Carter :: one year

Carter boy,

This year with you in our family has brought an indescribable joy to all of us. I mean it, you light up everyone’s life with your infectious smile. We cannot go to even one store without someone stopping me because they have to tell me how cute you are, and that is probably because you smile (and even wave) to everyone who looks your way. It’s one of my favorite things about you. You absolutely adore your big brother, although you definitely know how to work us when it comes to him. We usually assume he’s done something naughty and gets in trouble but more and more we secretly watch you boys, he will get a little too close or gently touch your fingers and you scream! We’re starting to catch on though and that won’t work forever my boy. You are a determine little guy that’s for sure, and I love watching you navigate all of your moves. The way you have to smell your blanket every time you grab it makes me giggle. Life with you is better, and I cannot wait to see who you become.

I had been wanting to do his pictures for a while but apparently California is the new Washington because it rained every.single.day for like three weeks! We were/are so over it. But we had a clear two days and so I took full advantage. We took these in Andrea’s gorgeous backyard. I had planned to use another spot in her yard but unfortunately the sun was too far down on that side. Luckily she has eight million other sides to her yard that look amazing! I brought reinforcements to our session because well, the only time this guy doesn’t smile is during an actual photoshoot. And I even left feeling a little bummed because I didn’t think I got too much of what I was looking for. Buuut, once I got home I saw soooo many that I loved. (All thanks to his Nana!)

I added this one directly above because if you ask him where his head is, this is his answer. Next we are working on the nose. And speaking of his nose, that little side profile below is just adorable to me!  I don’t typically let me boys eat sugar for a long time with the exception of their birthdays. So while this cake looks gigantic for my one year old, I made it because a. I wanted to practice it for his party and b. I knew he wouldn’t eat too much. And he really did lose interest in about five minutes. But I sure think he was adorable for those five minutes. Happy first birthday my baby bear, we love you with our whole hearts.

Isaiah :: six months

It feels like we just took these six month pictures of Isaiah but it was back at the beginning of December that we did them! I still cannot believe how fast that month flew by. I feel like it was summer, I blinked and now it’s January. I know that this sweet boy can give the best gummy smiles but it was mostly just serious business for our session. I did not mind one bit though, because well, those big eyes.
He absolutely loved this fluffy blanket.

And his toes. 

It’s fun watching you grow baby Allen, and even more fun seeing the hearts in your momma’s eyes for you. You are so loved little boy. 

The Richardson family

The Richardson family are another favorite of mine, and another note of appreciation to Andrea is the Richardson’s. They came to me as a referral of Andrea’s and I couldn’t be more thankful for them. They haven’t been clients as long as the Siepker’s but it sure feels like they’ve always been here. I can still remember when Andrea first told me Stef was pregnant, I had my fingers crossed that she would call me for her maternity or newborn session and then she DID! That is where it all began. I loved Stef from the minute I met her and haven’t stopped talking her ear off since. (Funny side story, I’ve actually known Chris for way longer. We met in high school because of a mutual friend, and he and Scott were also neighbors growing up. Small world!) I appreciate Chris too, because he appreciates me. Not many guys (ahem-Ivan) understand why pictures are so important to us girls, but Chris gets it. I love that.

Our session was on pretty much the one and only day it rained in November. Oh and the wind, so windy. But we just went with it and I am glad we did, I love so many of them.

ps. I am kidding Ivan, I know you’re coming around and before you know it – collages everywhere of that baby girl.

Calum :: newborn

The holidays didn’t just bring the families this year, but also an abundance of newborns. This sleepy little guy is Calum, and I’ve known his mommy for a verrrry long time. So when she asked me to take these I was honored she would think of me. Calum was born six weeks early and we took these when he was six weeks old, he was adorable and sleepy and perfect. 

Oh and the eyelashes, the longest I’ve ever seen on a six week old. And so blonde. Heather booked my Let them be Little sessions, so lucky me I will get to see this boy a ton in his first year. 

