Thinking of all my awesome dad clients today, who have dressed up, entertained older siblings, offered to help me move my equipment, or just patiently hung out while I focused on mommy and baby.
Wishing all fathers, new and old, a Happy Father's Day!
(And, of course, to my husband... thank you for watching our kids while I go off to follow my passion and do what I love! You are the backbone to our family and I love you!)
I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph this lovely family. How sweet are these boys?
More to come...
A year ago, I photographed this beautiful baby girl. Happy birthday, Baby L. Your mommy and daddy and big brothers love you to the moon and back!
I had the very special pleasure of meeting R and his lovely family today. Have you ever seen a cooler 2 year old kid?
Congratulations on your baptism, R!
More to come...
Cakes and tutus are so much fun. Baby F is turning one!
Baby E was in the studio for her newborn portrait session. 
She was such a beautiful newborn baby and was most content when held in her parents' arms. Snug as a bug in a rug.
This image of Tom always makes my heart smile. At Liz's maternity portrait session, Liz and Tom specifically indicated to me that they did not want any kissing pictures. But, of course, Baby E was just too irresistible!
I absolutely love mother and daughter images. There is nothing more beautiful.
I think Baby E has her mama's sweet smile.
Tom and Liz, thank you so much for allowing me to photograph your sweet baby girl!
I met Emily during our first year of law school. In those 3 years, we went through a lot together (I was going to list some of those things, but I'm still slightly too traumatized to talk about it). Emily is good peeps. She is perpetually happy and encouraging and beautiful, inside and out. Seriously. She's super smart... and she's gorgeous. Like, just look at her.
But she has a goofy, geeky side too... which probably explains why we are friends.
We attended eachother's weddings and I am honored that she chose me to photograph her maternity portraits.
We met up on the gorgeous, sunny (was it windy?) beaches of Monterey. The timing was perfect. I found her and Eric, just strolling along the path as the sun set behind them. How lucky is that?
Eric and Emily are the perfect match. I am so happy to know both of them.
Emily and Eric, thank you for trusting me to photograph you during this exciting time in your lives. But more importantly, thank you, Emily, for being such a good friend throughout all of these years!
Not too long ago, I was privileged to photograph Baby N for her 1 year birthday. She is the daughter of real life heroes: a fire chief and a fire dispatcher. Baby N is also a beauty, much like her mama and big sister.
Thinking of you guys!
Baby P had a smash with his cake!
I am so thankful to have met Stephanie. She is sweet and elegant and made a gorgeous mama-to-be. I can't wait to see her again and meet her baby girl!
Liz and Tom were expecting a baby girl in about a month so they came into my studio for Liz's maternity portrait session. We started a bit early to have Liz's make-up and hair done by Audrey, a wonderful local make-up artist and a new mom herself!
Liz was a dream to work with; she was organized, responsive to my wardrobe suggestions, and trusted me to try some new concepts I had been working on.
Oh, and she is simply beautiful!
I love this image of Tom because you can tell the love he has for his ladies.
Liz was so serene and lovely, awaiting her baby girl's arrival. Pregnancy is such a finite and extraordinary time, which is why maternity portrait sessions hold a special place in my heart.
Liz and Tom, thank you so much for allowing me capture these moments for you and for your baby girl to look back on someday.
Make-up and Hair by: Audrey Mendoza
I dedicate this post to my strong, beautiful mom who is always watching over me;
my loving and thoughtful mother-in-law who goes out of her way to take care of us;
and all the mothers out there, family and friends, clients, and strangers with whom I exchange understanding nods when I'm out and about,
who are strolling, sprinting--or, in my case--stumbling, on this path of motherhood alongside me.
Happy Mother's Day.
I am so excited to finally share these images of Baby D. Throughout the past year, I have had the amazing opportunity to photograph Baby D from his newborn days through his first birthday!
Baby D was one of the first babies to be photographed in my new studio space. Pat and Carol (and Carol's mom), were so gracious and patient as I photographed little Baby D in his first week out of the womb.
Although it was over a year ago, I vividly remember Baby D's newborn portrait session. It was cold out that day. Pat spent a lot of time entertaining Baby D's big sister. Carol was totally prepared with wardrobe changes, hair pins, and a packed lunch. And Carol's lovely mother sat right next to me, making funny faces so that we could capture this image.
