Crista Acosta Photography »

Summer means many things around here… lazy afternoons at our neighbor’s pool, popsicle juice running down the arm of a certain year and a half old little boy, easy meals on the grill, long walks with the two munchkins in tow, but one of my favorite parts of summer is the tent.

The mosquitos around here are on steroids, so the tent was actually a necessity, but has quickly become something I so look forward to.  After all the kiddos are tucked in bed, C and I spend many evenings with our neighbors and friends hanging out in here.  The wine flows, the beers are cold, good conversation and a mean game of Scrabble.  It doesn’t get much better than this.

David’s beautiful mom contacted me last Saturday in hopes of booking a last minute maternity session before her baby arrived, but this little guy had other plans and joined their family the very next day, on Father’s Day.  It doesn’t get much better than that in the way of a Father’s Day gift.  I met him on Friday at just five days new.  

I love newborn sessions, they are by far and away my favorite… but every once in a while I meet a new family that is so special and so inspiring that they take it to a level far beyond that.  I had such a great time at your session, congratulations again on your sweet baby boy!

and in honor of his special gift, here are some of Daddy with David.  This first is one of my absolute favorites from the session.

We live about a mile from the train station, and in the evenings from our house you can hear the train’s whistle sound as it pulls into the little local station.  One day out of the blue, L.A. heard the train sound and without any warning or encouragement starting jumping up and down excitedly screaming “Choo Choo GO!!!”.  It was hysterical and adorably cute to see how enthusiastic he was, so C and I decided to take him down the next night to see the train in person.  

Since then, we’ve been a few times, and it’s always the same reaction.  He patiently waits babbling away about the choo choo that’s on it’s way, and when the bells sound and the warning gates come down he jumps up, runs to either C or I and stares down the tracks in anticipation.  His eyes get big, and waves excitedly as the train pulls up to the station.  Once it’s there though, and the whistle sounds, he gets quite apprehensive about it.  Not that I blame him, even as an adult it’s pretty intense when that train comes barreling into the station. 

and just like that… the train is gone. 

All he talks about now is the train.  Yesterday when I picked him up from daycare he was exhausted and as we drove home, I watched his eyes get heavy in the rearview mirror and then heard a little voice start quietly chanting “chukka chukka chukka chukka choo chooooo”.  A smile broke across my face, that’s right little guy… chugga chugga choo choo. 

To all the dads out there, may today be a celebration of you!  To my husband, thank you so much for the two beautiful boys you have given me, and for being such an amazing father to them.  Neither of them know it yet, but they’re incredibly lucky to have you. 

It’s been 7 weeks since you were lifted into our lives, screaming angrily and immediately occupying a huge place in my heart.  I have loved this time that we’ve had… just the two of us… getting to know each other, and I look forward to the weeks and years ahead as you begin to show who you really are. 

Right at this moment though, you’re such a sweet little guy… laid back and just happy to be a part of our family.  You get downright pissed when you’re hungry, but other than that you rarely cry.  You’re incredibly tolerable of your brother’s sometimes over-zealous affection, and more than anything you love to be held snuggled up close.  

When you sleep, you look exactly like L.A. did as a baby.  It’s almost scary, really.

You have this one little pointy ear that I simply adore.  I asked your doctor with a hopeful voice if it would stay that way forever, and he laughed, reminding me that if it did you probably wouldn’t love it as much as I do.  Only time will tell though…

Your little lashes are just starting to grow, but I can already tell they’re going to be amazingly long just like your daddy and your brother. 

And your smooshy little lips?  Oh, I just want to kiss them every chance I get.

I love everything about you, but the thing that melts me the most is when you look up at me with your big eyes… so trusting, so inquisitive, and still so new. 

I was so worried before you were born.  I spent days and nights wondering how I could possibly have enough room in my heart to love you equally, and I didn’t want you to ever feel that I didn’t.  The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew that I had more than enough love and in these past seven weeks, that has been confirmed time and time again.  

Here’s another fun look for family portraits! 

Hands down, one of my favorite sessions ever.  The adorable children, the beautiful location, the clothes, and their understanding mom who had an amazing vision for this shoot.  Thank you for letting me photograph your family!

Last weekend, I was invited to document James’ 6th birthday party, and it was one of those days that brings you back to your childhood.  The kids had a blast and on that warm sunny day, the yard was filled with laughter, shrieking excitement and the sheer joy that only this age can have.  

To say James’ mom threw a great party would be a tremendous understatement!  There were all sorts of fun events and little details that made it a total blast.  

There was a water balloon toss that quickly turned into an all out water balloon fight.  These four images were taken in quick succession, notice the moms in the upper right running for cover!  ;)  Smart move, ladies! 

Just as quickly as it started, it was over, and this is all that was left:

After the balloon toss was a treasure hunt, and in everyone’s treasure bag there was a little squirt gun.  Guess where this is headed?  The ca-RAZIEST water fight ever!!  James of course as the birthday boy had a slight advantage with his super soaker. 

Then we all headed to the back yard for a quick break before cake.

James didn’t think anyone was watching, but I caught him swiping a little taste as Mom lit the candles.  

In true birthday fashion, he sat down with a nice slice of cake almost as big as his head and that poor cake didn’t stand a chance!

Thanks so much for letting me share your birthday, James!