{ rounding third }

I love the exciting times that come with pregnancy…especially during the home stretch.  That, my friends, is month NINE.  The encore.  Like with other life events, I get so excited to be asked to capture the beautiful and glowing look of the expectant mother and nervousness and excitement from the other family members faces.

Meet Justin, Amber, and sweet (and I mean sweet) little Lila.  The first part of the location was at one of my favorite settings, Chambers Bay.  It was PACKED, but all eyes were on Amber and her cute little baby bump.

The session started with a little warm-up.  Lila, who is practicing her big sister role  (more on that in a bit) held the little, yellow H with all the love in the world.  She is so excited for baby Hayley to make her appearance.

Still not sure exactly what about small rocks on the bump that looks so cool, but Amber braved the cool stones on the bare skin for my simple pleasures…and hopefully hers now :)

You always have to keep an eye on what others are doing during the session.  Failing to do so, I would have missed this little daddy and daughter time.  All together now…. awweee.

As I said earlier, Lila was working hard practicing her role as big sis.  In fact, I caught her sneaking in a quick study session with mommy watching over to make sure no questions go unanswered.

Chambers Bay offers so many options to capture the right image, grass, water, sand…it’s all there.   Love this place and love the interactions between Justin, Amber, and Lila.

The first part of the session wrapped up with another fan favorite…the Big Yellow Vintage Chair.  A session without that chair just isn’t session and Lila was not about to let mommy have all the fun.

The session continued with a visit to a large, spacious, and b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l  residence.  Once I smelled the country air, it was game on and the creativity started to flow.

Love this one…

Don’t ever underestimate the power of open arms to your children.

As we round third and head for home…. put Lila in coach, she is ready to play!

{ ‘Cause HE made you perfect, babe }

Baby J was my latest new born session and I think….know…I had more fun than he did.  It’s okay… I enjoy to chaos that comes with a new born session. The session started a bit with some tears and crying.  …

{ EMOTW }

…..which stands for Expectant Mothers of the World.  Solidarity man!  Got a little one all curled up inside you waiting ever-so-patiently to surprise you on their first (and really only) BIRTHday.  What are you waiting for…document this special event with photos!

This isn’t a plug for me to book more maternity sessions.  Quite frankly, I don’t care how you get them done…just do it. Call a friend, use your phone,hire a professional.  Whatever.   I obviously cannot speak for  NMOTW (this doesn’t really exist, but if it did, it would stand for New Mothers of the World).  However, as a proud father of 2 out of contr….ummm, adorable children, I do regret not having more photos taken before they shot out like rocket and started growing more and more each day.

They say, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.”  Perhaps with most things, but let’s get real… big or small belly, dress it up a bit.  Add a little life.  Seal it with a bow.  Whatev!

You’ll notice when I do maternity photos, hands will be in many of the shots.  Something about the mothers hand on the outside knowing their little one on the inside wants so badly to touch her finger..hold her hand.  Awww.

Boy, how I love adding some of earth elements during the session.  Seems so fitting.

So EMOTW unite!  Make it happen. Do it!

Shhh. I am available year round for maternity sessions and would love to help document this important milestone in your life.  Keep this on the down low (I don’t advertise).

{ everybody’s doing the easter hop hop hop }

 

Though our trips to Oregon are limited, we do try to make it to my stomping grounds for Easter.  My mom loves to have the family over during this holiday and her large yard makes it ideal for the Easter Bunny to hide all the eggs.

The first thing our kids do after the customary (and long awaited) hugs and hellos is head towards the soft, plush Hip Hop Bunny that magically appears on her fire place each year.  Cute little fella and the kids enjoy playing this Hip(sters) token song:

down the trail i’m coming
with a basket full of fun.
and everybody’s doing the Easter
hop
hop
hop
so put your feet together.
there is nothing better
than everybody doing the Easter
hop
hop
hop

Then it’s get the kiddos dressed and wait for the rest of the family to arrive. I felt it was best to snap a couple of pictures while we wait.

Couple of quick poses showing off her Easter dress…

Love their smiles and silliness…

The cousins spent time opening up gifts from the Easter Bunny while my brother and I helped the little fur ball out by hiding more eggs outside.  It was a beautiful day in Eugene!

 

After a long and eventful weekend, we decided to take the kids to see their great grammy.  It has been a few years since we have all seen her and needless to say, she was quite surprised…especially since there was no warning we would be tromping in.

‘Til next Easter, hop hop hop.