7:00 on Sunday | 32 seconds, 32 years

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a “7:00 on Sunday”.  Three weeks to be exact, and I’m pledging now to get back on track.  I do have to make one tiny exception for this post, however.  These shots were taken as the clock ticked past 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6th.

My dear friend H invited me to capture images of the labor and delivery of her third child, an experience that I will forever cherish and carry with me for the rest of my life.  To have witnessed her strength and courage on one of the most important days of her life is truly amazing to me.

At 7:10 p.m.,  H’s precious baby girl made her entrance into this world.  Just seconds old, her mama was already snuggling her close; I witnessed their first moment face-to-face with one another.  At this moment, I remembered to photograph the clock, and noticed the second hand ticking at 32 seconds.  Thirty-two seconds old.  Just hours before my 32nd Birthday.  To imagine  in that moment, what an amazing life she has ahead of her–where she may be in 32 years– was so amazing.

Happy Birthday to you, sweet girl.  May your life be filled with much love, laughter, and happiness.

blessed | Frederick, Maryland Newborn Photographer

I had the pleasure of meeting James and Danelle in October of 2009, after the birth of their adopted son, Braden.  Having been told by their doctors that they had almost a 0% chance of getting pregnant naturally and failed IVF treatments, they’re prayers for a child of their own were answered when Braden was born.  Two months after his birth, Braden was requested back by his birth mother.

A little over a month after this tragic loss, Danelle discovered she was pregnant!   Jaden Elias is truly the answer to so many of their prayers and he is an absolute sweetheart.  I loved the way he cuddled Danelle close while I was in their home, and I loved witnessing the profound love this couple has for their son.  Jaden is so, so blessed to have James and Danelle as his mommy and daddy.  What an amazing life he has in store…

Pure Sweetness | Frederick, Maryland Newborn Photographer

I recently made a road trip to Boston to meet my new nephew, Luke Christopher. Isn’t he just perfect?! I loved snuggling on him and taking some sweet pictures for his mom and dad! Looking at these just makes me want to hold him again soon… Lots of love to Steve and Molly!

Sweet Elaina | Fairfax, Virginia Newborn Photographer

This was an incredibly special session for me this morning! Baby Elaina is the daughter of a dear friend of mine from college, someone whom I haven’t seen in (calculating….) nine years! How amazing to share this new chapter of her life together! She and I met on the secluded fifth floor of our dorm freshmen year…a very special place for the fifty women who lived there. You see, the elevator only traveled to the fourth floor of the building and access to the fifth floor could only be found by locating two top-secret staircases. Needless to say, my parents were thrilled to learn this on move-in day!

This session was an absolute dream, I must confess. Elaina literally slept the entire time I was at the C. house today. We made sure to keep the house temperature within swamp conditions, so she slept quite comfortably in the nude while I posed her. I was a sweaty mess, but it was definitely worth the sweet images here, don’t you think?

And check out big sister, Natalie! She’s gorgeous and an amazing big sister, to boot! All my love to the C. family for inviting me to capture this special time in your family’s life.

Sweet Anticipation! :: Frederick, Maryland Maternity Photographer

I may be a little biased, but this is one of the sweetest baby bumps I’ve ever seen!  Over Easter weekend I was able to visit my family in New York, including my brother-in-law Steve and sister-in-law Molly.  They are expecting a baby boy in early June.  That’s my precious nephew all comfy-cozy in Molly’s belly!  I’m pretty (ridiculously, actually) excited for his arrival in June because it will add the all-important title of “Aunt” to my name.  Having a newborn in our family this summer will be such a special time–I’m so excited to snuggle him and spoil him rotten!  Lots of love to Molly and Steve for letting me capture this very special time in your lives.

Nine Days Old :: Frederick, Maryland Newborn Photographer

Precious Eliana has made her debut! Isn’t she just precious?! Thick brown hair, gorgeous eyes, and pouty lips make this photographer melt! Ellie made it known that she wanted to be an active participant in the photo shoot, so she stayed awake for a nice chunk of time. She was captivated by the windows, my camera lens, her sweet parents…she is super curious and very alert! Lots of love to the D. family for inviting me to capture this incredibly special time in your lives.