Double Chin, Chubby Cheeks & Blowing Bubbles -- MudPies & PixieDust Photography

Warning: this image might awaken baby fever;)

MudPies & PixieDust Photography / MP & PD Photography

Yay for yet another reason to hang with family and friends and c.e.l.e.b.r.a.t.e.!! Happy New Year!!

Time to 'Get Your Craft On' -- MP & PD Photography

For those of you who aren't following along with me on Facebook or who missed the post there, here's a look at some fun seasonal projects. Some of these are DIY project ideas I created on my own, and others were ideas I found on Pinterest. What? Don't tell me you haven't heard of Pinterest? Earlier this year I was noticing all sorts of crazy traffic to the site and blog from all over the WORLD. With a little further investigation I discovered that various pictures were causing quite a 'pinning' frenzy;) Anyways, I digress. Since joining early last spring, its totally evolved and there's some really really cool & unique ideas. If you haven't already signed up, hop on over there and check it out www.pinterest.com.

Now it can be argued that Pinterest is yet one more time drain. However, my feeling is that if I actually follow through with making some of the things, then the time spent 'pinning' was justified;) So, here's a couple of my finished projects. If you want to try any of these for yourself and need instructions, let me know and I'll happily forward them on! Happy crafting!

{monogrammed ornaments}


{poinsettia wreath, ornament chandelier, coffee filter wreath}

Serenity --MudPies & PixieDust Photography

Not gonna lie, I totally could've crawled into the comfy chair and settled down for a nap in this uber peaceful nursery! The details were charming, the colors so soothing & calming. My fave part might have been the mobile she actually made herself. Now tell me, who but a clone of Martha Stewart has time for creating such cute & crafty accents while caring for a newborn!? ;)

{Sweet.Anticipation} -- MudPies & PixieDust Newborn Photography

Spent the most wonderful afternoon with this family, just days away from welcoming their first little one into the world. No need for lots of words as I think the title of this post sums it up perfectly;)

Pretty Baby Girl -- MudPies & PixieDust Newborn Photography

I was beyond thrilled to finally, yes, finally get a baby girl in front of my camera!! Last year the majority of my newborn bookings were predominately little girls, but so far this spring and soon summer, boys are definitely ruling the lineup. As a mommy of two boys I of course adore all things boy, BUT...I sometimes crave a little pink;) Little Ms. certainly didn't disappoint; in fact, though a bit older than most newborns I photograph, she was the sweetest, most content little thing with glowy pink skin, deep blue eyes and quite the head of hair. Between her and her handsome brother, I think Ralph Lauren might have found their next cover models! See for yourself......

Scheduling Update -- MudPies & PixieDust Newborn Photography

Though my original plan was to remain on maternity leave until late spring, it's difficult to say 'no' - particularly when expectant mommy's needing to book newborn sessions are involved;-) So, I'm opening up a couple additional sessions between now and my full return in May (for newborns only). Sessions are booked on a first-come-first-serve basis, so please reserve your spot while still pregnant to ensure availability.

All other sessions (kiddos/families/couples) will resume as normal beginning in May. Current availability (for all sessions including newborn openings) is as follows:

March - Email for availability (newborns)
April- Email for availability (newborns)
May - booked
June - booked
July - 2 sessions remaining

At Home -- MudPies & PixieDust Newborn Photography

Nothing like being warm & cozy in your own home....especially when the nursery mommy and daddy designed for you looks like this! The bedding & window treatments were all custom made by a very talented grandma. ;)

'M' Stands for..... -- MudPies & PixieDust Newborn Photography

Miracle! Want to know something? I sometimes get teary during my newborn sessions. Its true, and if you've had a session with me you may remember the moment. It usually happens during the family portion of the session--when mommy or daddy is snuggling baby... the point at which they've forgotten I'm there and I can see the love so strong and feel their new bond already so intense. No matter how long I do this, there will never be a point at which I get over my amazement over how precious the miracle of each new life. Ok, done with the sappy...mooooving along;)

Oh B & W we go back aways don't we? I remember each Sunday expectantly heading into class and checking Ms. W's ring finger, waiting for B to (finally!) pop the question and adorn that finger with the bling. Then of course who could forget the winter wonderland wedding? I also remember helping unbox/unpack/organize the ginormous mound of gifts in that little kitchen;) I'm completely honored beyond words to be able to share in capturing this milestone in your lives. Without further delay, meet the ever adorable newest member of the family!

Sweetness Overload -- MudPies & PixieDust Photography

From your inquisitive glances, to that chubby lower lip, to your chunky cheeks and dimpled thighs, I heart every kissable inch!!

More Newborn Love -- MudPies & PixieDust Newborn Photography

Time these days is short so the words for this post are few, but here's another round of images of my favorite little guy.

Random -- MudPies & PixieDust Newborn Photography

For about the last two weeks our household has been a bit under the weather....ok, alot. Started with big brother bringing home a nasty bug from pre-school. I joked that if this is what life with a pre-schooler is like, I'm going to be investing in a mask and haz mat suit! Within days his sniffles turned into some funky sinus junk, an ear infection and pink eye. Sure enough, mommy fell victim just a few days later. Fortunately big brother was well on the mend within a day of starting his antibiotics; mommy however, not so lucky. Mine lasted a good 1.5 weeks and required a second visit to the doctor. The good news in all this? Baby T seems to have escaped with only some minor congestion. Needless to say, yesterday as we went around the table sharing what we were thankful for, one of the things on my list was being back on the road to health!

All that to say, while dealing with a horrendous sore throat and barely able to talk, I had some time to sit down and begin editing some of the many pics from my sessions with T. So, here you go....a random assortment starring T and his prized orange paci;) Oh, and in case you were wondering as to the identity of the bald dude; over the holiday week uncle P and aunt LaLa were in town from the east coast and got to meet little guy for the very first time....what a sweet moment it was!

Safe & Sound -- MudPies & PixieDust Newborn Photography

Whewf! From the last minute rush of activity to wrap sessions before his debut, to the hub-bub of family and visitors after his arrival, and now adjusting to the new 'normal' that is life with a newborn, there hasn't been a lot of free time to spare for blogging;) As you would expect mommy's been quite busy snapping pictures of little guy; so much so that a new hard drive might be necessary in the not so distant future. I'm sure I'll be posting more of those in time, but for now a little before & after. (You may recall the image on the left from our 'babymoon' series;). Oh, and for those interested in the details, he WAS indeed a whopper of a big fella.....9lbs 14.2 oz and 20 inches long. We're so thankful for the blessing of this new little life!!