Sweet perfection. This little lady was a dream for me, and since I know her parents are patiently waiting for a sneak peek… I won’t be long winded. Love her.
Every so often when I’m photographing newborns, there’s this magic moment that happens. It’s not always the same moment, but I know it when it happens. This was that moment:
… and what would a newbie post of mine be without some sweet little baby pigs? One of my favorite tootsie shots of the year.
What a gorgeous family, and in a way semi sort of related to me (maybe)? Mom is the sister of one of my aunts (by marriage), so I guess not technically related at all, but I like to think of most of my clients as family anyway, and the M family is no different.
Big sister Abby was far and away one of my best helpers and greatest models I’ve had this holiday season. We talked about the American Girl dolls, and she helped me test my light out, she was so much fun to photograph – and gorgeous too!
Matthew wasn’t sure of me AT ALL, but a couple silly conversations between us without me even holding the camera, and look what I got! Love this one. It’s like he’s saying, okay maaaaaaybe I’ll trust you.
and lastly, sweet little Leah. Such a doll, and loved so much by her family. I want to reach through and just squeeze those little cheeks.
One of my favorite little guys (and I adore his parents, too!). I couldn’t believe how much he’d grown since the last time I saw him. He seemed to remember me though, and flashed me a flirty smile as soon as I walked in the door. Love that. If I wasn’t up to my eyeballs in work, I’d seriously share every image from this session because I love them ALL. Thanks for your patience, K!
For kicks, click here to see just how teeny Jake was in this chair last year.
Two years ago, at 8:26 in the morning I heard a sound that would forever change my life. As I anxiously waited, scared and excited with C by my side, L.A. was lifted into this world and let out the angriest cry you could ever imagine. That cry of anger was (and still is) the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. It was the moment I became someone’s mother.
In the past two years, L.A. has taught me more about myself than I ever knew in the 27 prior years. I have learned that I’m more patient than I ever thought I could be, I’ve learned that the exception to that is when I’m tired, and then I’m less patient than I ever wanted to be. I’ve learned that though my voice may not be perfect, most things can be made lighter if I sing. I never realized how much better my world could be when someone comes bounding towards me with arms wide open screaming “Mama!!” I never knew how much two bright little eyes could be a window to someone’s world.
I’ve also learned so much about this little person that we first met two years ago. L.A. has been feisty since the moment he was born, anyone who knows him knows that’s an understatement. He has his own agenda, and he has never been afraid to let anyone know that. Along the way though, he has also developed a silly sense of humor. Lately he’s been trying to tell us knock knock jokes except they usually go like this: “Knock knock” ”Who’s there?” “Dada” ”Dada who?” ::silence:: “Knock knock” ”Who’s there?” ”Gandma” ”Grandma who?” ::silence:: ”Knock knock” ”Who’s there?” ”Bobo” “Bobo who?” ::silence:: and he continues down the list of people he loves, thinking each is more hilarious than the last.
While I was unsure if adding a baby to our family would seriously change the dynamic, L.A. never once skipped a beat. He loves his brother, and has just recently started saying his name (over, and over, and over again) so proudly. When he’s not being a total punk, he’s an amazing little helper and will do anything to make his brother laugh.
L.A. is an observer, just like his daddy. He needs time to warm up to a new situation, and even if he’s seen you a hundred times, he still needs to take the first 20 minutes or so to get his bearings. He soaks up the world like a sponge.
L.A., when you read this many years from now, I want you to know that the last two years of my life have been the best years of my life, and you are an incredibly integral part to that equation. You have changed my life in ways that I knew you would, and ways that I never imagined would be possible. I love you. I’m far from perfect, but I try. Sadly, you won’t remember these times, but I hope one day when you’re 17 and have gotten on my very.last.nerve, I never forget the way when you were a toddler that you would grab both sides of my face and squish our lips together in a forceful, sloppy little kiss. I don’t want to forget how sweet your voice sounded when you say “Mama, way down” and pat your pillow as I get ready to read you bedtime stories. I hope that you’ll know how much I love you, and that every night when I kiss you goodnight, and you whisper back to me “night night mama” my heart hurts because I’m so incredibly grateful to be your mother. Happy Birthday little boy. Don’t go growing up too fast.
Are you pregnant with a baby due in the next week or so? Do you have a friend, sister or cousin who is? I have a very exciting (top secret!) opportunity and I need a brand new baby and a mom who is interested in a free photo session. Yes, FREE!! If you know someone who fits the bill, shoot me an email at crista@cristaacosta.com or by clicking the contact button above.
I met Alex this past weekend, and we were lucky enough that the rain held off just long enough for us to sneak outside for a few pictures. J & D – hope you enjoy your sneak peek!
I’ve photographed Lucas more times than I can count now, and every time I do is more fun than the last time. By now, he knows what I’m up to, but he was totally on board with being my little model. At one point he even stopped me and pointed to a cute little doorstep and said “Do you want me to sit here for you?” Umm… yes, little buddy I sure do!
This session was a long time coming. We were forced to reschedule many times because of our unpredictable New England weather, but it came together last weekend and I finally got to meet Abby. This little girl has so much personality, and so much spunk, I had a blast hanging out with her. We hit it off pretty much right away, and she held my hand as we walked through the park and even hugged me goodbye. SO sweet!!!
I’m certain I’ll be back to share some more from this session, because I have about a million favorites, but for now, I’m leaving you with some Abby sass. Check out her top model posing. Love this girl.
