This session clearly holds a very special place in my heart: introducing my third little one, Alder Joy! Alder Joy was born July 11th at 4:31am, weighing 9lbs, 12oz and measuring 20.25 inches long.  Of course I had been dreaming and day dreaming about what I would do for her newborn session at my cozy Sumner studio almost since the day we found out she was coming. I am so happy to see my vision come to life and capture these works of art to celebrate her arrival.  My inspiration was a nature walk into the woods, and the alder tree that is her namesake.  I was able to include her big brother and big sister, along with dad and even a few of me; these images have become some of my favorite and most precious.  I could go on and on about how much I love this girl and what a true joy she has been in my life.  Keep reading below for my birth story along with a selection of my favorite pictures of Alder from her indoor and outdoor newborn sessions.

Alder arrived quickly and gently into the world on her due date July 11th; our water birth went smoothly, although we made it to The Birthing Inn just in time.

We were all a little shocked when she was lifted in to my arms and it was clear she was a big girl (later we all guessed just how big she was before she was weighed and my mom’s guess was closest to 9lbs 12oz).

Her big sister and brother met her just seconds after we did and the look on their faces, especially Sawyer’s, was something so precious I will never forget. 

After only minutes she was ready for her first meal (she’s a great eater!), and I was able able to just hold her and snuggle her, breathe in her new baby smell, run my fingers through her super soft blond baby hair, and admire her oh-so-chubby cheeks. 

A few hours later we were at home settling in. If its any indication of what the future holds we are in luck – she slept peacefully the whole rest of the day.  Now the next few days were not as peaceful when the entire family except Alder and me came down with food poisoning….but I’ll save that story for another day.

It was a new experience for me to be on the other side of the camera with my new baby; I have to send a huge thank you to my assistant and dear friend Molly for helping me capture those images.  I also want to thank the vendors whose vintage and hadmade products helped bring my vision to life (a lot of these are fellow work at home moms and small businesses, which I love to support!): Beautiful Ewe, Tanyas Tangles, Devoted Knits, Dolly Priss, Sew Whimsey, The Wool Nest, Junkers Nest, and The Dainty Miss.

Are you expecting a little one?  Take a peek at my newborn gallery and get in touch via the contact form above for current availability.  I take a limited number of newborn sessions each month to allow flexibility if your little bundle should arrive early/late and so that I can create something truly special just for you. Now booking Fall 2015 – limited availability for October& November due dates and September is sold out.  Book now to ensure availability for your one-of-a-kind session.