Isaac Josiah - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography

Since it is still the Christmas season, I wanted to share this session and highlight the warmth and love I felt from this family.  I formerly worked for the March of Dimes for over seven years, and I still maintain a relationship with the foundation today.  Their mission is to fund research to prevent pre-term birth, birth defects and infant mortality, so I am happy to still support them by donating my services to some of the families who have unfortunately dealt with birth complications.  

This family of all boys was fun, crazy and happy, but they are sadly missing a brother.  In tribute to him, they are active volunteers with the March of Dimes.  Their aunt is a board member, and their entire family fundraises and walks in the March for Babies every spring.  This coming year, they'll have a special addition to their team in Baby Isaac (pictured above) who was recently born happy and healthy.  

What was most note-worthy about this family was their positivity and strength.  Their mother and grandmother were both so grateful to have the session and be able to keep their son/grandson's memory alive through their work with the March of Dimes.  Rather than focus on the sadness of their loss, they commented on how blessed they feel to have three healthy boys to look after.  Their attitude was most admirable and called to mind a line from a classic Christmas movie for me....

"When I'm worried and I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep counting my blessings."  - White Christmas

Charlotte Mary - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography

It was a pleasure to meet another Baby Charlotte today!  She was so adorable and wide awake for her entire session (except for that 5 seconds I captured of her snoozing at the end).  She was so strong holding her head up and looking all around.  This little girl didn't want to miss a thing!  She and her mama were a joy to spend time with today. 

Ana Guadalupe - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography

I simply cannot get enough of these precious images of Baby Ana!  

She came into this world on Halloween as a perfect autumnal princess, which inspired me to surround her with warm, golden fall leaves for some artistic shots.  She also took a few holiday shots during her session for potential Christmas cards.  She was a tiny little doll at just 1 week old.  I had the pleasure of meeting her parents at their Maternity Session in early October, so I had been anxiously awaiting her arrival!  

So nice to finally meet you, Miss Ana!

Weston Leigh - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography

Weston was such a sweetheart for his newborn session.  After booking with me, his mama realized that we're neighbors (small world), so he and his siblings arrived from their home down the street in a great mood and cooperated very well.  Big sister Audrey was outgoing and proud to show off her new baby brother, while new big brother Wyatt was quiet and well-behaved.  I love this sibling shot showing Wyatt checking out the new little guy.  

Weston (and his fabulous head of hair) ended the session with the perfect little newborn smile. I always say that when babies smile in their sleep, it means the angels are talking to them.

God bless this little man and his family! 

Charlotte Alexa - Newborn Photography in Cranberry Twp.

The sweetest little peach!

Yesterday, I got to spend my afternoon with Charlotte aka "Peach" and her sweet parents.  When Charlotte was still in her mama's bump, her parents referred to her as "Peach," and the name stuck.  Even though her name is Charlotte Alexa, I only heard her parents call her "Peach."  It's an adorable nickname for a sweet-as-pie baby girl, and inspired her peach-themed photo shoot. 

Her birth name of Charlotte is a traditional name that both parents obviously liked, but also a throwback to her mommy's home state of North Carolina!  I always enjoy hearing the story behind a name. 

It was such a pleasure meeting "Peach" and her lovely parents!

Declan Martin - Newborn Session, Pittsburgh

I love family history and family heirlooms, so when the Myers family showed up to their Newborn Session with a box of them, I was so excited!  The key that Baby Declan is holding was passed down and is engraved for his middle namesake.  The toy truck symbolizes his grandfather's profession, and the tattoo on his father's arm is the Myers family crest.  Even Declan's mommy and daddy's wedding rings had interesting stories behind them!  

In addition to sharing a love for family with me, they also share a love for all things Disney!  Baby Declan's nursery is Mickey themed, and he already has his first vacation to meet the Mouse scheduled!  My 21-month-old son is obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, so I was happy to see all the Mickey items they brought along.  

It was so great to meet the Myers family and sweet, little Declan - who was so cooperative for his photo shoot!  One of the sleepiest little guys I've ever photographed - a perfect angel. 

Kenley Ann - Newborn Session in Cranberry Twp.

I love watching my friends become parents.  I've known Baby Kenley's Mommy and Daddy for a while now - her daddy lived with my husband in college (in Briar 1 Lodge, to be exact).  It brings so much joy to my heart to see him so in love with his baby girl.  She already has him wrapped around her (very) little finger.  Kenley is also so blessed to have a loving mommy who was so attentive to her needs during the entire newborn session.  You would never know these two are in the trenches of the first week of sleep-deprived parenthood, as they both looked great and were glowing as they talked about their darling daughter. 

I can't wait to watch Kenley grow up.  Not only is she a family friend, but she is also a neighbor, living only a couple streets away in our neighboring development.  I see lots of stroller walks in the near future!  Welcome to the neighborhood and the "Briar" Family, Kenley!