Little Lena | Family Photographer | Philadelphia, PA

A couple weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of hanging out with Miss Lena. This post has been a little delayed in making it onto the blog as I got hit with a nasty cold, but don't let that fool you about how much fun this shoot was! 

I know I love kids, and tend to gush over just about any baby... but I have to be honest, I simply cannot see little Lena without breaking into a HUGE smile (which may or may not be accompanied by a few giggles, too). Check out these chubby cheeks, blue eyes, and pigtails, and you'll see what I mean...

 

 

One thing about Lena... she has recently learned to crawl, and as such, is ALWAYS on the move. I'm not kidding. This child is in constant motion!

Yet even with all the running around, she's still got time for some smiles and giggles with Mom...

One of Lena's best friends is her "big brother", Patch:

It was so much fun to watch her interact with him! She was so excited whenever he came near, and he wanted to be wherever she was, too. I just love the looks of sheer joy on her face!

But even those with boundless energy need a few moments to catch a rest...

Another of Lena's favorite friends is her mirror friend. Even though the mirror is typical of a Philly rowhouse built circa 1925, it didn't bother Lena. She just loves her friend!

And finally, to end this post, I'll give you a little glimpse into a vital part of life in Lena's family. They're HUGE Steelers fans. This was just after the Super Bowl, and since the Packers won, I suppose I can share this. I actually have quite a dislike for the Steelers (my Seattle allegiance still runs strong from Super Bowl XL), but if anyone can add a tiny bit of positivity to the Steelers for me, it's probably little miss Lena. ;) 

Thanks again, Lena and family! I had a great time!

Baby Roman | Newborn Photographer | Philadelphia, PA

I love doing newborn sessions. I just really do. It's so incredible to see these new little people who have just entered the world. They're so tiny, yet so intricately formed. Pretty amazing.

Another plus is that parents always come up with such fantastic names. Like with little baby Roman. I know, right? Roman! You haven't even seen him yet and you know he's awesome. 

His parents, Matt & Shin, are pretty incredible people as well. Matt is a pastor at one of our sister churches in Philadelphia, and Shin is a teacher at the Christian school down the street from our house. While they love having a good time (Shin especially is a prankster), it's so humbling to see the tender love they have for their new little one. 

Congratulations, Matt & Shin, and without further ado, meet 10-day-old baby Roman!

I absolutely love little baby fingers and hands... it's unbelievable how tiny they are!

 

Besides being ridiculously cute, Roman is a champion sleeper. He definitely got an A+ on keeping those eyes closed. Matt and Shin were trying so hard to get him to wake up -- but he wasn't having any of it. Their efforts finally paid off at the end, and the last two are some of my favorites. They remind me of how -- incredibly -- this really is a whole new little person, even when he's just 10 days old. Such a blessing, huh?

Sibling Love | Family Photographer | Jersey City, NJ

Meet the S. family...



Gorgeous, right?! These guys had so much energy, and so many laughs! I'm seriously impressed with Mom & Dad for being able to keep up with so many little kiddos! But they really are just beyond adorable.

I had so much fun hanging out with these guys in Jersey City, NJ (literally just across the river from New York City). Check out some more of Annie, Oliver, Griffin, and Isabella...

And let's mix it up and bring Mom & Dad back in...

I know some people might think 4 kids is a lot... but me? Well, I just happen to think it's the perfect number. Always someone to play with, to bug, to be with... of course, I could be biased, but I do happen to have 3 pretty spectacular siblings. =) My prediction? These kids are totally going to be best friends for pretty much their whole lives... laughing, bothering, and loving as only sisters and brothers can.

Baby Jack | Newborn Photographer | Glenside, PA

Oooooh! There's a new boy in town, friends! I'm so excited and delighted to share these images of sweet baby Jack. He truly stole my heart away!

Jack is the firstborn child of my dear friend, Kristin. In her earlier life, Kristin was known as Ms. Cain and taught down the hall from me during our Teach For America days. She taught 3rd grade, I taught 2nd, and we shared many laughs, tears, frustrations, and joys during those first years of teaching. I'm not sure I would have survived without her! 

Needless to say, she and her husband, Dave, got married a couple years ago, and have now welcomed little Jack into the family. Jack was pretty anxious to get started on life, and made his entrance about three weeks early. While we didn't get newborn newborn photos, he was still pretty tiny three weeks in (as you can see), and so adorable, incredible, and beyond wonderful. Am I gushing yet? =)

Little Jack does a fantastic job of being just plain adorable all by himself. However, I think when you witness the total love and adoration that Kristin and Dave have for him, and the incredible tenderness with which they care for him, what you see crosses the line from adorable into absolutely precious. There's just nothing like being in the hands of Mom & Dad...

And to finish things, I'll leave you with a photo of Jack's "big brother", Roscoe... congratulations again, Kristin & Dave!