Baby Sister on the Way! | Orange County, California Family Photographer

This family has a special place in my heart.  Friends of many years, I always feel blessed to spend time with them- photography related or not.  I can't believe it's been almost three years since we were shooting this mama's first maternity portraits while they awaited their first child!

Now they are seasoned professionals in raising a little girl, and they are patiently counting down the days until their second, beautiful little girl joins the family!  We spent an afternoon chasing Avery around Riley Wilderness Park in Trabuco Canyon, shooing away flies (Avery is NOT a fan!) and dancing to "Let It Go" under the big tree.  Just looking at these images makes me smile, knowing how much love their family has for one another!

Love you guys and I just can't wait to get my baby fix when I meet your sweet, baby girl soon!

My Best Friend's Engagement | Orange County, CA Engagement Photographer

There are some things in life that make your journey a smoother sail.  Among those things are coffee, chocolate, wine and a wonderful, life-long best friend.  Summer and I met one fine fall day in Kindergarten, and things have been magic ever since.  Yes, we had our share of petty, junior high style arguments.  Yes, our closeness ebbed and flowed in some stages of life.  Through it all, she's always been the one I've called in the big moments.  My maid of honor.  Outside the door for the birth of my first baby.  My rock at my grandpa's funeral.  She's more than just my bestie- she is my sister.

So when the news came that this beautiful, amazing woman was engaged, I was obviously overjoyed.  If there is one thing I've spent my fair share of time praying for, it's been for my sweet friend's happiness!

I was crazy honored that she and Brian asked me to take their engagement photos- there was a whole lot of "Yay!!!"s going on, I'll tell you that much!

I wish you guys all the happiness in the world... I'm so excited for September!!

Sweetest of Gifts | Orange County, CA Newborn Photographer

The last days of a pregnancy can be such a crazy, anxiety filled couple of days.  When there is a due date floating around, but no clear "date" in sight, you feel so out of control; yet, there is this peace.  It's kind of a calm before the storm.

This precious, little guy kept everyone on their toes by hanging in there and staying put well past his actual due date!  It seems to fit his personality- he was a mellow, go with the flow kind of baby.  So sweet and so perfect- a little Christmas dream baby!

He wasn't much interested in sleeping, but he was such a prince while he was awake, that it wasn't a problem in the least.

 See what I mean by mellow?  We had to laugh at the "whatever" expression on his face!

Thank you, S&G for letting me be a part of your baby boy #2's early days!

A Look Back | Mission Viejo Family Photographer

I'm swiping off the dust from my poor blog and swinging in to wish everyone a very happy New Year!  I've been pretty quiet on the photography front, mainly because I worked on saying "no" this year and putting more focus on my own little family!

2013 was an amazing year filled with countless blessings- more than I can count!  The families who entrusted their family, newborn, maternity and child portraits to me this past year were such a special part of my 2013!  Thank you to all of you- cannot wait to see you all again in 2014!

Watch for more blog posts coming on many of these families… but in the meantime, I present to you the few, the proud, the families of 2013!

Wishing you many blessings in 2014!

Everyday Moments | June 2013

It's Everyday Moments time again!  I enjoy this group so much, and I hope you're enjoying looping through our blog circle and seeing the everyday moments of families across the country.

I call this month's moment: Will and the {not so} Giant Peach.  He was so insistent that he wanted to eat a whole peach- not cut up.  Watching him figure out the best way to attack it, with juice running all over the place, was a sweet moment for this mama.  He's just so cute.  And if you could just hear the way he says the word "peach", your heart would swoon.

Now continue on over to Christine's blog to enjoy her Everyday Moment!

Everyday Moments | May

Happy Everyday Moments day!  Once again, I'm so happy to be a part of this blog circle of beautiful, talented moms each sharing their beautiful moments.  Please be sure to continue on to Christine Maus' Everyday Moment from here!

We've spent lots of time outside recently, as the weather has been just beautiful!

Bring on the summer time!  Thanks for looking,  and now keep on circling!  Christine is up next!

Everyday Moments | April 2013

April is halfway over already?!  My goodness- time is just going by all too quickly.  Once again, I'm blessed to be a part of this photography blog circle where talented ladies across the country share Everyday Moments from their lives.  Please be sure to click through and visit the very talented Christine of Christine Maus Photography to be a part of her everyday moments!

We have had a busy month and honestly, I could've picked about 20 different directions to go in for this month's post.  I decided to focus this month's moments on a very special haircut.  My oldest came home a few weeks ago and announced, "Mommy- I want to get a haircut and donate my hair to Locks of Love."  We had never discussed this before, so I was hit with a warmhearted, weepy pride that my little girl had such a giving heart, having seen two of her classmates do the same.

We made the appointment with the amazing stylist I go to (if you're in the OC, email me if you're looking for someone amazing to do your hair!), and off we went!  The Locks of Love minimum is 10 inches of hair, which was easy for my Katie.

  

Eleven inches later, my girl was so happy with her new cut and with the idea of sending her locks to someone who desired them!

I pray that as she grows, she continues to be a girl who has an inner call to give of herself- not just hair, but time, service and love.  So proud of my beautiful little big girl!

Continue on to Christine Maus Photography for the next sweet Everyday Moments!