gina | austin maternity photography

The night Gina and Ian told us they were expecting caught me completely off guard. It caught me so off guard that they repeated it three times before I finally turned to look at them, see the reality in their eyes and then explode into a ball of jumping, squealing excitement. Now I get a front row seat to watch two of my very dear friends transform into parents: mom and dad.

There is this look that Ian gets when he talks about his son that speaks not only of his anticipation, but also of this strong, sweet love he already has for that baby boy and every time I see that look it gets me. Then there's Gina. Her college roommate nickname was mom. She is thoughtful, nurturing, and knows how to comfort and care for people like few can. Anyone who knows them both knows this baby is lucky.

So many people dream about living down the road from their best friends, living life together, and raising families together and that actually gets to be my reality. I'm so blessed to have these two in my life, so ready to meet little Sawyer in December and so glad that they took the plunge first! Can you say hand-me-downs?

Love you three!

sunglasses | sneak peek

How cute is this girl in these glasses?

She is one very cool four month old.

baby on board | sneak peek

Since Julie snapped some shots of one her favorite pregnant people last week, I thought I'd follow in her footsteps this weekend.

This is one child I can't wait to meet. More to come.

oh boy! | sneak peek

One quick picture before this gorgeous mommy-to-be jets out on her European vacation. I'm only 99% jealous.

Oh, and this cute little yarn idea was all hers. As were the amazing yarn writing skills, which she did upside-down!

Enjoy your trip! Can't wait to meet your little man in December!

baby blythe | austin newborn photography

We quietly knocked on the front door with excited anticipation to finally meet sweet Blythe. We'd been anxious for her arrival since we took her mom's maternity pictures a few months back.

The moment the door pulled open, I could feel it all around me: peace. There were signs of it everywhere, from the smells of Lolly's chicken soup cooking in the kitchen to the soft smiles Ryan and Allison held every time they looked at their baby girl. Not to mention the almost-reverent silence that hung in the air, broken only by the soft pant of their golden retriever. Visiting a newborn is like visiting a tangible little miracle and the house was filled with the acknowledgement of that truth. Blythe was quite the miracle too.

Perfect head. Perfect eyes. Perfect mouth. Perfect nose. Perfect toes. Perfect (long!) fingers. Just perfect!

P.S. Isn't Lolly such a cute grandma name?!?

happy birthday jessica!

To my dear, wonderful, business partner, mentor, sanity-keeper and friend,

There are few things in this world that can elicit a larger contented sigh from me that the thought of you. You are one of my greatest earthly blessings and closest friends. It's funny to look back at the short timeline of our friendship and see a common theme: struggle. We've struggled through the Forge together, through adjusting to real life and then through starting a business but we've never struggled with each other. You've always given me the perfect balance of grace and conviction to allow me to flourish. If ever there's a foxhole, I want you beside me. Period. I'm so thankful for you and the jackpot I hit by having you not only as a friend, but as a business partner. I hope you have an unbelievable birthday!

I couldn't love you more,

Julie

Since this was a sappy post, I'll end it with a silly picture. (Mwhahaha!)

olivia | austin family photographer

We got to spend a warm Monday evening with sweet baby Olivia and her wonderful parents and one thing was obvious by the end of the night: this girl is absolutely adored! (It totally makes sense as she happens to be absolutely adorable.) I was amazed that she was so full of giggles and smiles despite not getting a great nap that day. Between her cracking laughs as dad danced a plastic giraffe in front of her and her eyes lighting up with contentment as mom picked her up to give a quick snuggle, I came to the conclusion that she just couldn't stand the thought of missing a single waking moment with her mom and dad. And with parents like that I don't blame her...