Beat CAL? {newborn boy}

Who ever heard of such a thing? When Dad started bringing out ALL his USC gear, I knew I was in trouble. My husband and I are staunch Cal fans and I felt like I was betraying my alma mater.

Okay, I lie. I have no idea who has a better team...but I do know this little baby boy is going to be a huge USC fan and I'm just going to have to brush up on my college football knowledge so I can properly prepare my kids when we run into this family at parties. :)

Super sweet family! You would never guess that this was their first baby as they pretty much allowed me to put baby anywhere!

Their little peanut.

NEWBORN BOY: more of the Whizz Kid

Loved this little guy! And not just because he's my good friend's baby boy, but because he was EASY! We all thought his big sister was an easy baby (and now she's a super fun-loving, good natured BIG sis) but it looks like she's gonna have some competition. I am going to miss documenting this family's milestones as they are moving away. Mom has really been a HUGE encouragement to me in my journey as a photographer and well, you just can't buy good encouragement these days.

Although I'm sure between Disneyland and my family, I'll find lots of reasons to visit them.

TWINS: breaking the rules

So, I usually encourage clients to book newborn sessions before 10 days old for several reasons:

1) Babies change SO quickly that you'll want to capture this fleeting stage before they change again (right before your very eyes).

2) Mom and Dad are usually so sleep deprived that they can barely remember how to operate their camera, much less remember to take it out.

3) Newborns under 10 days old are sleepy, curly, ADORABLE, and don't suffer from baby acne.

With that, I present to you the rule breakers--these babies are 6 weeks old, were sleepy, curly and SUPER adorable, perfect skin (I believe these are the first babies I've met who never had baby acne), and Mom and Dad were on their toes helping me with the shoot.

NEWBORN BOY: do you get it?

My husband didn't get it. I showed him the picture, telling his this is my new favorite photo and he just didn't get it. I actually had to spell it out for him. Please tell me I am not alone...

NEWBORN TWINS: the perfect pair

These little ones were perfectly behaved for their first photo shoot. Only 12 days old and mom already had them on a schedule. I suspect that Mom's math teacher background really helped her in coordinating the complex schedule of two newborns. :) Mom was also busy feeding and changing a baby for most of the shoot that she (perhaps thankfully) did not watch as Mom's sister and I set up these shots. We were RIGHT there, we promise.

NEWBORN BOY: I could write a book...

...but then I wouldn't be taking pictures because if you think processing photos takes me a long time, you should wait for me to write something. Mom and dad waited four plus years for this baby and when he came, I truly believe the announcement of his arrival spread unspeakable joy to all those praying for him. And to make him extra special, God decided to give him teeth-just to show off how advanced this little guy is going to be. We can't wait to watch him grow!

NEWBORN BOY: He's gonna need all the sleep he can get...

Because he's got two older brothers who are gonna keep him BUSY. Thankfully, mom is highly energetic and super easygoing. :) And baby #3 is a dream--he just slept and slept and slept. We moved him from bean bag to basket to sling (the trendy sling is the Serene Sling, btw) and he just kept on sleeping. And thank you to my good friend, mom of this adorable girl, for the referral-did I mention that I love my friends? (If you follow my blog, it's all over the place).

TWIN NEWBORNS: they really are as sweet as they look

Ok-confession time--I was nervous walking into this shoot. I love, LOVE newborns, but this is the youngest set of twins that I've photographed and I know babies can be unpredictable. But this pair was perfect! They were the ideal subjects to break me in and I'm hooked! And if I remember correctly--the last of this bunch is baby girl sleeping in her mom's (and her mom's mom's) bassinet-so sentimental.

NEWBORN BOY: he must have really funny dreams

Because he just did not stop smiling. And they weren't the quick, lip quiver kind of smile--he just kept smiling BIG. I think it's because he was born into this world to the nicest people ever. This couple was referred to me by one of my clients and I almost turned them down because they live outside my travel radius. But mom was so sweet and persistent, that I couldn't refuse. Totally my gain. :)

NEWBORN BOY: sleepy little fellow

He was SO cooperative! I love these sleepy newborns who will let me move them from crib to basket to bed and to other fun places. Mom is a good friend, who referred TONS of wonderful clients to me. She just had her baby and I told her she better let me in as early as possible to photograph her baby boy. I love clients who heed my advice. Baby could not have posed better for me. And I LOOVE that dad really got into it all--he even purchased props for the photo shoot!

Two for the Road

I'm trying to be better about posting (or at least more consistent) so here are two pics while I'm on the road (literally we will have been on the road for no less than 14 hours driving back and forth from Northern Cal to Disneyland and back to Northern Cal).

Met this little guy in Southern Cal and he's one month new and a wonderful sleeper! I'm talking sleepy when I got there, sleepy when I left. A newborn photographer's dream!

BABY BOY: He's gonna be a resilient one

Being the fifth of five kids, I'm gonna bet that this little guy grows up quick. All his siblings (including him) are ADORABLE! His older sister was actually one of my very first clients. Thanks for inviting me again to your home to meet your newest addition!

And I just couldn't resist showing this one. Funny lil' guy!

MATERNITY and NEWBORN: Baby Boy and his Polka Dot Blankie

Our very dear friends welcomed a new addition in January and I got to be the lucky photographer to document their journey. This easygoing couple will certainly give their new baby a wonderful home. We also sadly bid farewell to their beloved dog, Kody. Thankfully, Kody was able to meet the baby although I did not make it in time to capture it. Baby is one month old in these pictures and slept peacefully for his first photo shoot.

I'm SOOO Behind...

Thank you to all my clients who have been waiting ever so patiently for their sneaks and for their galleries.

So that I can spend time editing and shooting, I'm going to dedicate this post to previews:

Baby M and Big Sis L: