just sit back and relax and enjoy the day and those sweet boys!

I can’t WAIT to see you all again!

Aszur and I met – oh my word – before I was pregnant with Fitzy – so I think in 2009!? Is that right Aszur? That seems way too long!

She had her third child 6 weeks after I had my first – and she let me photograph that experience! My first one!

She was starting out with photography and we clicked and became fast friends!

They built their dream home. The five of them. Aszur and the boys. And while I remember her saying that she was pretty sure they were a 3 kiddo family – she always just had this longing in her eyes. In her heart. She’s a great momma. An inspiring wife. And so they took a chance. And asked God if they were done. Or not. They were not. And MUCH to her surprise – a girl!

GORGEOUS!!!!!

That little guy! What a ham!

OH MY HEART! I LOVE THOSE SHOTS!

Aszur – you are such a beautiful soul! I am so thankful that we met!

And while we don’ see each other on a regular basis – it doesn’t matter. There is still love and friendship when we do!

You won’t want to miss her HOME birth! That will be featured in a few weeks!

Fitzy wanted to have a HUGE birthday party for his 5th birthday – so we said – YES!

We invited his preschool friends along with our usual family and friends – because we have a BIG fenced-in backyard!

AND. It rained. SO – we stayed inside. Now – our house is big enough – but it was CRAZY that day!

My sister – she’s AMAZING!

Fitzy specifically requested STAR WARS cookies! And she delivered!

SO MANY PEOPLE!

Little Fitzy – you are such a sweet heart! It’s so bittersweet watching you grow up – but you are becoming such an amazing little person!

WE LOVE YOU!

I LOVE being involved in your lives – engagement to wedding. Watching your families grow and those babies hitting milestones!

Autumn is a fellow photog and a fantastic momma! I’ve had the honor of photographing their life together!

Autumn and her mom made all the treats – mega talent – and SO YUMMY!

Isn’t he just SO SQUISHY! OH MY WORD!

I just LOVE that shot!!

He was LOVING that cake!

OH MY!!! He’s just SO SWEET!

I LOVE that last shot – the ones I live for capturing!

Autumn & Ryan – thank you so much for asking me to photograph your little man’s birthday party!

I cannot WAIT to see you in the fall!

I met Dan last year when he did my first color tattoo!

I’ve gotten to know his wife too – hanging out and talking pictures and babies and life!!

They are awesome people and FANTASTIC parents!

Their little guy *C* celebrated his FIRST birthday earlier this year!

ADORABLE!

SERIOUSLY!

My FAVORITE shots!

And those ones! Such a sweet moment!

He wasn’t too interested in the cake!

Dan & Kaitlyn – thank you SO much for asking me to capture this time in your life!

I was SO excited when Liz’s mom asked me to come to her SIXTEENTH birthday party!

Thanks SO much for asking me to come snap some shots for you! Have a GREAT YEAR!!

We had a joint party for Enoch & Jack at my parents – so my friend Missy and I decided to have a joint party for our boys at the local Y!

It’s a struggle to put down the camera and enjoy the moments – but I make sure to do it!!

A dairy-free puppy cake – THE BEST!

Enoch & Aiden – we love you boys SO VERY MUCH!

My nephew turned 1 right after Christmas – and Enoch’s birthday is mid-November – so we had a joint party around Thanksgiving!

THOSE CURLS! I will NEVER cut his hair!

Jack did NOT enjoy our singing and clapping! Poor guy!

GORGEOUS!!

He calmed down a little after some snuggling and nursing!

Jack & Enoch – you are so loved! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BOYS!