Brayden - Long Island Newborn Session

Change


It takes two hours to get out of the house.
No joke.
Between the bottles, the diapers, the wipes, the stroller, the carrier,
getting the baby ready, and soothing the baby in between...oh, wait.
Did I mention you still have to get ready?!
Never mind. That doesn't really matter anymore. ; )

The stillness and quite cycle of your daily routine sort of shifts into overdrive
when greeted with a brand new baby.
The excitement and newness are mixed with the interpretation of
'what did we just do' and 'this is the best thing ever'.

You're life will never be your own again. Your heart will permanently live outside your body.
This tiny little bundle that you just met, somehow changes your world...forever.
There are other things too that come with a baby besides cute toes,
lots of love and taking two hours to get out of your home.
Baby gear.
You know that stuff that just seems to morph into mountains overnight?
All I know is that the coffee table that I spent two months trying to find,
all of a sudden got replaced with the baby swing and Pack and Play.
I still don't know if all of this 'stuff' is a help or a hindrance.
I don't however want to test it though. ; )

It's hard to believe at one point you thought wedding planning was tough.
Now sleepless nights, and a new found obstacle coarse through out your home,
somehow pales in comparison. Well, just like everything really after a baby.
It's greater then anything you could have ever possibly imagined.

It's hard to picture the days before they were born, right?
And I hate to say it...but it will be hard to picture the days
when they were this little when they are all grown up.

Thanks to Tara's friends at her baby shower...Dan and Tara will remember.

They'll remember how alert he was.
They'll remember how tiny his hands were, and how adorable he looked all cuddled up with silly hats on.

I think when they look back they will remember too, the change that forever changed them.

But most of all they will remember the generosity of friends that gave
them the gift of treasuring a moment that goes by all too fast.

I ain't gonna lie. Baby 'B' made me totally work for it.

And just when we (the folks and I) were almost giving up.

We won.

Although, I think he let us...

Thanks Tara and Dan for being so patient during the session. You were such trooper's.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate that.

I hope it was worth the wait...

p.s.

Thanks girls for purchasing the gift certificate for this family!

p.p.s

Before you go, leave your thoughts below.
20 comments = complimentary gift for the family!

The Other Side

There is nothing that can even begin to prepare you for your first child.

It's as if you are seeing the word for the first time through their eyes.

Everything is new.

Everything changes.

Moments are more precious.

Life is more delicate.

Love is more grand.

And such small moments seem so big.

Motherhood is like a secret club.

There is no way to even explain it.

The world we once knew, no longer exists.

And we almost can't remember what life was like before we had our first babe.

We have grown, changed and we will move heaven and earth all upon our first seconds meeting them.

Welcome to the other side Danielle!

The other side where the days start to blend, and you may go a day or two without make-up.

When you will be given advice that you don't necessarily want from other mother's, and you will love more then you ever thought possible.

This side is hectic, this side is crazy. 

This side is everything and nothing you thought.

This side will feel as if your heart is to big for the in...side and as if your heart
has to now walk on the out..side.

Welcome to the world Ms. Angelina Nicolle...and welcome to parenthood Danielle and Mike!

I love this perspective.

and this one too...

Seriously. Look. At. That. Hair.
I was in love. I adore the wisps around the nape of the neck.
**sighhh** 

A blessing...

What a doll, huh?

'Sugar and spice and everything nice...'

We are turned upside down and inside out from their first breath.
And while we may never feel like we ever have it together anymore, we pray that the feeling never ever
subsides.

Thank you Danielle and Mike for letting me take up partial residents with all of my props for the session ; )
May your new little bundle brings lots of laughter, happiness and love to your already full lives!

p.s.

A super big thank you to Danielle's big sister Christine for suggesting me.
You're the best, love you!

Meet baby James...

Look at those lips

*swooon*

The rolls were almost as precious to me as his adorable face!

It's as if you drew him right?

 

I love this angle for some reason. He looks just like a baby doll to me.

Can someone please explain why these rolls look so darling on him...but not on me?

I don't get it.

Unless they do?! ; )

lol

I know this is a tight framed shot but I liked all of the little 'bits' it showed and highlighted.

Dontcha just want to squeeze him?

Seriously...just look at him!

Couldn't be more relaxed...

Thank you Amanda for taking the drive out to Long Island.

James was so wonderful to photograph. What a sweet disposition.

It was wonderful to see you and the kids!

xox

Italian MOMster

We bonded over our explicit language and laughed like we were old friends. We were animated when we spoke about motherhood together and hugged like we knew each other forever.

She is candid, funny, loud and real.

I wondered as I saw her newborn son sleeping so soundly if he knew the ride he was in for. The personality, enthusiasm and charm of his mother...that was going to carry him (literally) through life.

There is nothing that really prepares us for that moment when we are handed a baby and given the toughest job we'll ever have. Yet somehow, some way, we know what they need. I am convinced that no matter what books we have read, or the advice that we have been given, nothing is stronger or more poignant then a mothers intuition.