Emerson :: newborn

Look at that little baby smile! Newborn smiles are the sweetest. Meet Emerson, he was only days old in these although now he is two months old!

He surprised his mommy and daddy by joining the world four weeks early! You might remember Amy’s maternity session, it’s one of my all time favorites. Well, this little guy belongs to them and I am just so so happy for them.

It’s already almost time for his three month photos! Promise I won’t take this long sharing those, love you Baker family of three.

Carter’s Birthday List

It feels so weird to think that we have a FIRST birthday in our house already but it is true, the baby bear is turning one in less than two weeks! He got so many good gifts for Christmas that I do not know how I am going to come up with another list.

I can start off with the few things that he didn’t get that were on the Christmas list, like this shopping cart and cute little vegetables, (probably my #1 on the “toy” list) and this table because I have high hopes for a nice backyard in the near future where we will hang out all of the time.

He got two adorable Little People sets, but didn’t get this one. (Limited Quantities so you might want hurry!) I kind of just want to buy it right now so that I know he gets it! Okay, now let’s talk about bath toys for a minute, I love them. I was just telling Scott that if we could let the water consistently run then they would probably stay in their forever, and then I stumbled on this! I have always thought all of the Disney character bath toys were adorable and I was going to put them on this list but I went into the store the other day and just couldn’t resist. I bought him a Mickey set, so cute! But I do want to get rid of all the old, yucky ones we have so even something some like this little guy would be perfectly fine. Also, while we’re talking about bath time.. I think Carter also needs a new bath towel, he is kind of outgrowing his first one, and I do think this little giraffe one is pretty cute.

Also because he is the second boy of our family, he really doesn’t need any of that. But we do need to get him a new car seat very soon, I have one friend recommended this one, and another who has used this one and loves it. Sooo, Amazon gift cards are probably on the top of the list (for momma at least) (*Ahem, any grandparents that are reading this)

Lastly, anyone who follows me on social media or has been reading here probably knows that he is super attached to a blanket. I’ve always used the Aden & Anaias blankets for him and just kind of rotated, that way it isn’t just one he is attached to. (see I’m learning something with the second kid) I’ve followed Modern Burlap for a long time now and I have even ordered one of Carter’s blankets from them, but I kind of, sort of have been eyeing their cute little camera swaddle.

I know this isn’t the best list, but like I said he already has so much! Toys that I haven’t even opened from Christmas.

The Siepker family

I can always count on Andrea’s sessions to both amaze and stress me out. Amazing because she has a beautiful family and a great sense of style, and stress me because the girl can’t get there on time if it killed her.  She’s just lucky I love her (and shoot fast). This year we went to Humphrey Estate, which is a location you have to pay to shoot at but in my opinion, totally worth it. Because of our late start we didn’t even get through half of the estate, and have already talked about going back next year because it’s so beautiful and want to be able to explore the other half.

It truly is a gift that I have photographed this family all of these years. Andrea was literally my second client ever and has stuck with me all of these years. (I think I say the same thing every year I blog their family session) There is something so amazing about seeing a family change over time, being able to document it and at the same time gain such a great friend through it all. I can remember holding Grace as a baby in the hospital, and just waiting for my turn to hold such a precious gift. I can remember during my heartbreak, that I could always count on Andrea to not judge me but just listen, and understand that I was anger or jealous. I remember her bringing me her delicous enchiladas the week Grayson was born and always being someone who is there. She is always there. If all I ever got from photography was this one friendship, that would be enough.

Okay enough of this sappy stuff, who wants to see another gorgeous session?! This spot, their outfits and beautiful faces. I swear Andrea gets prettier with age. Another Siepker session, another favorite.

xoxo, jess.

Carter :: Monthly Achievements

** Breaking News – I had to come edit my post because since I published it, he took his FIRST step!! He did it twice! I was so excited! It was like all of a sudden he just decided he wanted to, and did. So fun! Okay, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Boy am I glad that these monthly pictures are done, I can’t believe how hard they were to get these past few months. With Grayson I held him (much smarter!) because then he couldn’t get away. But we made it! I feel like I only blinked for a second and he is already a year old. It blows my mind how much faster time goes when you have kids.

Such a fun month! We of course had our first Christmas with him! He wasn’t interested in much more than his breakfast that day but just having him and knowing it was his “first” made it so special. He is not walking but stands all on his own, walks the couch and anything else he can. He is a master climber, he climbs everything. And I mean everything, the other day he was up on the window sill. One night we were watching him, and he was attempting to climb from a small chair to the couch. It took him about 15 tries and 20 minutes but he finally did it, something about it made me so proud. He didn’t give up, he also didn’t get frustrated. He fell and cried a couple of times but shook it off and got right back up. I hope that determination is something he carries with him long into life.

We are done with bottles (can I get a hallelujah?!) and his true attachment comes with his blanket. The first thing he does when he picks it up, he smells it. He’ll pick up Grayson’s, smell it and throw it down. I think it’s so funny. When I change his diaper, he does stomach crunches. Makes it almost impossible to change him, and he’s so strong I literally have to force him back down. He can give high fives and is starting to shake his head no. You know that determination we talked about? I think he hears “no” a lot so he’s already getting that head shake down. The last thing that I never want to forget is his what I like to call his show smile. If he is getting in a bit of trouble and hears the no, he pulls out this pouty lip and he’ll even bring a tear or two. But then, immediately following that little act he’ll smile at me. This squinty eye, scrunchy nose, one and a half tooth smile. We all laugh, every.single.time. Therefore he keeps doing it. Not teaching him good habits on that one!

I decided to throw together all 12 months below just for fun, I wanted to see the change in him. (It kind of pains me to have the first two months not “match” the rest, ugh. I don’t know why I even thought it was okay to use my phone for these, so dumb) Okay, moving on.

12 months with you my boy, has brought me nothing but pure joy.

The 11 month pictures reminds me so much of Alfalfa! Between the ridiculously parted hair and the big front “tooth”, they’re twins. I honestly can’t even pick a favorite, because I love all of them, and I love my happy boy.

Caitlin Hanson :: winter maternity session

When I think about it being a new year, and then scrolling through Caitlin’s maternity pictures it makes me so excited for them. Excited thinking that any day their very next chapter will begin, if you ask me it’s the best chapter. Babies bring an indescribable joy, they make every single day a better one. How wonderful to start off a new year like that. Of course, I actually know exactly what Cait is thinking these days. (“When will he get OUT?!” This was me at exactly the same time last year) buuut once he is here, what a wonderful way to start the new year!

You guys, from the moment I saw the tiny little ultrasound picture and knew you heard that heartbeat I was just so very happy for you. And Everett, you have been showered with prayer from the very beginning. I cannot wait to see your family grow and for you to know love like you never have before. You will be amazing parents, so much love to you.

Jereme + Kat :: Angels Stadium Proposal

When I heard my voicemail from Jereme about this proposal, I got so excited! (Then nervous, but then excited again) Both of them are huge sports fans and Kat’s favorite baseball team is the Angels so this was such a perfect spot for him to propose. They were set up to do a “tour” of the stadium, and so that is why they were there. I was hiding in the dug out (nervously of course!) Waiting for the perfect time to run out. 

After (all of us) stopped shaking from excitement the first thing Kat said was, “wait, we still get to do the tour right?” Or something to that effect and I laughed! There is a DIAMOND on your hand, and you still want a tour?! Haha! That might have been my favorite part. Okay not really, but a highlight for sure. After the proposal we had about half an hour to roam the stadium and snap some photos. It was great weather, great lighting and a great couple! I couldn’t have asked for anything better. 

This one on the left is one of my favorites.

Oh but I do love all of these too.Oh and then more favorites. Okay I just love all of them.  Thank you Jereme for allowing me in on such a big part in such a special day. Happy Engagement you guys!