I am so excited to share Eli's newborn photos with you all! We had a last minute change in photographers, and I am beyond thrilled with how they turned out! It isn't much of a surprise to anyone that I LOVE having beautiful photos taken of my boys. I've always enjoyed beautiful photos. And since my boys are the most important thing in my life, it makes sense that I now obsess over getting the 'perfect' photo of them. If I wasn't doing the anesthesia gig, I'd totally be a family photographer. I have a nice Nikon SLR, but don't have the time/patience to learn to shoot manually. Luckily, I've found a few photographers who can!
Drake's newborn photos were done by our good friend Ryan, who actually shoot mostly corporate and fashion photography. He was going to do Eli's, but was sick with a sinus infection when we needed them. Enter Leah! I knew from facebook that an old friend from high school was now doing photography professionally. And the kicker- she lives in a Charlotte suburb and shoots here frequently! It was very important to me this time to have Eli's pictures taken in our home. A- I didn't want to go anywhere with a toddler and newborn. B- I wanted photos in his nursery. I called her, and she was able to come to our home on Eli's two week birthday. She was here over three hours- allowing plenty of breaks for nursing and diaper changes, and it was very relaxed. When I got the proofs back, I wasn't sure how on earth I'd begin to choose. Luckily, my Mom helped and we began to narrow it down. I purchased a package that includes another session later in the year, and we'll do it when Eli is 9 months old.
When we moved to Florence, I did some research to find the best photographer there. I decided that Collin Smith photography was the best around, and we purchased the five year plan for Drake. So, we already have Drake's sessions paid for for five years! We did a big session when he was nine months, and that's why I chose to do Eli's when he is nine months. When we go to the beach in June, we are actually doing Drake's "18 month" photos a month early, along with some family shots. I can't wait to have beach pictures taken!!!
So, as far as Eli's photos- I have SOOOO many favorites. I love the one of just Drake and Eli. I seriously didn't think we would have one of those turn out. Drake was tired and cranky, and would not sit still. I can't believe Leah captured one. The ones of Eric with both boys are also really special to me. There is one of me and Eric with Drake- and the smiles on our faces are so natural since we were throwing Drake up in the air and playing. I love how candid they were. Of course, I love them all of just Eli. Particularly the one of him kinda smiling in his sleep- could that get any cuter??? The ones of me and Eli in his nursery, in the rocker, make my heart smile. They are just beyond sweet. Anyhow, enough rambling. Let's get on to the good stuff- photos of my amazing boys.
Drake is going through a major Mommy phase, and LOVES kisses. Melts my heart!!!!!
This is his George he sleeps with each night.
He loves his dinosaurs
Excuse me Eli, but when did you grow up?
The drool makes this one
The serious look
My favorite of the photos of Eli
Big giggles from my baby boy
I heart him.
Daddy snuggles
He likes to play with his big brother's tractor.
I just want to kiss him all the time.
World, meet Sophie. The magic giraffe.
Kisses!
THIS ONE. This is the devilish grin. The little smirk that's gonna get my baby boy in some major trouble as he gets older. I can't help but just love this look to pieces.
He's waving at you Oma!
He looks so GROWN UP here. Kinda makes me sad.
Sweet naked fanny
This is his "You can try to make me sit, but I'm just gonna tumble over to crawl" move.
