Crista Acosta Photography »

A quick peek of what we’ve been up to – namely enjoying the beautiful weather!  There is one picture in here that might earn me a stern talking to by my husband, but I want the kids to be able to look back at our blog and see what a great dad he was, how he loved to play with them when they were so small, and how he wasn’t afraid to be a little silly.  Other things of note; our tulips (my favorite flowers!) are starting to poke through the ground.  I can’t wait until they all bloom.  A snap of the boys snuggled together in L.A.’s bed for story time – a memory I want to have because it was on the heels of a day I was ready to sell him on the black market (kidding – of course!).  As usual though, when I’m at my wits end he does something so sweet and so thoughtful that my heart grows another inch bigger than I ever thought it could be.  Lastly, my good friend Jen will note that once again in all of these pictures I’m wearing Old Faithful, the sweatshirt that has become my “hanging at home staple”.  Totally busted.

Prepare yourself for an abundance of awesomeness. C and I met up with Lauren and Peter over the weekend for their amazing engagement shoot. These two swore they didn’t know what they were doing in front of the camera, but I think the pictures below tell a different story. They were total naturals, and so much fun to hang out with. They laughed at my not so funny jokes and were completely at ease with each other.  They are totally that couple that anticipates each other’s next move and were simply meant for each other.  Lauren and Pete – thanks for such a great time, and for saving my run away reflector.  Can’t wait to see you guys again soon!

Yooooowsers!

A quick note about why having two photographers is so totally worth it.  While I shot this:

C shot this: (WOW!)

When I was shooting this:

C was shooting this (the next one is his too):

First and foremost, thank you to all who entered the nursery contest!  I was so excited to see all the adorable rooms filling my inbox, and can’t wait to meet (or see again, in one case!) the winner of this contest.  Please take a moment to vote below.

The winner will receive a complimentary mini session with Crista Acosta Photography focusing on the nursery, baby and/or family. The session will last approximately 30 minutes and will result in an online gallery of approximately 15 images for you to choose from. You will receive your choice of (2) 5×7 prints and will be able to purchase any additional products at a special 15% off pricing. Winning session must take place between March 22 – April 25. Regular session terms and conditions apply.

Voting will continue through Sunday with the winner announced Monday March 15th. You can only vote one time, but feel free to spread the word via email, facebook and twitter!

Without further adieu, check out these beautiful rooms and cast your vote!

Robert’s mother and I had been in contact for months, planning her maternity session and chatting about the upcoming newborn session when one day out of the blue I got an email from her that her water had just broken, and we wouldn’t be doing the maternity pictures after all.  My heart sank as I quickly scrolled through our emails trying to calculate in my head how far along she was, and realized this little guy was making his appearance 6 weeks early.  I emailed her back, said some prayers, and then waited.  Finally, I got an email that little Robert had arrived safe and sound.  After a few weeks in the NICU, he is finally home with his family, and this sweet guy is so so loved.

I think he knows it too.

As most photographers can attest, our brains often become too wrapped up in the technical side of capturing our every day lives.  For me add in that I’m usually transporting an infant carrier while simultaneously trying to wrangle a two year old, and I very rarely bring my camera along with us.  Enter my iPhone and Shake it Photo.  It’s an app that makes perfect polaroids right from the camera phone, and totally takes all the pressure off my shoulders.  I’m in love – C would say I’m obsessed, and he’s probably right.  Check it out, a peek into our lives, and zero work on my part except snapping away.

Mondays are special days in our house.  They’re usually the one day of the week where we’re all home together and I relish the time to enjoy my boys.  Yesterday the little dude turned 10 months.  I can’t believe how quickly it has gone by, and I know I say that with each passing milestone, but it has flown.  On a whim, I grabbed my camera and asked C to help me try to grab some quick shots of him, since I haven’t been nearly as good about documenting his first year as I wish I was.

What started out as a few quick photos turned into a family session with my three favorite boys.  I love them, so so much.  The light was wrong, I was pushing my camera to it’s limits, they aren’t technically perfect, and I don’t care.  I love them.

This first shot wasn’t actually planned, I had asked C to stand with P2 so that I could get my settings right, and when I looked up this is what I saw.  It reminds me a bit of this post by the incredibly inspiring Lyndsey of Life In Motion Photography.  I have always loved her perfectly executed shot of her little guy in daddy’s arms.

This picture is pretty much a miracle.  L.A. has been avoiding my camera for the last six months (at least).  Luckily, there’s something about feeling left out that can get a two year old to participate.

Oh this sweet face.  Poor guy is getting all four upper teeth in at once, and he’s been having a rough go of it.  Most days (and nights) have been spent with him wanting to be snuggled.  Not such a bad thing during the day, but when I’m dragging myself out of bed for the 7th time at night… eh.  Remind me again that this too is just a phase, and like most other things it will also go too fast.

Piper may also be known as the cutest newborn in the world.  If you follow me on twitter, you’ve already heard me gush about her.  I met Piper last Friday, in the middle of a snow storm.  She was resisting all my sleepy techniques at the beginning, and as the snow piled up I worried that we’d have to call the session.  Just as the snow slowed down, Piper fell sound asleep and we worked quickly to get these images – some of which are my favorite to date!