Welcome Michael

Introducing My Nephew

My first nephew is one month old today! Looking back over the past month and a half feels like a whirlwind. It all started with my sister’s baby shower, which she had to miss due to having Covid. Originally, we planned to take maternity photos that same day, but with her being sick the plan was scrapped. I found myself hoping we wouldn’t have an early delivery on our hands. I can’t imagine not getting to take maternity portraits for my own sister!

With just a little over two weeks to go until her due date, Katherine started feeling better. One afternoon, when the summer weather just happened to feel particularly mild, Katherine texted me saying that she was having a randomly good hair day and that she wished we were doing photos that afternoon.

I was sitting at my desk editing when the text came in. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was time to seize the day. I told her I could drive over the bay to meet her at her neighborhood, knowing that would work best since this was a last-minute plan and she was still recovering from being sick. Plus, I’d been dying to shoot at the entrance to their neighborhood ever since they moved in. I just knew Golden Hour in this spot would be a DREAM and it was!!!

YES, she was GLOWING!

Counting Down

As we counted down the days waiting for this little guy to arrive, I kept hoping that the arrival wouldn’t be while I was on a photoshoot! I refrained from booking too much during the first half of August in hopes that I’d be able to be at the hospital with my parents and my brother-in-law’s family while we waited for the news. Thankfully, my sister went into labor the night before her due date, but the doctor said she had a while to go before she would deliver so we avoided an all-night camp-out in the hospital waiting room.

Michael arrived perfectly on time, the morning of his due date. Getting to meet him for the first time was such a joyful experience that I can’t put into words! He was so tiny and perfect. I was so excited to meet him that I didn’t even think to bring my phone into the room for any photos. I was glad my brother-in-law, Phillip, took plenty on his to share later. We’ve had so many babies born in our extended family in the last few years that it felt odd not to be documenting the moment, but it was nice getting to just soak it all in for a change.

The next day I did return to the hospital with my camera and snapped a few photos of our newest family member. To my surprise, Michael looked right at my camera. This was my first time getting to see his eyes open too! I was also able to catch him smiling at his daddy, which was the sweetest thing ever!

My parents are excited to be grandparents!

His First Official Portraits

I took Michael’s first official portraits when he was six days old and he slept through most of his session! My mom, who has never been on an in-home newborn session with me before, asked if all babies slept the whole session. I laughed because that is definitely not the case! Michael just happened to be a good sleeper and we only had to pause once for a feeding. I was like, look at him already making his aunt proud!

After editing and delivering Michael’s gallery, I realized how my clients must feel when I deliver photos to them. It was such a dilemma deciding on which ones I wanted to print out to frame. I finally decided that this is one of those situations where I need to just design a photo album because I have too many favorites!

Every time I look at these photos it makes me want to run over to my sister’s house for some newborn snuggles. As is the case with all newborns, Michael has changed so much already. Sometimes he reminds me a lot of my sister and other times he looks just like my brother-in-law. It will be interesting to see who he favors most as he grows!

The amazing thing about babies is that once they are born you can’t imagine life without them. Michael, you are such a blessing and you already have your aunt wrapped around your little finger!