Ahhhh what a year!

We welcomed new babies, celebrated birthdays and milestones, and cherished moments and memories with family and friends. As we reflect back on this year I’m sure you are in the same boat as me where you wonder where did the time go?! How is it 2011 already? How is my baby 8 months old and starting to crawl (uh oh)? Thankfully we have these moments captured in photos that we can treasure forever. As our kids get older and our families grow bigger we can always look back on these moments and remember exactly how we felt on that day at that time, and realize a bit of innocence and childhood magic has been bottled up for us to always have. It’s been an incredible year personally and professionally and for that I thank you – without my amazing family/friends and wonderful clients it wouldnt be the same! Here’s a look back at some of my favorite moments this year – have a wonderful New Years Eve and cheers to a great 2011!!

Don’t miss a moment!!! Happy New Year!

I’m sure you all remember THIS gorgeous couple’s maternity photos from a few weeks ago – well they received one amazingly adorable present just in time for Christmas! This baby arrived a few weeks early and he managed to become my very last newborn session in 2010…and I couldnt have ended this year on a better note. He was so sweet and tiny and perfect – he loved being cuddled and swaddled, has his daddy’s expressions and his mama’s sweet personality. He was a perfect little model for me and was such a joy to be around. Even their dogs wanted in on the action a bit and one in particular stood guard by me most of the time I was photographing him – just watching to make sure his new favorite family member was ok. So sweet! I can never pick which is my favorite part of my Bellies & Babies sessions…I love the excitement of the maternity sessions while we wait for the big day, but I love so much seeing these little babies arrive and getting to be a part of that amazing time. Both sessions are amazing!

Enjoy these sneak peeks of this beautiful baby boy!

Now that most of my holiday cards have gone out I wanted to share the photo I took of my own little baby for my cards. The holiday photo-sessions I do are some of my favorites and I look forward to them all year long. I love seeing a family so proud of their kids or their relationship and wanting to share that with all their family and friends in a beautiful holiday card. I love the outfits, the fall colors that are around (and the hint of winter starting) and I love that it all leads up to celebrating another year and being thankful for all that we have in our lives.

I have always loved making my own holiday cards and this year was of course special to me as it’s my own baby’s first Christmas! This time last year I had a sizable baby bump and was looking forward to meeting my baby in a few months. This year we’re cherishing how fascinated he is with the twinkle lights, reading Christmas stories to him, and dressing him up in ridiculous outfits. We’re starting some of our own family traditions and carrying on many that we grew up with as well. It’s an amazing time of year and I cant wait for Christmas morning for him to see his presents (admittedly he’ll be mostly interested in the wrapping paper and boxes).

I wish everyone a happy holiday!

Oh my I must say I love this age. Every stage is awesome of a baby’s life – but there’s something about the 6-7 month range that just melts my heart. Heath is sitting up, rolling all around, reaching out for hugs from people he loves, smiling and laughing his head off, and cuddling with cats (and soft blankets – he loves ‘em both). He’s such a sweet little boy and I couldn’t be a prouder mom. I love his big deep blue eyes, his sweet gummy smile (now with 1 lower tooth!), and his amazing personality. I wish I could just bottle this age up and remember it forever.

Oh and seriously how cute are baby bottoms!!!

I love him more than I ever imagined my heart could love anything!!

Tiny baby S was a dream to photograph! She drifted between sleep and alert, constantly looking adorable and peaceful. Her parents are awesome too – total naturals and so in love with their little girl. A few times she would peek her eyes open at me and give me a look like ‘ok lady, hurry this up so I can be held by my dad again’. And while she never really fussed at all, when her mama held her she’d relax her arms and legs and just melt into her arms. SOOO CUTE! There are quite a few very special people anxiously awaiting this sneak peek – I hope you all enjoy these!!