I’ve said it so many times, but the only thing better than watching two people come together in marriage and getting to document that?  Seeing (and photographing) the little people they create!

Ellen & Joe are wedding clients from way back in 2009 who I’ve been fortunate enough to keep in touch with.  Ever since the arrival of their sweet baby girl, we’ve been trying to connect for a shoot.  She’s just over a year old now, and we did finally meet up right before Thanksgiving.   And little Grace proved everything I knew she would be – a perfect mix of spunky Ellen and sweet Joe.

Sit and chat with me for more than ten minutes, and I’m likely to have broken out my iPhone and be showing you pictures of my nephews.  I’m a proud Auntie.  Ethan has been a delight since he arrived a little over a year ago, and we are still getting to know our tiny Eli, but he’s got a big piece of our hearts too despite his small stature.

When Eli was first born, both my brother-in-law and I both exclaimed how much he looked just like his brother.  About an hour later, he had transformed, and showed his own distinct look.  There are still traces of Ethan in his face, but he is distinctly more my sister in his features now.

Just adore his skinny legs and wrinkly knees:

Wondering what Ethan looks like these days?  Here you go.  He’s a proud big brother, and so wonderfully gentle and affectionate with Eli.

My Dad was sick when Eli was born, so he hadn’t gotten to hold him yet, and finally on the day of our photo-shoot he was well enough to hold his new grandson for the first time.  So, of course I snapped a picture:

Welcome to the family little Eli!  You are already such a delight and we can’t wait to see who you become.

No Miscellaneous Monday today – there isn’t any random drivel I can spout that tops adding a new member to the family!

Last Thursday started out just like any other; a drive to the gym, a check-in with my sister to find out she wasn’t in labor yet, breakfast, Hubby and I making plans for the day, etc.  Then a call came in that this Thursday would be different.  Katie was being induced and Nephew #2 would be arriving!  Really we shouldn’t have been surprised.  It was her due date, and both of her children now have arrived right on their due dates.

I had the privilege of being at her side when she gave birth to our first nephew, Ethan, a year and a half ago.  I got to do that all over again for the arrival of Elijah Daniel, and of course, document it.  The experience was totally different, but just as wonderful.

Comparisons to his big brother Ethan are inevitable.  And, it’s likely no surprise that when he first arrived we all exclaimed how much he looked just like Ethan.  He really did – so much the same, and yet so much a different person, almost as if he was masquerading as Ethan.   His face has since settled and he has his own distinctive features now – similar, but still his own.  What struck me most, even in those first handful of first minutes, was how distinctly he was already his own person. Eli is a whole different personality for us to get to know.

So far we know he is bigger than his brother, more vocal and far more snuggly.  He loves being wrapped up and warm and cozy.  His entrance was totally different – calm, measured and quiet.  He came just as winter was beginning, whereas Ethan came just as summer was taking hold.

A huge Congratulations to Katie & Jacob!  We couldn’t be more thrilled for you.  Hubby and I are already totally in love with little Eli.  Meeting him has only amplified our own excitement over meeting baby girl in a few months.  I’ve already told Eli all about her, and how they will be good friends.   Welcome to the family Elijah Daniel!

Evan is a part of one of my favorite client families, and it’s always a joy to meet up with any branch of that family tree. The last time this little guy was in front of my camera he was a mere one year old, and now he’s a scrappy, energetic and willful boy of three.  He may be a ball of go-go-go, but he still shows his sweet and tender side once in awhile too.

Who doesn’t love a three-year-old Brewer’s fan?  Evan already has an impressive slide developed, and I see many t-ball and baseball games in his future…

Thanks for a super fun afternoon Evan, Heather and Jess (and Lola too!).  I’ll hang out with you guys anytime!