Crista Acosta Photography »

Witnessing this little baby being born is perhaps the greatest honor and most amazing experience I have had all year. Her mother and I had chatted about me photographing the birth long ago, and when the text came through my phone at 5:06 on a Sunday morning, I was a ball of nervous excitement. When I arrived I was welcomed by the wonderful staff at MidState Medical, as luck would have it Bethany was the only mom in labor that day, so she was sort of the focus of the entire wing that day.

Mackenzie’s mom was amazing.  She labored happily unmedicated, smiling between contractions and focusing during them… but talking about their labor experience wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention the connection between Bethany and Andrew.  They were so in tune, so connected… at one point I just watched them and tears of awe welled in my eyes.  Their love is unbelievably strong.  She reached out to him, and he held her in his arms quietly counting down through her most difficult contractions.  He cradled her face, and whispered in her ear, and encouraged her when it was time to push.  There in that little room, at 1:45 in the afternoon beautiful Mackenzie entered this world to a room full of happy tears.  It was an amazing experience to look around that room and see nurses, some still in school, some having been there for years and years still humbled by the miracle of a baby’s first breath.

Bethany and Andrew – from the bottom of my heart – thank you for letting me share in your daughter’s story.

If you’d like to view the slideshow, please click below.

I know what it’s like to love a new baby.  To look into their sweet sleepy face and drink in the amazing newness that is there.  To allow yourself to imagine and dream what this tiny person one day might become.  I do not know however, how it is to feel this way about two tiny little people… I can only imagine it is love multiplied with a little dash of wonder, as you think of how they’ll grow up always together.   As promised, an encore of Amelia and Emma.

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!

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!!!)

Sweet baby girl born into a family with 17 month old twin sisters.  Yes, you read that right – 3 under 2.  Having just (barely) survived 2 under 2, A & J – I tip my hat to you.  It’s going to be a crazy whirlwind, but savor every minute because before you know it we’ll be planning Adrienne’s one year session!

I’ve had a string of feisty girls lately, and so when I came into this session I was prepared to pull out all the stops and try to work my magic.  Imagine my surprise (and delight!) when this little peanut just happily snoozed away.  First up, the gorgeous older sisters with the most amazing eyes I’ve ever seen.

I’ve been backblogged.  I have lots of sessions that I haven’t had a moment to share, and really… they all should be shared.  This one is no exception.  A mom and her 4 beautiful girls?  This is the stuff photographer’s dreams are made of.  Though your photos have long been delivered, M & L – I hope you love them!

Two words to describe Julian – Dream.Baby.  He was the most cooperative, adorable little baby in the world.  One of my favorite things about newborn sessions is getting to know the parents during our down time.  Julian’s Mom and Dad just might be two of the most calm, peaceful first time parents I’ve met.  From the story of his birth, to their thoughts on parenting… I really really enjoyed talking with you K & D!

The best part?  We all get to watch Julian grow together, as his parents have enrolled in the Baby Steps plan so I’ll be photographing this cute little guy throughout his first year.  Can’t wait to see you all again!

Oh, and one quick fun fact.  While I always bring tons of hats and fun things to my newborn sessions, everything you see in this session Julian’s mom scored off etsy.  (My favorite place to shop!)  I love when my clients have fun things for the session!

Nine months ago, my phone rang and it was Gabby’s mom.  ”I’m having a baby!” she blurted out, sounding both terrified and excited at the same time.  I squealed in delight and we chatted for hours about how we would raise our kids together, what being a new mom is like, how strange (but amazing) pregnancy is, on and on until we reluctantly hung up.  I’ve known Gabby’s mom nearly twenty years, and though we have taken different paths, and at times our lives have drifted apart, somehow we always manage to wind up reconnected.  Our lives are simply meant to be intertwined, and no matter what happens she has always and will always be one of my best friends.

So technically, that makes Gabby my honorary niece, but apparently she didn’t get the memo that you should be nice to your Aunt Crista so that she’ll spoil you rotten when you get older.  Despite what you see here, Gabby might be my little diva.  She was a feisty one, but she is so stinkin’ cute, it was all worth it!

Congratulations Bill and Kim!  Tons of love from our home to yours.