When I saw Jes’ email pop up in my inbox I excitedly hoped it was to learn that she and Dave were expecting - and I was right!! Three years ago I had the joy of meeting Jes and Dave thanks to past clients Rob and Rachel when they invited me into their home to photograph the arrival of their son. Meeting clients for the very first time can sometimes be a little nerve wracking, especially if you haven’t had the chance to work with them before. But Jes & Dave could not have been more welcoming and instantly I felt like a friend capturing their growing family. To be asked once again to capture this pivotal time in life is an incredible honor and LOTS of fun!! Their son Fitz is now a vibrant and adorable big brother and their sweet baby girl is a jewel. I couldn’t have been more thrilled to be gifted the opportunity to capture their growing family. Enjoy some of my favorites!!

So you know how I said last month that the months have seemed to blur together, well month eighth definitely stood out on it's own!! Isla seemingly grew up over night and now is like a whole new baby!! This month has been by far my favorite and I just absolutely LOVE the little personality she reveals more and more to use each day. For some reason I have felt very sentimental this month, perhaps it's because we are quickly nearly her first birthday. I am just reminded again and again the gift that she has been to our family. We dreamed of having another baby and to see that dream wiggling around on my living room floor fills my heart in ways I can't fully describe. Ok, enjoy of the mushy stuff - let's get on to all the amazing things Isla has done this month!!

• Probably the MOST exciting adventure this month was our trip to Hawaii!! Isla flew on her first flight (a six hour flight to California!!) and then onto Honolulu!! She was an absolute CHAMP and I couldn't have been more grateful for how well she flew and traveled for us while we were away.

• Isla dipped her toes for the first time in the Pacific ocean!! She's still not a huge fan of being wet or cold so water might not be her thing, but Daddy made sure she touched Pacific waters at least once and gave her a dry ride around the lazy river at our hotel. 

• She's definitely learning how to wave and it SO DANG CUTE!!

• She's still trying to master crawling and is JUST about there!! So far it consists of lots of rolling around but she's beginning to push off on her toes. 

• She's been incredibly vocal this month saying words like Mama and Isla which she LOVED repeating to delightful glees while were on vacation.

• She is just the happiest, giggliest baby EVER and her smile makes my heart soar. 

• She started holding her own bottle this month, drank out of a straw in Hawaii and can hold her own food pouch!!

• She's definitely gone through a growth spurt this month. She looks and feels bigger (longer, more filled out). She has the cutest little leg rolls and the sweets cheeks. For all the strain we had with her at the beginning of the year with weight, this is been an answer to prayer for sure!!

• The jury is still out on whether or not she has red hair!! I looks totally different in different light (from brown to blonde to red). Fingers crossed for some beautiful curly red hair to go with those beautiful blue eyes!!
  

• Speaking of blue eyes, they are here to stay!! Isla's eyes are still my favorite feature and I hope some day she knows how lucky she is to have them in a beautiful shade of blue!!!

How appropriate to be sharing this adorable family Mini Session as Kristen & Kyle just welcomed their BABY GIRL into the world this past weekend!! On a beautiful summer evening we met to capture their life as a family of three and celebrate the upcoming arrival of their baby. What a joy it has been to walk life together with this amazing couple and we couldn't be more thrilled as they grow their family!!

View their winter maternity session here.

Hard to believe another month as come and gone -- every since Isla hit month five, the months have flown by at rapid pace. And each and every day I am ever so grateful she is in our lives. This age is JUST THE BEST!! She is cuddly, silly, loves to explore and watch the world around her. Being able to be at her side as she learns life is such an honor and just so fun!! Here are a few highlights of month seven : 

• Isla spent her first overnight with Grammie and Grandpa, who graciously offered to babysit so that we could celebrate our anniversary. Yes I cried and Isla did AMAZING!!

• Isla is still sleeping through the night and we are SO GRATEFUL. SO GRATEFUL. 

• She continues to eat like a champ and will definitely let you know if you're not shoveling the food in fast enough, ha!

• She's starting to sit up better and better each day but no crawling yet!!

• She's starting to interact with her toys more and more these days, her faves continue to be Sophie and Mortimer and now Minnie too!! We have to make sure they are on us at all times.

• Isla still dislikes the car seat and will sure let us know when she's over it!!
  

• Only her two bottom teeth have popped through still waiting on those pesky others!! 

• We've spent several amazing weekends in New Hampshire that saw Isla swimming for the first time at the lake an in a pool!! Jury's still out on whether or not she likes begin wet ;)

See more of Isla's First Year : Month One, Month Two, Month Three, Month Four, Month Five, Month Six