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!

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.

Sisters | Family Photographer | Jersey City, NJ

A family shoot wouldn't be a family shoot without... well... family, right? =) And who do you give the hardest time to, share and grow exponentially with, and talk, fight, and laugh with the most? Your siblings. Especially your sisters. (Yup, personal experience. Mine are pretty fantastic, must admit.) 

I just couldn't get over the pure adorableness of Gia and her little sis, Nadia. These two are definitely going to share many adventures, secrets, tears, and laughter over the years...

I love these shot of Nadia with her Daddy... the love is so clear!

And a few more, simply because these little girls are just so beautiful! =)

Amelie & Co | Family Photographer | Bothell, WA

When I was back in Seattle, I had the opportunity to do a combined maternity/family shoot with my dear, dear friend, Patye. We've known each other for about 11 years now, and we're really just twins separated in age by about 4 years. ;) 

We've gotten to see each other through some really hard times in life, but it's the wonderful ones I remember most. Those include being there as we both started dating our future (Asian!) husbands, as we got married to those (respective) Asian cuties, and as Patye and her husband, Minh, welcomed their first daughter, Amelie, to the world 2 1/2 years ago.

Another big event is about to take place in Patye, Minh, and Amelie's life... little Lucy! I can't wait to be "Auntie Hannah" again, but before that happens, Patye asked if I'd do a little documentation of their family and Lucy's bump before Lucy actually arrives. 

With a 2 1/2 year-old in the mix, it's hard to do strictly a "maternity" shoot... because it really is a family affair! So, for this first part, here are some family photos of Patye, Minh, and Amelie!

Amelie is definitely her daddy's girl, as I'm sure Lucy will be, too. Minh is a great dad, and Amelie simply adores him. And boys, you might want to give up now -- I'm pretty sure they won't be allowed to even think about dating until they're 25!

The next moment of Amelie's was too cute. She was waiting, and fairly calmly, at that... but that little gleam in her eye lets you know something's definitely about to happen... like shouting her favorite chant across the field to Dad. :)

I love this next sequence of Patye and Amelie. They were on the ground looking up at the sky, and I truly hope that Amelie nevers loses the sense of wonder and excitement she had that day.

 Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away but these small hours
These small hours still remain

-from Little Wonders by Rob Thomas