We’d been excitedly awaiting news of the arrival of Ashley’s & Patrick’s new baby, but we didn’t expect that it would come just hours after she was born. Literally, less than three hours after giving birth, Ashley sent us an email saying that their daughter, Libby, had been welcomed to the world, and momma & baby were doing great.

“Can’t wait for you to meet the little nugget,” Ashley wrote.

I mean, come on….how lucky are we to get to work with such amazing people who share such intimate news with us in such a loving….and super speedy way? It’s just so awesome and also incredibly flattering!

Ashley had first reached out to us last year, when her oldest daughter, Winnie, now 14-months old, was born. She had hoped to do a newborn session with Winnie. But, as any new mom knows….life can get really busy and sometimes the things you want to do get passed over for the things you have to do. But, with her second pregnancy, Ashley was determined to document the experience.

I first got together with Ashley & Winnie last month at the family’s Wellesley home for a maternity/Winnie session and we had a great time! I got some photos of Winnie on her own….she’s such a little charmer, and then took some of Ashley looking ridiculously beautiful at nearly 37 weeks pregnant. Honestly, it was mind blowing how much pregnancy suits Ashley. See for yourself HERE.

After our time together, I was really looking forward to seeing Ashley & Winnie again, and having some new baby time. There’s something so amazing about documenting those first couple of weeks of life, when babies are just sleeping, eating, pooping machines, who grow and change in a blink.

It can be hard for parents to document that time on their own. Let’s face it, when you’re not sleeping more than an a couple of hours a night (if you’re lucky) it’s all you can do to brush your teeth, never-mind get your camera out and snap photos of the sweet little energy-sucker responsible for your temporary sleep deprivation.

Normally, for the maternity & newborn sessions, I work alone, because having both Andy & me there can be a little too much. Since we do these sessions in the comfort of our couple’s home, we’re often working in a confined space, so having one photographer works better and, it can be a bit less intimidating for new moms & dads to show a little skin when there’s just one camera pointing at them, and not two.

Plus, if you’ve read this blog before, you know….I’m crazy for babies! Andy is the Pied Piper of children. As soon as they’re old enough to speak, kids will flock to Andy like he’s made out of candy…truly. It’s something to see. Even kids he’s meeting for the first time hang on his every word…it’s one of the things that made me fall for him. But, when it comes to fragile bambinos, I think he’s a little intimidated. Me….I could eat them up at any age, but I’ve got a soft spot for the wee ones. I love the way they smell. I love the challenge of trying to interpret their unspoken cues and how sometimes just a warm, loving touch is enough to completely soothe them.

Being able to interact with newborns, to photograph all of their sweet little bits, and calm them with a quiet whisper…..I don’t know, it stirs something in me and just feels right. And, when those newborns belong to a couple Andy & I got to photograph when their new family was first born with the words, “I do!” well, that sends me over the edge and makes my baby-loving heart purr! (Hint, hint to all of you bello brides & grooms still maybe reading this blog.)

Without further ado….here’s a look at lovely Libby, just two weeks old and six and a half pounds of pure Yummy!

I don’t know what’s more delicious, her perfect little ear, her heavenly soft shoulder fur, or those few sweaty little strands of hair on her perfect head.

Libby how lovely you are….every precious little bit.

Majorly munchable…

Woot Woot….my sweet sleeping owl. I’m not normally one for props when it comes to babies. To me, less is more and a naked baby is as perfect as it gets. But, this hat was just too cute and it was one Libby’s big sister, Winnie, wore a lot in her early months. If we’re going to use props, I can’t think of any better than those that have real personal meaning. I just love it!

Libby’s big sisters are quite excited about the addition of the fourth girl to the family. Happily, Molly & Meaghan, who are from Patrick’s previous marriage, were able to join us for a bit of this session. They are super sweet girls and are such great big sisters to Winnie & Libby. Love these happy girls and can’t wait to spend more time with them!

Hey cuties…

Four fabulous girls…sugar & spice and everything nice!

Winnie being as young as she is isn’t exactly cooperative when it comes to asking her to do certain things for a photo. But, she was totally on board with holding her new baby sister. We had about 5 minutes of over-the-top cuteness as she showed off what a good big sister she is….honestly, it was too much. At one point she was “rocking the baby,” which looked a bit more like shaking the baby than rocking, but mom & dad were close by to reel in our excited little girl.

Oh, it’s so hard being a big sister, eh Win? Love this exchange almost as much as the sweet girl hamming it up. Libby is just taking it all in stride. Adorable!!

Meanwhile, big sisters have some fun of their own….pretty in pink!

Meg enjoys a little one-on-one time with her baby sister. Oh, the look of love…precious!

Sisterly love at its best! Hey, look who’s awake….can we talk about those big beautiful eyes for a second? Just like her gorgeous momma!

A quick snack break for our star model…as her attentive sister looks on. Such sweetness.

And with a full belly, she’s fast asleep….held safely in the hands of mom & dad. If only life was always so good.

Love. Love. Glorious love! Patrick & Ashley take turns with their sweet, sleeping girl.

Hands and hearts and sweet baby feet.

Andy & I love light, bright scenes for our photos, but I wanted to try something new and opted for a few “low key” shots with Libby and I just LOOOOVE them. Low key involves using a black background so that the subject becomes the sole focus. What do you think?

Well, I have a feeling much has changed in the week since I met & photographed Libby. Happily, Andy & I will be getting together again with this sweet family later this summer. Can’t wait to see everyone again! Until then, big, big thanks to Ashley & Patrick for entrusting me with their sweet girls. You all have been so warm & welcoming and I have absolutely loved our time together. Thank you so much for sharing this special time in your lives with me in such an open way! I hope you love these photos as much as I have loved getting to know all of you. I hope too that they serve as happy reminders of this amazing time in your family’s life. With big love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxo