Crista Acosta Photography »

Tonight my family and I are leaving for a much needed long weekend away.  We’re headed to Martha’s Vineyard with my brother, his girlfriend and my parents.  I look forward to this trip every year.  Waking up to the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen as C and my dad get ready for an early morning fishing excursion while my mom and I hang back for a quiet morning with the little ones.  Hearty breakfasts followed by the long walk down to the beach where L.A. will splash in the water and I’ll undoubtedly spend the day trying to prevent P2 from eating sand.  Afternoons spent lounging on the deck while the wind blows an island breeze through the tall trees, and I try to read a book but instead get distracted by the sound of laughter as my dad chases L.A. around the yard.

Eventually we’ll cook a big dinner and sit down around the kitchen table together, talking and laughing about the day.  The boys will get bathed and put to bed in our room, which gets the most amazing cool breeze at night.  After they’re sleeping soundly, we’ll gather in the living room and play silly board games or sit outside with a cold beer in hand – all just enjoying each other’s company.  I’m planning to sneak off one night and join the small gathering of people who come to enjoy the beautiful sunset out by the lighthouse.  It’s an amazing experience, some people bring a picnic, couples hold hands, and then there are the ones like me – who come armed with a big camera to capture the grace of those last few seconds before the sun dips into the ocean.  I can already smell the salty air.

While we’re there, I will be completely unplugged.  I’m not bringing my computer, and though I’ll have my iPhone, I will be responding to all emails and inquiries on Tuesday July 6th.

Also, as a quick update – I only have 2 weekend mornings available until September, so if you are interested in having family photos or pictures of your little ones, contact me as they’re sure to go quickly.  Those dates are July 24th and August 7th.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July – enjoy your family, that’s what we’ll be doing!

Do you remember this gorgeous mama I photographed a few weeks back?  Well I finally got to meet her sweet baby girl on Saturday.  She tried to give me a run for my money, but I didn’t mind… it gave mom and I a chance to chat about marriage, and parenting, and the awful unfairness that is your body right after it’s done pretty much the most amazing thing in the world.  Finally, at last… little Avery zonked out and we got to play.

Possibly one of my favorite sibling shots – actually I have a whole series of them – and I absolutely love them because I will never forget how sweet Ethan was as he marveled his new baby sister and said over and over “It’s okay, I’m right here…”  I hope that bond stays forever.  That long down the road when Avery has had her heart broken by some foolish boy, her brother will be her shoulder to cry in – an ear to listen that only siblings can provide, and in that moment I imagine that he might just wrap his arm around her and say “It’s okay, I’m right here”.

Kadi – seriously!!??!

…and lastly.  I love this quote so much I can’t even stand it.  It is so symbolic of every ounce of hope that a new child brings into this world.

We’ve had a rough few days around here. On Friday afternoon P2 came down with a fever that quickly morphed into a really nasty virus by the following afternoon.  Like headed to the hospital at 5 am with a limp baby virus.  Scary stuff.  He’s pretty much been living in our arms, and it’s been really hard for C and I to watch him in so much pain.  We’re all sleep deprived, and our nerves are shot.

Yesterday he finally decided to nap and C was headed out to mow the lawn.  I swore I was going to take the opportunity to shower, and then perhaps lay down for a minute myself.  As I was tidying up a few things though, I glanced out the window and saw L.A. helping his daddy mow the lawn.  He was walking at a perfect pace right alongside him, and when C stopped to check something on the mower, L.A. quickly mimicked his movements.  When I walked outside, camera in hand, he looked up at me with big proud eyes and said “I helping Daddy, Mom!”.  Despite the fact that it was about 98* with 90% humidity and they were both pouring sweat by the end, L.A. hung out until the last blade of grass had been cut.

I love to watch their bond.  To witness their secret handshake, to see them laugh together, to watch their shared expressions as they talk, and most of all to see the adoration that L.A. has for his Daddy.  I get it buddy, I feel the same way.

And because I miss him being able to be himself, here’s one of my sweet P2 before he got so sick.  My little chubby cheeked quiet guy.  The most snuggly peanut I’ve ever met.  Here’s hoping tomorrow turns the corner, we’re all ready to have him back.

Normally when I get ready to blog a session, I quickly grab a few favorite pictures, edit them and then put them up here for the parents to enjoy.  I had to force myself to stop today, because I have so many favorites from Abby’s newborn session.  At just 10 days new with the sweetest chubby cheeks in the world, she was an absolute doll for me.  Oh this little munchkin, I couldn’t have loved spending the morning with her any more than I did.

Oh, beautiful girl!!!

This gorgeous mama contacted me last minute to do a surprise maternity shoot as a gift to her husband.  In the 1 out of a 1,000 chance that he comes across this blog, I’m only sharing a couple and unfortunately you don’t get to see her beautiful face.  First up, a mom who is having a baby in 3 days and is willing to lie flat on her back in the grass for the sake of a photo where the light is just right?  Amazing.

And for all the moms who have been pregnant and chasing a toddler around at the same time – doesn’t this make you miss it just for a (split) second?  Those last few days where it’s just you and your first baby… perched atop your swollen belly for snuggles?

When I first met Allison and Kevin for dinner, I confessed that I’m a complete sap and half jokingly warned them that there was a good chance I might cry on their wedding day.  I know it sounds silly, but weddings will always get to me.  Watching two people stand up in front of everyone they love and promise to love each other – it gives me goosebumps just writing it.  I had the distinct pleasure of being a part of Allison and Kevin’s day at St Clement’s Castle, and I couldn’t have enjoyed myself more.   Congratulations Allison and Kevin!

Allison and Kevin decided to do a first look (yay!) and for those that worry about seeing each other before the ceremony – check out the emotion between these two.

Not gonna lie, Kevin’s face when he saw Allison walking down the aisle was definitely one of the moments I teared up.

A very huge thank you to Barbara for shooting this wedding with me!!

Congratulations again, guys!

Originally I had planned to meet Emma at just 5 days old, but one of my little guys was sick and I finally got to meet her last week.  10 days new and and a picture of snuggly perfection.  As I was rocking her and pulling out all the stops trying to get her to go to sleep, I looked over at her mom and said “This is the best part of my job”.  It’s true, and it’s such an honor and a gift that parents invite me into their homes to spend time with their brand new babies.  Thank you K & S for letting me capture your new daughter and share in more of your memories.

She has the most beautiful little blond lashes.  They’re so fair, I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to capture them.

While Emma took a break to eat, I went outside with her big sister and Daddy.

I am so so lucky.  Lucky to have such an amazing husband who I adore.  Lucky to have two beautiful boys and a gorgeous step daughter.  Lucky to make a living doing such an incredibly rewarding job, and so so lucky that this job has led me to meet so many wonderful colleagues.  I posted a link to some of the pictures that Amy Ro took of C and I a few weeks ago, but we just got the disc of images and I have to share these too.  She did such a beautiful job, and it was so fun to be on the client side.

I’m not going to lie, I actually squealed when I saw that the cd had arrived in the mail.  I rushed into the kitchen, tore open the box and ran back to my office to pop it into my iMac.  Tears welled in my eyes as I went from one picture to the next.  The emotion, the passion, the love that she captured – it’s such a gift.  Here are some of my (not previously shared) favorites.

All images courtesy of Amy Ro Photography

(he’s so handsome!!!)