Baby André

“Adversity is a fact of life. It can’t be controlled. What we can control is how we react to it.” ~Unknown

It’s been close to three months since I officially did a photo shoot. I was very close to declining all photography requests since our little one’s diagnosis of spina bifida. It should be obvious that it’s a lot to cope with the pregnancy emotionally and physically even more so since we learned the heartbreaking news. But those that know me know that I’m not one to sit and allow the news to hold me down for too long. We’ve become far more accepting of the news ahead and part of that acceptance has reminded me to keep on track with all the things that are quite healthy for me to continue with…including my photography.

A little over a week ago I learned of baby André’s birth and was quite excited to do the first newborn photo session since August. Those that have been following my photography since last fall likely remember that after the trying miscarriage I pursued a pretty intense rush of newborns which include some of my best work. I’m not sure how many others feel the same, but for myself I find some of my best work comes in the midst of adverse times in my life. I suppose it fuels me that much more and so I was excited to meet Danny & Brenda this week when André was just 8 days old. He arrived awake but content and as you can see he was so comfy that it didn’t take him long to fall back to sleep all on his own.

He was so relaxed and calm. Even while he was awake I remember thinking how perfect he was for his first official photo session.

I think we were all happy, even André, that he didn’t take long to go to sleep.

This little guy was so dreamy. I suppose one thing I love about newborn photography is that no two sessions are the same. I am always trying to position them in ways they are willing to lay and find the best ways to help capture those perfect sleepy, curly moments that I know Danny & Brenda won’t want to ever forget. I definitely won’t forget this perfect little one…he was just too precious.

I recently ordered an awesome new wrap from Jen Howard for some ideas I am planning for my own little one’s photos this spring. Of course I can’t completely spoil the surprise, however, I couldn’t resist trying out the wrap on André.

André really was the perfect newborn. I did try a few other poses on his tummy but he totally wasn’t interested in cooperating. And surprisingly, he cried. So I didn’t hesitate to capture the only cries I remember from my time with him.

Here’s Danny who has been blessed with his first son.

I have to give Danny a lot of credit for being so cooperative. It’s not always easy to get father’s to hold their little one without a diaper. It’s a huge risk we take for “the shot”. I’ve done the “lion king” photo before, but have to say it’s never as easy as it looks. It’s one thing to be lucky enough to have a sleepy baby but to get them to not be so squirmy in Daddy’s arms and get the father’s to curl the baby and position their arms closely together is a challenge for any man. It took a couple of attempts along with the unavoidable “pee” fountain that all lead up to this final perfect moment. Yes, Danny, thanks to your patience we got “the shot” that I think you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.

Here’s André quite happy to be with his proud parents.

When we discussed doing a bowl photo of André I had Danny & Brenda take a look at the bowls in my collection. I recently purchased one this summer on ebay that was from somewhere in Africa. By the time it arrived I feared it might be too small for newborn photos but I had faith that someday I’d find the perfect tiny little baby to put in it. Danny mentioned it reminded him of bowls he remembered back home in Puerto Rico so I told him we should try to see if André would fit in it. It was very close…but André curled right up and was so comfy as I managed to take a few more priceless photos of him in this bowl.

He rested so comfortably that I had to be sure to capture a close up photo of his perfect little face.

Danny & Brenda thank you again for bringing your sweet little boy over for photos. You both have definitely been blessed with a perfect little one. I hope your friends and family enjoy the photos of André. Best wishes to your family!