life with a newborn :: beau scott

Having known this family throughout their pregnancy, I can say with a great deal of confidence that this little man has been SO wanted, and anticipated with incredible joy. I'm so happy seeing him finally here and resting in his parents' arms. There's so much goodness ahead for these three, and so many gifts to soak up in the here and now. 

Life With A Newborn sessions often happen during those first tender and raw weeks following birth, otherwise known as the 4th Trimester or postpartum period. It's my favorite time, friends. I'm a birth junkie (always!) but I'll also say that I've come to value this postpartum season just as much. It's so vitally important for lifelong wellbeing for babies and their mamas. And even though it LOOKS all romantic and gushy in photographs sometimes, it's actually SO intense and really challenging, especially if we haven't prepared for it. Which is why, as part of my new (and complementary) venture, Sister Birth, I'm devoted to helping you set up a postpartum that nourishes and restores you, protecting these early weeks with your baby. While also photographing tidbits of it! Please visit SisterBirth.com to learn more. 

life with a newborn :: theo

I guess I have a soft spot - both as a mama and a photographer - for fammilies welcoming third or subsequent children. It's such a holy chaos, a mess of noise and movement and affection, so unlike the slow stillness surrounding a firstborn baby. It's just really fun to photograph. And though I know Missi and Mike might feel a tiny bit like they are drowning in the midst of it at the moment, one day they'll look at these with misty eyes. 

These are the good old days.z

Welcome, Theo. You're so loved.

life with a newborn :: archer lee

A second son, sweet and alert and 3 months old at the time of this session. He fits right in, and makes this family complete. Meet Archer and see the space between his naps. :)

life with a newborn :: eliza dawn

13 weeks before these photos were taken, Eliza joined her family in the same sweet upper apartment on the west side of Grand Rapids where these photos are taken. You may even recognize the bedroom she currently shares with her folks from the photos I took during her birth. She's growing chunky and lovely, her eyes connect and her lips turn in a smile when she sees her people. She's a beloved daughter and sister, and these are some photos of what her life is like so far. 

life with a newborn :: vera james

Chantal and Jason welcomed their amazing baby girl in a long but sacred homebirth, surrounded by both of their mothers and Jason's sister, making it truly a family affair. And about a week later I got to pop in on them and take some photos in the thick of their tender, reeling, emotional postpartum. That first week, guys. It's intense. It's everything. So much goes on in body and heart and mind; it's unlike anything else. Newborn haze is only a halfway decent description of it. But even in watching them during our session and chatting a bit between shots, I'm reminded yet again, of how much attention and TLC this so-called fourth trimester deserves. Families in these first weeks need the support of their village, and reassurance that their parental intuition is alive and well. If you know someone with a newborn, friends, offer your non-judgement presence and practical support. It matters so much. 

But besides all that, it's also GORGEOUS. This new family is simply beautiful. They are awash in oxytocin, totally wrapped up in one another in all the best ways. They're off to a great start, and I know their future as a family is bright indeed. 

life with a newborn :: roselyn grace

Sweet Roselyn. Her birth tested and stretched her parents in ways they couldn't have anticipated. I know because I was lucky enough to be present for much of it, and witnessed their strength and love in that space. The sacrifices of love they made for one another and for Roselyn in birth continue to shine in these early weeks of life together as a family of 3. They're a beautiful little family and they happen to have rad retro taste, too. I love these quite Sunday morning moments at their home, spent nursing and making baby footprints, preparing a large brunch feast while sipping coffee, and loving on each other.