It's really amazing to watch a tiny baby I've photographed grow up, but it's even more incredible to watch them become a big sibling. Cruz is officially my first newborn turned big brother. There are so many more of "my" newborns who I will get to photograph as big siblings with their littles scheduled on my calendar this year, but Cruz will forever be a first! And, Cruz's little sister, Capri, was just as amazing as he was for his session. She slept like a dream and was simply adorable in pink, white, silver, and gold. Capri, you are such a wonderful addition to your sweet family and I look forward to watching you grow as well!

This fall, okay year....,was BUSY!! I've completely neglected the blog, and don't even get me started Instagram and Pinterest (yes, I have both, follow me!). But, one of my New Year's resolution is to be better with my social media presence. I'm really going to try hard and blog all my sessions this year after each gallery viewing, so parents can share their beautiful images.

First up is Brielle and her first birthday cake smash! Here are mom and dad's favorite images and her slideshow from her hot pink and silver princess themed cake smash!

The beautiful collection of newborn products I posted on my Facebook page the other day belonged to this family. Sweet Gavin surprised everyone, making it PAST his due date, and I had the pleasure of photographing him the morning before we left for vacation. He made my job SO easy that day, curling up into all the poses, showing off his adorable rolls, sleeping straight through the 3 hour session, and even giving me a few smiles!

Admittedly I'm very bad at making time to write blog posts, but then I always feel guilty about not sharing more from each session once the gallery viewing is over. So, here is blog post #1 from a long line of newborns I'm dying to share!

Meet adorable Penelope Jay!

Today marks a milestone in Little Blooms, my official 2 years in business. What started as a side job to help contribute to our family, has blossomed into something much larger than I could have anticipated. We are thinking of moving so I can expand my studio/office or I'm looking into renting an outside space instead. So many things to consider. I'm also looking to hire an assistant or someone to help with editing, as I am feeling so guilty about having to turn down potential clients because I'm booked. All of these are AMAZING problems to have, especially after only 2 years, but it still weighs on me heavily. Then, I look at these 2 amazing humans and it reminds me why I do what I do. Blake is such an imaginative little boy, preparing to enter Kindergarten at the end of the month, and Lila, who is smart as a whip, will attend preschool starting in September. The years keep going by faster and faster and as much as I'd like it to slow down, it's just not going to happen. I need to make sure I keep capturing them, despite their protests, because soon enough they will be moody preteens/teenagers, then off to college, and then out of the house for good. I know these years are coming and I don't want to forget their innocence, their sweet smiles, Lila's beautiful curls, and Blake's gorgeous blue eyes. I want my clients to have these same memories in printed images. They are also my why I work. I want them to see that women really can do anything they put their mind to, as stressful as it is sometimes. We also need my income to help support their college funds, put them in sports and activities, put food on the table, and all the other expenses that come with having children.

A big THANK YOU to my husband, for his unwavering support and to EVERYONE who supported me from day 1. Especially those of you who took a chance on a "newbie" photographer. You'll never truly know how much all this is appreciated. Thanks for supporting a small business, and therefore a small family, who are my why.

Oh sweet McKinleigh! What a pleasure it was to see you and your family again. You have grown so much since your newborn session 7 months ago (and I can't believe you are already on the go!), and I cannot to wait to see how much more you grow in the next 5 months. With those adorable chubby cheeks, big brown eyes, and such an easy-going demeanor, I'm sure your parents wish they could keep you little forever! I hope these pictures will help them freeze this small moment in time and that your own children look back at these with joy.

It's been so long since I've shared some of my latest sessions. But, that means things are busy around the LBP studio, which is always a good thing! However, I need to make sure I share more images from this beautiful girl's newborn session. She's also one of my Watch Me Grow babies, so you'll be seeing more of her throughout this year, yay! Mom and Dad wanted baby's gender to be a surprise (which seems to be the trend with many of my clients lately, it's about 50-50 of finding out these days) so we couldn't do a whole lot of planning for her session beforehand. The one thing that was a guarantee was hot air balloons since that was the nursery theme! Then, once miss Emilie arrived, we decided on yellow and peach and the result is a beautiful gallery of images that everyone will treasure for years to come. Although Mom and Dad will get to enjoy the images now, Emilie and future generations will also enjoy them. Never forget that photographs aren't just meant for the current generation, but for the generations to come. Photographs are truly priceless treasures!

It was such a pleasure to have little Ellie in the studio this morning to celebrate her first birthday with a cake smash. She has the biggest, most beautiful brown eyes and longest lashes ever! She is also so full of personality and smiles and had no problem digging right into her cake and getting messy! I'm sure with two older brothers that getting messy is a normal occurrence. ;)

Happy first birthday, Ellie!

Miss Brielle is exactly 7 months old today and came in for her sitter session. She is one of my Watch Me Grow Plan babies and I was SO excited to have her back! Bree has gotten so big and has quite the personality! I'm sure she will be just as much of a hoot when she has her cake smash session.