When Maria picked up her new son she spoke in Italian...fast and furious, loud and lively. Her little man laid nestled in the crook of her arm looking up at her with bewilderment, amusement and pure affection. I'm guessing he was thinking she was a little crazy too - yet what kid doesn't think that of his folks? ; )

And as if right on cue baby G listened to his Mama, snuggled in for a nice nap and let us get some adorable sleepy shots.

Okay, if the head of hair is not enough to make you giggle and sigh out loud, check out those billowy lips.

He is one beautiful baby boy.

Mom told me there is nothing better in the world then when he snuggles under her chin when they wake up for late night feedings. I would have to agree. It's kind of a moment when the world feels perfect. Well, for only like umm five seconds, cause you mind quickly replaces it with, 'I wonder when he will finally be able to sleep through the night so I can finally get some sleep' as you are trying hard not to drift off

Hold them tight.

It goes faster then you can ever imagine.

As we were winding down, we heard the back door swing open, and Dad yelled 'did I miss everything'?

Nope, just in time.

21 days of pure perfection - slept a good hour for us. Usually at this age, newborns are much more alert which sometimes makes it harder to get those sleepy shots.

I'm not sure what Mom said to him that made him behave, but what ever it was it worked!

The look of love...

Thanks Frank and Maria for being so gracious and making me feel at home in your home.

Maria, you did a fabulous job keeping the house nice and toasty so baby G could get all sleepy.

It worked like a charm...or whatever you bribed him with did?! ; )  

Help these folks reach 20 comments (right below) for them to receive a complimentary gift!

Santa baby...

He needs no further introduction. 

If you have been following along, you have come to know this little man. 

Without further ado...introducing Marc Robert...

Have yourself a very merry little Christmas...

Dear Marc...

The day I met your folks, you were there.

Although, I'm guessing you don't remember much.
If you heard this all before, you can skip to the end if you don't want to hear me repeat myself ; )

When they walked in to our meeting - your Mom said,

'Im sorry we're late - but you should know, we're going to be late to our own wedding'.

I knew then, that you were going to make your debut late too, cause really,
'the apple never really does fall too far from the tree',
or so I believe.

Your parents...are cool.
I know, it's a paradox.
Parents try to be cool and it really doesn't go over so well, but yours just are. 
Really.

They're fun, musical, and creative.

They're also personable, compassionate and in love.

We talked about you, as much as we did about photographing the wedding day.

We discussed names, and they told me they were thinking of calling you Scarlet, but they weren't quite set on it.
If you were a boy...it was definitely going to be Marc Robert.

They thought it sounded solid and strong.

After the wedding, I still managed to keep in touch with your folks.

It was exciting to hear how they were preparing for you, what your Mom was going through and even funny at times when your Dad would mention to me how Mom would fall asleep right in the middle of eating her mint choc. chip HagenDaz. 

You, little man, tuckered her out.

Facebook, kept the family and friends privy to all of the anxiousness they were feeling about your arrival. They could not wait to meet you. It came to a point when Mom said she wasn't posting anymore until 'she was on the other side'. 

Well, the day finally came and Mom posted to say she was with the two loves of her life and you had your Daddy's 'chill' disposition.

 After meeting you last weekend, I certainly agree - although your Mama is pretty 'chill' herself.

Since we are sending out announcements - I decided to hold off on posting any pictures of you,

as to not give the 'sneak peek' away. 

But I will leave you with just a reminder of why I think

'the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree'...

If you know Dad...you get it ... ; )

Perhaps the best part of the picture is not the shoes but the 'past' that it's sitting on.

Your Uncle spent weeks, preparing this for you.

Months bringing it back to life.

It's significant. It's your roots. It's a part of your history. 

It's five generations old.

And when people can't hold onto things these days for five minutes, that's a big thing.

It's nice to see something so lovingly restored to it's original beauty and done especially for you.

Your mama's baby clothes sat in these draws, as did your Grandma's and Great Grandpa's did before them. 
Age changes a lot of things - it withers, it deteriorates, it makes things lose there appeal -

but it also makes you appreciate the loveliness of the memory,
and in doing so it breathes new life into the old.

Marc, enjoy life to it's fullest. Appreciate everything. Find the gift of music as your parents did...never regret, and feel compassion until it's the core of your being.

And while we are on the subject of shoes, if you have the ability to 'walk a mile in someone elses shoes', if you can really truly do that, (as I tell my own kids),

you can do anything.

Fondly,

The crazy lady with the camera

Hey, Mom and Dad...welcome to the other side...

Bonjour petite homme (hello little man) - Introducing Mr. "Z"

"Zack-ooo." 

Her voice when she was spoke sounded as if she were singing a lullaby. 

Her nickname for her new son brought a smile to my face. 

It sounded even more lovely with her beautiful French accent. 

Dad leaned over the crib beaming at the sight of his little man. There was excitement in his voice when he re-counted having him sit on his lap while they both hung out and watched the Yankee game together.

Mom was trying her hardest to sooth her baby boy to sleep, in hopes of getting those snuggly newborn shots. But Mr. Z was just one week shy of 8 weeks old, 

so those sleepy shots were few and very far between for this stage of life. 

It's usually best to get that look when babes are under 14 days old. 

But we forged ahead and prayed for the best.

