A HUNGRY CATERPILLAR BIRTHDAY : DEVAN

One year ago, Kim and Jeff were ready.  The paintings were hung in the nursery and the diapers were stacked high. These soon to be parents had even practiced buckling their build a bear into a brand new car seat.  Kim and Jeff were ready.  Ready for the arrival of their first son.  

Devan was born on January 25, 2010, one day after his mother's birthday.  Kim said she couldn't have ask for a better gift.  With ten little fingers and ten tiny toes, Devan was a healthy boy, with parents who loved him very much.  When I asked Kim what surprised her the most about having a child, she said it was the fact that she could go with so little sleep and actually be okay!  "Devan was waking up every two hours those first few months.  I would get up and feed him.  When he started sleeping through the night, I was a little sad!  I missed that extra time with my son!"  Jeff has big plans for Devan.  He dreams of throwing the baseball with his little man one day.  "Devan's got long fingers.  He would make a great pitcher!"  One thing is for sure, Devan is truly loved.

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of photographing Devan for his 1st birthday!  Smiling every time he saw his favorite book, he was clearly excited for his hungry caterpillar themed party next weekend.  Enjoy a peek into this beautiful family's life below. 

   

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is Devan's favorite book.  Kim and Jeff have done a great job preparing the cutest touches for Devan's themed party next Saturday, thanks to Etsy.

With those big eyes and a beautiful smile, Devan is already a little ladies man!

Kim and Jeff's eyes light up every time they look at their son.  It is incredibly sweet to watch.

Devan's favorite toys are cars and planes.  Only 15 more years until Devan will be driving a car of his own!

Devan had the propeller spinning on this vintage yellow plane.  He was ready for it to take off and fly!

LOVE LOVE LOVE these little curls.

What an adorable family, all smiles and brimming with love.

Devan didn't know what to think of his birthday balloon!  Should he eat it, pop it, or let it fly?!

He settled for letting it go, reaching for his "Very Hungry Caterpillar" book instead.  

As the photo shoot came to an end, Devan laid down to close his eyes.  Looking this cute was hard work!!  Kim and Jeff, it was wonderful getting to know your family.  I wish you a lifetime full of happy birthdays and plenty of delicious cake for each one!

BABY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS : OLIVIA

Things are abuzz in the Dale household.  The tree has been put up and the garland has been hung with care.  Tiny Christmas lights shine and beautiful wreaths adorn every door.  Boxes and boxes of presents sit beautifully wrapped under the tree.  As exciting as this time is, Stephanie and John's greatest gift this year came three months earlier.  That's right!  Their first born child, little baby Olivia is here, making this Christmas the best Christmas of all.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing baby Olivia's Christmas session!  You might remember Olivia's newborn photos, featured on the blog back in October.  Since it is Christmas Eve, I thought this would be the perfect post to share.  I hope these sweet photos warm your heart during this magical time of year.

Stephanie and John already had multiple ornaments to help remind them of Olivia's first Christmas.  This was one of my favorites! 

Olivia is BEAUTIFUL...just like her mother. 

Stephanie and John are the definition of proud parents!  They can't get enough of their baby girl! 

How could you not fall in love with these beautiful big eyes?

Olivia was absolutely glowing!

All wrapped up under the tree, Olivia is her mommy's favorite gift!

When it started to get late, Olivia's dad tucked her into her pjs and made sure she was snuggled up with her favorite bears.

Right before she went to sleep, Olivia smiled, happy to be spending her first Christmas with a family who loves her so much.  As we celebrate together this season, may the wonder of that first Christmas, the joy of God's abundant blessings, and the peace of Jesus' presence be with you always.  Merry Christmas!

TRIBECA FAMILY LOVE : MICHELE + KYLE + SOFIA

Last Sunday morning I had the honor of photographing this family outside their apartment in Tribeca. Strolling down the city streets they know like the back of their hand, these sweet parents spent a beautiful morning with the most important girl in their lives.  Check out a few of my favorite memories below.

We started the shoot at 7 a..m., right outside the home.

This little cutie was a natural in front of the camera!  

I am in LOVE with these tiny boots by Zara for Kids.

You might remember Staple Street from Ali and Nathan's Tribeca engagement session back in July!  The beautiful textures and lines make it one of my favorite places to shoot!

Such a good looking family!

This daddy is absolutely SMITTEN with his little girl.  

LOVE LOVE LOVE this...oh so much!

As they passed by a favorite restaurant on their way home, a feeling of happiness washed over them.  They knew the memories they were making with their daughter each day would last them a lifetime.