Family Session back in Raliegh, NC

Have I got a treat for you!

I went back to Raleigh, North Carolina for a part of the holidays and met up with some of my absolute favorite clients, Katie and Erik. This time there was one more addition to the group: Ava! Last time I saw Ava, she looked like this:

We went to Pullen Park for family portraits and it was the first time I actually got to meet her. I can't believe she'll be a year old in March.

We took some pictures of everyone and it became pretty clear that she loves her mommy but she's definitely daddy's little girl. Katie is with her all day and Ava gets so excited to see her daddy when he comes home from work. Of course she had no problem making sure Erik knew who was the boss of the household – she broke into giggles after playfully slapping Erik a few times.

They are a fabulous couple and so completely in love. This was the fourth time I photographed them and they just exude love for one another. Now that Ava is in the picture, Erik is nothing but a huge softie.

Taking my advice, Katie brought a ton of clothes for Ava who didn't mind one bit. It was unseasonably warm but how can you not try on this cute little parka for a few minutes?

It pains me to be so far away from them. I'm sad enough that I missed so much of Ava's first year. I got a birth announcement and Christmas card before even seeing her. I can't wait to return to Raleigh the next time to see how much bigger she has grown.

And here's a new offering from Lindsay Docherty Photography: Bits & Pieces collages! These beautiful images are printed on square canvas fine art prints starting at 16"x16". They are absolutely classic and feature all of the baby bits and pieces that make this age completely adorable. (And I needed an excuse to highlight Ava's stunning eyelashes!)

Thanks Katie, Erik, and Ava! See you next time I'm on the East Coast! Don't let her get too big without me!

“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.”
- Walt Streightiff