At this age he was now the one calling the shots! 

Alert, and super observant, he was already lifting his head and giving some little smiles. 

Although we couldn't get him to sit still, lol... 

you would never know it by checking out the images below.

Mom and Dad did a great job getting the room super cozy for Mr.Z...

How many moments have you spent watching your new baby sleep like this?

Document it - no matter what age they are. 

You won't regret it. 

I promise.

The 'out of the box' shot.

This next image melts my heart a little...okay, a lot.
My mother told me once that if you wanted to remember a moment forever, to close your eyes and try to think of every detail and just savor it.
I recall wanting to freeze a moment just like this next one. 
Forever.
The pride on Daddy's face here and the tenderness in his son's hand laying gingerly across his.
Dad was savoring it...just like I had once...

A moment in your hands...forever in your heart.

I like the perspective of this shot. Plus I think his eyes look super dreamy.

There was a little controversy of who the babe looked more like, Mom or Dad.

They each went and got their baby pictures for me to compare.

This happens at almost ever session!

And for a good reason.

It's history. It's their life. It's a moment that has come full circle. 

Never were their baby pictures as significant to them as now.

I wanted to get a shot of Zackery looking like Mom and Dad did back in the day. 

I think this next shot is a good representation of them both. 

I'm kinda in love with this picture. 

I love that his eyes are so wide, expressive and alert. 

His bottom lip is just so pillow-y and plump and the top lip is shaped so perfectly. 

I think it's a classic shot, with a modern feel (crop) that Mr. Zack nailed perfectly. 

Seriously...seven weeks old and a grin that BIG?! 

How stinkin' cute is he?!

They make such a great looking family, don't they?

Thanks Bret and Asmaa for letting me into your lives

to be a part of Zackery's debut shots. 

You were both warm, kind, and most of all happy.  

Your new son is certainly one lucky boy.

P.S

The honey lemon tea was delicious and hit the spot. 

Thanks so much for spending the morning with me!

Help this family get 20 comments (right below) for them to receive a complimentary print!

Ms. Sarahfina Rose - 11 days young - Newborn Long Island Photographer

I heard the cooing coming from the nursery as soon as I entered their house for the session. Sweet shushing noises and loving talk coming from the proud new Mama. As I tip toed up the stairs, my eyes were greeted  by the petite face of their new baby girl resting peacefully in her Mama's arm.

Euphoria: a defined emotion, an intense state of transcendent happiness combined with an

overwhelming sense of contentment.
Yep, that was Mom and Dad.

 Sarahphina Rose? 6 pounds, 2 ounces. Pure. New. Un-affected. Whole-some. Flawless.

As if time had stopped, I stood almost breathless as I stared at the new little bundle of life that she held so tenderly. Having three children of my own you would think I would be immune to the site of an infant,  but no, I certainly was not. There is something so profound, so pure, so godly (if you will) about new life. The intense protectiveness you feel, the teeny tiny look, the smell, the emotion, their sound. Your sense's are just heightened when in their new company. What an amazing creation. 

During one point of the session, baby Sarahfina curled up her tiny fists and gingerly placed them below her chin.  She then pursed her small lips in the shape of an 'o', and let out the slightest little yawn. We just stopped. We stared. We enjoyed. We loved. Nichole's big eyes met mine, filled with tears and her voiced raw with emotion said, "I just love her soo much, you have no idea. Thank you so much for being here, taking time away from your family to be with mine. This means so much to us."

*sigh*

Nichole, I do have an idea. Because I should be thanking you. You see, my heart is not the same after each session. Whether I'm photographing a newborn, a child or a couple for that matter. The feeling doesn't change for me. I get attached. My heart grows slightly bigger for being able to feel and see the love that we are all sometimes just to busy to witness during everyday life. I was blessed with the gift to be a part of my clients achievements, history, and their milestones and I am eternally grateful to be given such a

prestigious opportunity each day that I work.

When I say, I feel like I won the lottery because I found something that I love to do, that is truly an understatement. Today, I may not be any richer dollar wise, but I'm richer none the less then I have ever dreamed possible...for being able to share moments like this, with you.

Please help me welcome, Ms. Sarahfina...



The birthday suit...

         A different angle, but I think she looks like a doll here.

Love this pose!

"Snug as a bug..."

There is something so significant about hands to me. 

"Out of the box" shot.

While we are on the subject of 'hands' I thought I would include this next one - only just to show the comparison and perspective of how tiny of a tot Sarahfina really is.

Bellisimo!

Thanks "Dad" for helping me with the gear and offering up the eggs!

Mom, for helping me chase the light around the house (literally).

We were moving furniture, taking down curtains, braving the winds of the tail end of hurricane Earl...all to find the magical yummy light.

We found it sparingly peeking through the trees and windows. 

We shouldn't have put forth such an effort though Nichole, because she lit up a room

like the brightest rays of sunshine!

Help me congratulate this couple by leaving a comment below.

As you have seen on my previous posts, if they get 20 comments, they get a complimentary gift!

p.s

Want to see where it all began?

Have a look below at the slideshow to see Jason and Nichole's maternity session/newborn session.