Crista Acosta Photography »

I know I often go on about how much I love my job, and how lucky I am to do it, but in the past six months or so it’s had a wonderful unexpected perk.  As friends from my past move into new chapters of their lives – getting married, having babies, celebrating their families – I’ve had the opportunity to reconnect with many of them that I likely otherwise wouldn’t have had beyond the world of Facebook.

Heather’s was the first house I ever slept over.  We later went on to compete together on the swim team in high school, and growing up I always envied her perfect hair and beautiful wardrobe.  When she reached out to me a few months ago to tell me she was pregnant and inquire about photos, I looked forward to seeing her again.  Here she is in her all her beautiful pregnant glory.

My beautiful niece.  When I first met her, she was just a little girl and here she is about to become a mother.  I can’t wait to meet her little guy and see her grow into an even more wonderful woman than she already is.  Love you, girlie!

There is something so special about those last few weeks of your second pregnancy.  The last time your first will be an only, and the anticipation of seeing your child become a big sister (or brother).  The last time I photographed Cora, she was pregnant with her first and here she is just a few weeks out from welcoming #2 into their sweet little family.

This little peanut, with her wispy blond curls and dark soulful eyes.  Love her!

I have a similar shot of Cora standing in this doorway when her sweet little girl was on the inside, so we had to recreate it nearly three years later.

There is something very romantic about those last few weeks of pregnancy (okay, aside from the pain and sleepless nights!).  Those last few days where you wonder what your baby will look like – will he have Daddy’s eyes, Mommy’s lips?  Maria is literally due any day now – though you wouldn’t know it by her perfectly adorable bump – and their days of wondering and waiting are about to come to an end.  Pretty soon baby boy will be in their arms, and a whole new world of wondering begins.  Congratulations again M & J, can’t wait to meet your little guy!

You know the saying “she’s all belly?” that saying, without a doubt was invented for Bethany.  She is possibly the cutest pregnant woman ever, and her little family was so fun to hang out with.  It was freeeeezing, but we seriously laughed the entire session.  I don’t know how they ever have a serious conversation in that house because Dad is such a jokester.  Can’t wait to see you guys again for baby girl’s arrival!

Little Tyler is QUITE the adventurer, and we had a blast exploring the park together.

Bethany, you are stunning.  STUNNING.

… and because when there’s a bump sign around, you just have to.

I’m not quite sure where these women are coming from… 36 weeks and looking fabulous!??  I know I certainly wasn’t, and I’m envious of my beautiful clients – just weeks away from holding their brand new babies and looking fantastic.  I met Shannon and her sweet family a few days ago, and we had a fun morning playing in the yard.  Enjoy!

Just a quick note about the following picture… when Shannon and I started emailing about her session she mentioned in passing how her son loved her belly, and that during the course of her pregnancy it had become something of a comfort to him.  This was one of the last frames I shot – when Luke was done.  I absolutely love it.

Melissa may be the most amazingly in shape mama-to-be I’ve ever met.  At 36 weeks, she looks absolutely amazing.  I’m 100% certain that she will be that woman that the rest of us hear about that waltz out of the hospital in her regular jeans.  I had such a great time hanging out with you guys, and I can’t wait to meet your little girl in a few weeks!

Melissa and Josh on the right below?  One of my favorite maternity images of all time.

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?