Emmeline turns one

I had tears in my eyes as I drove to this session. Exactly a year ago I had been driving to the hospital to photograph Emmeline's birth, and there I was driving to photograph Emmeline for her first birthday. Because her mama signed her up for my baby plan, I've seen Emmeline at three months, six months, and nine months, and now at one year. She has literally grown up in front of my lens. And now she's graduating!

Angel and Eric threw a birthday extravaganza at the Tulalip Resort, so I met them beforehand to do photos. Ordinarily I wouldn't recommend scheduling photos on the same day as a party, but with Angel's incredible gift for organization and planning, it seemed to work out really well. We started off in their beautiful hotel suite and then moved to the pool/atrium for a different locale.

There's something I love about this image, though I'm not sure what it is. The way she's kicking out a foot or holding her hand or investigating the rock -- something about it is so sweet. Oh, and Angel made this adorable dress.
Love the reflection in the glass and the leg chub.

Angel had requested a silhouette shot, similar to one we took of her when she was pregnant.

Goofing around back in the hotel room.

Another silhouette that I adore. See the line of Emmeline's cheek?

More love from Mama.
Getting prepped for some cake smashing.

And here she is about to taste cake for the first time. Gorgeous ladybugs!

Emmeline started off daintily sampling the ladybugs, but she got the hang of things after a bit. By the end she was even using her feet to explore the confection.

And a post-cake bath. These were some of my favorite of the day! Emmeline seems to be pretty at home in the water.

I'm so honored to have photographed Emmeline through her first year. Thank you, Angel and Eric for letting me help you document her milestones and watch her grow. I've also loved watching you grow as parents, and it is so good to see how over the moon you are for your little girl. Congratulations to you, and happy birthday to Emmeline!

Flying

Another three months have flown by, and Miss Emmeline is now nine months old. Just a year ago I was talking to Angel and Eric about the possibility of doing their belly and birth photos. Can their daughter really be nine months old already? Apparently. Emmeline is full of new tricks these days -- crawling, pulling herself up on things, signing. Sigh. Babies grow too fast!

During our session she was fascinated by the leaves on the ground.
And the leaves on a bench.

Big girl!

Love this smile.

A tasty stem and beautiful light.

Shortly after this Angel decided that shoes might be good.
A face shot that we can duplicate as she grows. Gorgeous brown eyes and how about those cheeks?

Where's Mama?

Sweet Emmeline, if I'm freaking out about how quickly you are growing up, what must your parents be doing? It sounds like they are enjoying every precious minute and that you are truly the light of their lives. I'd say I'm looking forward to our next time together, but that is when you are a year old, I don't know if I can handle that.

Six Months and Growing

I'm back! Well, sort of. Wally (escorted by Daddy) came with me to Emmeline's six month photo session. I can't believe it has been over half a year since I photographed her birth! Six months is one of my absolute favorite ages -- they're sitting but not mobile, cuddly, and curious. Emmeline was no exception. She has these eyes -- deep, dark brown like her mama's -- beautiful creamy skin, and of course some serious chub that makes a person just want to SQUEEZE her all day long. I managed to restrain myself (most of the time) in order to get some fun photos at a GORGEOUS Marysville park. (I can't wait to go back in early November for her nine month photos. The trees at that park will be amazing!)

Poor Angel and Eric have had to wait a whole week for their sneak peak because my computer has been terrorizing me, so without further ado, here's Emmeline!

On Daddy's drum. If you remember this shot, you can see how much Emmeline has grown.
Love the hint of baby bum in this one.
Ahh, toes.
A quietly happy moment. See what I mean about those eyes?
Love from Daddy.
Squish kisses. I never get tired of these.
Baby in a basket.
Angel and Eric, what are you doing here? I didn't see this until I started proofing. I'm imagining a conversation along the "She's YOUR daughter" lines. Whatever it was, I love this shot! I couldn't have asked for a more fun first session back. Thanks for being flexible, Angel and Eric. I'm so glad this worked out! Enjoy!

Three Months Old

How can three months go by so quickly? Remember Emmeline's newborn photos? Well, Sunday we shot her three month pictures -- the first of four sessions that will follow Emmeline through her first year. I'm so excited to get to help Angel and Eric document their daughter's milestones. It's amazing to see babies change in that first year. If you have a new baby, or one on the way, consider signing up for a First Year package and receive four sessions at 20% off the session fees and 20% off all prints or digital images purchased from each session.

Emmeline has gone from an adorably plump newborn to a smiley, squishy three month old. I had forgotten how fun this age is -- everything revolves around seeing those smiles. Here are a few favorites from our session.

I love the red.

One of my favorites! Look at those cheeks, those lips, those eyes! (Sigh.)

Angel and Eric, it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with you and Emmeline...again! Enjoy!

And a note to anyone out there considering a session -- you have until Friday to take advantage of session fees before they go up! Click here for details.