What a fun session this was! Mom, dad and grandma all tagged along the main streets and back alleys of Charles Town to get some gorgeous shots of this beautiful young lady. Dad helped us get some really great natural smiles and a few good laughs by dancing and being silly behind me. However, the serious ones turned out just as gorgeous! Even though it was extremely hot and we got bit by a ton of mosquitoes, the session was a success!! Here is a teaser for Dakota and her family!
So, we have had quite a few newborn shoots lately, and while I love love LOVE doing them, boy does it mess with my mommy hormones, lol. As I was rocking my two year old Maverick to sleep tonight, I had that moment. The moment I think all of us mommies get when we realize our babies aren't babies anymore.....baby fever! My baby just turned two a couple weeks ago, he is dangling off my lap, reading books with me, Maximus is now 4 and another year of preschool is coming to an end. I can't help but get that little itch, ahh another baby...and it doesn't help that Maximus keeps begging for a little sister. He keeps saying "mommy, we can just go to where we got Maverick and get my baby sister" and I respond with "oh buddy, if only it were that easy!" Now, I'm not saying it's completely out of the question, it's just not in the cards right now, or at least not for a couple years, and even then, who knows. I'm just thankful for newborn shoots so I can get my baby fix. So any mommies out there getting ready to have a baby, give us a call or shoot us an email and ask about our maternity/newborn package. Bring your babies to Tiptoe, I need my fix! 🙂
I remember people telling me right after I had Maximus to enjoy every second because they grow up fast. Boy is that so true. I still can't believe he is 4 and my Maverick will be 2 in a little over a week. I just want to freeze time and what better way to do that than to do what I do best. Capture it. So instead of the usual iphone photos I usually take, I got out my big camera and decided to just capture them doing what they do. Maverick, reading his book in the rocking chair that was his brothers. The same chair that I nursed both of my boys in and rocked to sleep every night. Maverick getting his hair out of his face and sucking his paci, those little chubby fingers and long eyelashes, him cuddling his "baby" (glow seahorse), Maximus playing with his ninja turtle toys, him standing on the stool getting a snack, his toes that will never be that little again, and that mole on the side of his foot. I don't ever want to forget these little things, because they mean so much to me. If anyone is interested in a "lifestyle" session where we capture your kiddos or your family at home give us a call.
I have been photographing this little guy ever since he was in his momma's belly. I look forward to his session every year and enjoy seeing how much he has grown. Our sessions are always fun and full of laughter. Whether he is telling me to take a picture of his belly or telling me to take a picture of his butt...lol it's always a great time. He is such a little ham, I mean just look at that smile!!!
Before I start, I do not write so please no judging! lol
So this isn't anything photography related just some real life struggles of a mommy needing some advice. Maximus just turned 4 in January and ever since he was a newborn we have been doing the "co-sleeping" thing. Yes I know some of you are shaking your head, but we were first time parents, extremely tired because he wouldn't sleep through the night (still doesn't), I was nursing and it just worked for us. (Thankfully I learned my lesson with Maverick, he sleeps in his own bed and through the night). I haven't tried putting him in his room in an extremely long time. The ONE time we attempted the "crying out method" when he was little, he got so upset, fell and hit his head in his crib and I swore I would NEVER do that again! Talk about feeling like the worst mommy ever :'(.
Lately, I've just been getting fed up and saying tonight is the night he is sleeping in his bed. We go through our nightly routine of taking a bath, putting jammies on, getting a snack, and letting him pick a book to read, then I so nicely say "Okay, buddy its time to go night night in your bed" Oh my goodness its like ripping his heart out. He takes off running into our room, screaming and crying, wants daddy because he usually gives in to him, and me after minutes of becoming EXTREMELY frustrated I just think to myself "if he wakes up Maverick I'm going to be mad" and of course a few choice words in there...I know bad mommy! As always, I give in and let him sleep with us. It's such an awful cycle that we have been going through and I literally can't take it.
I know consistency is key, but having him screaming and crying is torture and I WILL not do that to him, or us, plus I have another little guy who is sleeping and don't want to wake him. Bribing isn't an option as this kid has enough toys, we did his room in ninja turtles, he has a night light, and we even leave the bathroom light on for him. We check for monsters, and give lots of hugs and kisses. Nothing seems to work, NOTHING! Did I miss my window of trying to get him to sleep in his bed? At this point do I continue to just try every night, in hopes of one night he will just fall asleep on his own in his room or let him sleep with us until he's 25? lol HELP! I want my bed back!
Oftentimes we are asked our opinion of wardrobe choice. Out are the days of wearing black and white with khakis or matching polos. Your choice of clothing should reflect your family and their personality. So first and foremost start off by being YOU! The goal is to complement each other and not be too "matchy matchy." Think bright colors, layers, textures and accessories. If you aren't sure, don't be afraid to ask your photographer. We want to be excited with you. When we know what you are wearing and the vision you are going for it will help us produce beautiful images. Now, with that being said here are some ideas from our family sessions to get you started. Take note the bright colors, layers, layers and more layers and accessories. 
