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!

One Year Later

Remember hot mama-to-be Mackenzie from this post? And this one? Well, here we are over a year later celebrating the first birthday of her son, Wyatt. One year. That's all it takes to go from beautiful belly to blue-eyed toddler. One year! Excuse me while I go hug my baby and tell him to stop growing up.

It was such fun to meet Wyatt and follow him around Queen Anne as he explored sticks and mole hills and lots of front gates. He's SO active. And sweet and drooly and wobbly. What a fun age! Here are a few that I managed to catch as I raced around trying to stay ahead of this little guy.

I mentioned the blue eyes already, right?
I love this family shot -- Wyatt surrounded by the smiles of his parents, Mackenzi and Alexi.

I think he's showing me a leaf here. See the coming kiss?

More smiles and happiness. Mackenzie, you look beautiful as always.

My favorite? Either this one or the next.

A rare quiet moment. Funny, I don't remember any quiet moments.

Wyatt loved the fences we found as we walked. Lots of poking his head through bars and slats.

And a fun tongue shot.

So much fun! I still can't believe it has been over a year since I was photographing you and your adorable belly, Mackenzie. Thanks so much for the chance to follow up on your beautiful family. Enjoy!

The Many Faces of Kera

Kera is turning one! I met Kera and her mom, Allison, at Baby Boot Camp several months ago, and I don't think I have ever met such a smiley baby. When Allison asked me to photograph Kera, I thought PIECE OF CAKE! Little did I know that Kera had other plans. Poor little sweetie wasn't feeling her best when we met at the Edmonds beach, but I still love some of these images. Kera is adorable whether she's smiling or not.
Love the lower lip here.


Every mama needs a shot like this!
Snack break!
I love those shots that capture a relationship.

We cut our beach session a bit short in favor of trying another day when Kera would be over her cold, so Thursday morning we met at Allison's home to try again. More fun faces!
There's a smiley girl!


She loves her brush!






It was a bright fall day, and I'm thrilled we got this shot with the leaves.

Happy birthday, Kera! Allison, I hope you enjoyed your sneak peak. It was hard for me to narrow it down!

Happy Birthday, Jayden!

Friday afternoon I met Stephanie, Jhon, and little Jayden at their home for some first birthday pics. We set up a backdrop, took some shots around the house, and played in the yard with their dog (who catches a tennis ball like nobody's business!). Then we packed up and headed off to Bothell Landing -- a park I hadn't been to since I was in the third grade. We took a little walk, stopping here and there for pictures and enjoying the late afternoon sun. Here are my favorites from the session:

There are smiling shots, too, but I loved Jayden's chin in this one.
Jayden's daddy is a firefighter. That's every little boy's dream, right?

Stephanie has such a warm smile.

In the backyard. Happy boy!
At Bothell Landing. The sun through the trees...ahhhh.

Ducks! We didn't have anything to feed them, but we set Jayden down near them -- until a big goose came a little too close. You never know with geese.




On the bridge. I love this one!

So serious, boys!



I adore this one. Jayden was reaching the end of his happy time.


Here's one for Steph.

Stephanie and Jhon, thanks so much for spending the afternoon with me. Happy 1st birthday, Jayden!