I really do love when my little newborn clients come back to see me! It always amazes me how much they've grown and all the personality they have now. Miss Gabriella is no exception. She's walking, talking, and is such a smiley baby! Mom was looking for a whimsical, fairy theme for her first birthday, and so she got just that. I think every little girl should be allowed to wear fairy wings and eat icing off a spoon on their birthday!

Happy first birthday, Gabriella!

I just knew this baby was going to end up being a boy, and I couldn't be more thrilled for my friends, Jessica and Adam. Jess and I have been close since 6th grade, which was 22 years ago (wow, I feel OLD!). She announced her pregnancy to me by filling out my contact form for a newborn session, and when I got the email, I literally SQUEALED with excitement and immediately called her! Baby Luke was the BEST sleeper and I loved each and every snuggle with him. I cannot wait to see him again, but no more posing, I just want to hold him! Disclaimer Jess & Adam, I may not give him back... ;)

2 blog posts in one day? Unheard of for me, but I couldn't WAIT to share more images of Mr. Adorable (aka Adam)! He is such a smiley baby, so full of personality, and truly has this baby model gig down. ;)  Adam is on my Watch Me Grow plan, so I've seen him for his newborn session, this sitter session, and I cannot wait for his cake smash session in July!

Had this sweet girl's gallery viewing this morning, so now I can finally share some more images with you. Yay! I just love all her adorable blonde hair and that great eye contact! It was so fun designing a session around her room - white, purple, and butterflies. I hope some of these images go on her wall to match!

Welcome to the world beautiful Brielle!

It has been such a joy watching this little girl grow! From an unknown in momma's belly, to a beautiful newborn baby girl, and an independent one-year old, Keira is so full of life, curiosity, and cuteness! I will miss seeing her every 6 months; those lashes and dimples make me melt every time!! But, I hope to see her again in the future. Happy first birthday, cutie pie!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all had a great 2016, but that you are looking forward to the what 2017 has in store! 2016 was amazing in my books, except for the last bit, but it's been nice having a little editing to distract me from the personal issues. As I'm finishing up with this beauty's session, I am ready to kick off the new year with a bang. Both a newborn and cake smash this week!

Alaina was born just 11 days before Christmas, and we fit her session in, just in time for the holiday. She was a rock star, sleeping though the entire 4 hours. And, look at those cheeks and big smiles!! I'm pretty sure I could have posed and snuggled her all day. I think that's the hardest part of my job - giving these cuties back!

Last time I saw this adorable little guy, he was only 5 months old. Now look how big he is! That first year seriously goes by in the blink of an eye, and doesn't slow down!! Soak it all in, parents. Before you know it they will be off to kindergarden and then college. You want to remember all those little details and important milestones!

Lucas LOVES Elmo, it was even his Halloween costume! So, what better way to celebrate than with a Sesame Street themed cake smash, complete with an adorable cake by The Kake Lady and all his favorite main characters.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUCAS!!! I hope your day was as wonderful and special as you are!

When I think of my childhood, I think of this girl, and it makes me smile! We've been friends since we were 12, which was *GASP!* 22 years ago!!! From sleepovers, to dance routines, boys, sports, and everything in between, she was always there. We went to different colleges and lived in different areas, but we still kept in touch and now I'm so excited she lives less than an hour away! I can't wait to meet her little one, affectionately called "Blip", and snuggle him/her!!

Thanks for coming to hang out and being my model today Jess! I'm so thankful for your support but most of all, your friendship! You and Adam are going to make AMAZING parents! <3 <3 <3

Wow, it's been almost a month since my last blog post! YIKES! Clearly this busy season has gotten to me. But, being busy is a good thing! Especially when you get to fill your days photographing and editing memories for such exciting times in people's lives.

Lisa and Chris are expecting baby #3 in January. They already have 2 little girls, Ava and Claire who are as cute as can be, and baby will be their first boy! I'm sure the girls will be such great helpers and will dote all over their little brother!

I wish you all the best D family, as you bring your new bundle into the world! And Lisa - pregnancy looks amazing on you, you are just glowing!

It's a GIRL!!! Meet McKinleigh Anne, born on October 28th. Weighing in at 9lbs, she is much smaller than her sister was at birth, but still has the most adorable chubby cheeks ever!!! And those rolls!! She was AMAZING for her session this morning, allowing me to pose her any which way without a peep. Sorry she was up for you all last night mom and dad, but she slept amazingly this morning! ;)

Big sister Hadleigh, who you may remember from the shoot I did of her and her daddy, the police officer, is clearly smitten with the new baby! I can tell they are going to be the best of friends growing up and Hadleigh is going to be a great protector!

Cream pearl outfit from Cute As Can Be Props
Peach flower headbands from The Indy Cottage Prop Shop
Quilt from Oh Love Props
Coral mohair wrap and white pearl headband from The Tiny Blessings Boutique
White small flower headband by Devoted Knits
Purple, peach, and coral blanket backdrops by Fancy Fabric and Props