This is Allison’s first of many appearances on the blog as she is part of my Baby’s First Year program.  I will never forget when she was born.  She is baby number 3 for the Baker clan.  Mom and Dad had no idea if she was to be a boy or girl…so neither did the rest of us.  She has two older brothers.  She also is part of a family of cousins that at the time she was born already included 6 boys, a boy that was expected to arrive right after her…and this baby was the soon-to-be surprise.

I had gone into the eye doctor where one of my past brides, Nicole, works.  She looks at me and says, “Did you hear?!  Mandy and Chad had a GIRL!”  My jaw hit the ground and I’m sure I screamed something like SHUT UP!!!!!!!  Now, Nicole and I were on the same page to instantly realize this family of boys just got a little pink present….but the two ladies in the waiting room of the eye doctor watching us have our freak out were like ??????  Once I calmed down (only slightly), I realized they likely were under the impression that Nicole and I were nuts.  So, I HAD to explain the excitement of it all.  In the end, I have NO DOUBT they still thought Nicole and I were nuts ;)

And with that, here are just a few from her newborn session at home to see how much she has changed!

This little princess was seriously so happy for her 3 month session…until she decided she was exhausted, took a 20 minute power nap while her mom and I chatted away..and woke up smiling again and never missed a beat!  We got a few more smiles out of her…and then she conked out on us for a second time.  But sleeping baby pictures are pretty darn cute, too :)

Such a little sweetie.  Can’t wait to see how she likes being outside for our next session!!!  And hopefully a few with her big brothers!

This little girl is about as good as it gets.  I think this is the third session I’ve had with her and every year goes kind of like this,  “Hey Casey (Ava’s mom), I know it’s only been half an hour, but I swear, we have so many good ones I have NO idea how you’ll pick one for your wall this time.”

And it’s always true.  Casey sees the images and tells me , “How will I choose?!”  And it’s because AVA is simply out of this world fun and easy to photograph!  She has such confidence and spunk, but is also so kind and sweet.  For a six year old…it’s more than impressive.  And did I mention how funny she is?  She’ll be standing there and all of a sudden whip out these model poses that leave Casey and I cracking up then the next minute she’s off running around and being curious about her surroundings.  Makes me want to be a six year old again!

I mean really, that hand on the face?! ALL AVA!

BAHAHAAAA!!!!!  Ava had been sitting there in a daze smiling but looking right past me.  So I put my camera to the side and made this exact face at her until she responded.  I just didn’t expect this response ;)

Thanks for another great session, Miss Ava!  And thank you, Casey, for once again making the trip up from Indy!!

Such a sweet edition to this perfect family, meet Amos.  If you follow the blog, you may remember watching his big brother Levi grow from an infant to one year old not that long ago!  Amos made his arrival in March and  a few days later, I made my arrival to0 to photograph the little man and new family of five :)  I always love my visits with Julie, Jon + crew.  Mom and dad are always so relaxed and make me feel right at home.  Big sis Esther didn’t want me to take too many pictures for fear that we would miss out on play time with her ;)  I did manage to read a book or two to she and Levi while Amos took a little break..doing so I realized I need to work on my “character voices.”  I’m kind of out of practice!

Amos is such a beautiful baby.  Bright eyes and so alert….Julie told me that his blonde hair is a little hard to get used to since both Esther and Levi were born with full heads of dark hair!

Levi has taken his role of big brother very seriously.  Julie joked that he’s a little too helpful at times ;)  He wanted to be sure Amos had his hat on just right!

Oh my, what a character!  Love these of all five of them!

Julie and Jon, thanks as always for letting me be a part of your lives in this way.  I am always overwhelmed by the love within your home….it’s almost tangible!  So happy for all of you-what a blessing Amos is!