I will always think back on Baby D's newborn session with fond memories. (I still can't get over how little Meadow looks in this photograph!)
It is extraordinary how much babies grow that first year.
By month 6 (well, technically 7), Baby D was sitting and smiling...
... and sitting in a basket.
All cute babies should be carried around in baskets decorated with balloons, don't you agree? I love Baby D's gummy smile in this image.
By his 1 year portrait session, Baby D was standing!
And walking!
And carrying heavy objects around!
I don't think I have ever seen a one year old baby eat his cake with a fork and spoon, but Baby D is a proper little man.
"Who, me?"
To Pat, Carol, Meadow and Baby D, thank you for trusting me to capture this year of your family's story. It was so rewarding seeing your children grow and I am deeply, incredibly, truly honored!
Once again, I had the privilege of documenting Blossom Birth's Annual Family Fair this past weekend. 
I don't photograph many events anymore but, once in a while, I have the opportunity to and I remember how much fun it is!
The morning started with the talented Andy Z performing with his good friend, Como C. Llama.
As usual, the pair brought down the house with their clever banter and funny songs.
A Mother's Day Achievement award was presented to the Nursing Mothers Counsel.
Which was then followed by an insightful and invaluable talk by keynote speaker, Dr. Harvey Karp (yes, THE Dr. Harvey Karp). The tallk, entitled, "What makes Toddlers Tick? Tips and tricks to raise happy, respectful, well balanced tots!” was given to a packed room!
I have yet to successfully implement his methods, but I will keep trying.
Exhibitors set up throughout the venue so that families could connect with wonderful local pregnancy, birth and parenting resource and service providers.
With a Music Together class, storytime with the Palo Alto City Library, baby and toddler signing with Touch Blue Sky, an ice cream sundae bar with MommyNearest, a diaper changing area with Earth Baby, a raffle, and more... this little one got tuckered out.
Thank you to the hard-working individuals at Blossom Birth for putting together this incredible event for all the families and soon-to-be mothers and for allowing me to capture it all.
I absolutely LOVED photographing this gorgeous mama-to-be as she was awaiting the birth of her baby girl.
More to come...
Baby V came into the studio with her mother and maternal grandmother.
Megan, Baby V's mom, is originally from Tennessee and she has that twinkle about her. She speaks in a tone that is comforting and sincere. And she's genuinely kind. So it was wonderful that I got to meet Megan's mom as well, V's maternal grandmother. Meeting Mrs. Bronwyn made it clear why Megan is the sweetheart that she is.
Mrs. Bronwyn and I bonded over our love of holding newborn babies and our plans to become cuddlers someday. Also, Mrs. Bronwyn was key in calming Baby V when all Baby V wanted to do was nurse.
Thank you, Megan and Mrs. Bronwyn, for bringing little Baby V and allowing me to photograph her. It was such a pleasure meeting you all.
Louis and Rosa brought Baby F in for her newborn baby portrait session. She was tiny and so dreamy.
Baby F has three older brothers to look up to. These boys are such a joy to work with and I loved watching them dote on their sweet baby sister.
I found this oyster shell a while back and just had to get it for Baby F's session.
You know, because Louis loves the ocean, Baby F is the first baby girl of the family, hard to find, precious, a gem.
It makes sense if you think about it long enough... or, at least, it did to me in my head at the time.
Thank you, Louis and Rosa, for allowing me to photograph Baby F in all her newness. I am so happy for your family and I can't wait to see all the amazing things Baby F will learn from her big brothers... like how to play soccer and the fine art of sandball-making.
"This is my brother."
Baby A had his first birthday and we couldn't pass up having a session to commemorate his ONEderful year.
Thank you, Mike and Jennifer, for allowing me to photograph your handsome boy. My, how he's grown from his newborn days!
As late as it may be, I could not resist posting about my portrait session with Baby J.
He was tiny and sweet and such a joy to photograph.
Baby J has a big sister and they are just the most adorable pair. You could tell how much L was in love with her baby brother.
Thank you, Kimberly and Mike, for allowing me to photograph your lovely children!
