THIS KID.

Some of you that are taking the time to look at these photos have been following along with Mordecai’s story. For those that haven’t, a little bit of background story: Cai was diagnosed with spina bifida around 20 weeks and has been fighting all of the odds ever since. His diagnosis required surgery be done while he was still in the womb in order to close the opening in his back. His parents, Krissy & Titus, who live in Portland, decided to spend the remaining time of the pregnancy in Minneapolis where the surgery would be performed. Luckily, this was able to bring them closer to being near family and lots and lots of love and support. The surgery went incredibly well, but the fight wasn’t over. The last month of the pregnancy, Krissy was admitted to the hospital for monitoring, until a c-section was scheduled at 34 weeks. Cai was born at a whopping 4 lbs 1 oz. He kicked butt when it came to doing everything he needed to in order to be allowed to go home. When released from the hospital, I was lucky enough to meet him before they all headed back to Oregon, which they had to do by train because of oxygen levels on an airplane. Cai, his sister, and his parents are back in Portland now and doing well. Poor little dude is unfortunately likely to have health issues come up every now and again, but based on how well he has done so far, I have no doubt he will be an amazing kid. I am so, so, so happy for his family and wish the very best for them.

This sweet baby boy is so incredibly special and lucky.  If anyone is meant to be parents, it's Kaitlyn and Jake and anyone that knows them, knows how much it means to them to have this little guy in their lives.  What's also super special is that we took these photos on St. Patrick's Day-- the same day I met Jake and Kaitlyn years ago and we've been friends ever since!  Even though I don't live in Seattle anymore, I'm so glad I was able to take these photos for them and can't wait to see him again and how much he has changed in just a few short weeks! 

The photo of Makenna just chilling in her daddy's arms is one of my favorite photos I've taken. The beard, the tattoos, and Makenna's facial expression are just such a perfect combination.  Also, how cute is she in that pineapple hat?  I'm so glad I met this family and can't wait to see them all again. 

Thank so much to Bethany and Brian for inviting me into their home to capture the love surrounding the newest addition to their family, Clara.  She was super sweet and I loved getting to hang out with her for that small amount of time.  The thing that made me feel most accomplished this day though-- getting Jack to give me a winning smile at the very end.  He wasn't super excited about it being picture day, but I got him to show off those teeth in the end!

Newborn sessions are my favorite and this one was no exception!  This family was so much fun and I had such a good time meeting them.  Dad wasn't at all afraid to be unbelievably goofy for the sake of getting a smile from a three year old, and he definitely made me laugh as well.  Anais is absolutely precious.  I wish them all the best and hope they are loving life as a family of four!

Sweet baby Georgia Faye.  Just look at that darling little girl.  I think one of the best part of this job (besides everything!) is that I get to meet all these perfect, new little humans.  Every session brings me a new wave of happiness.  Lucky for me, these newborn sessions keep coming!  Georgia's parents were awesome and I loved that they let me play around with a blanket and newborn hat I brought with me from XOSJ Knits (she loves making anything and everything knitted!) We ended up with a little hipster baby at the end when we improvised with the flannel I was wearing.  Stinking cute.  I'm so glad I get to meet families like this one!

Say hi to Cooper and big sister Riley!  Cooper knew how these newborn sessions work and passed out pretty quickly.  He was such a sweetheart and made my job easy! I'm in love with the simplicity of the white onesie on the white bedspread.  I think Riley was still trying to figure out what this new baby was all about, but she was giving me some pretty adorable smiles.  I'm so used to taking photos with first-time parents, so it was fun to have a newborn with an older sibling!