I say it all the time…I love photographing new families and couples in this business— meeting new people is a huge passion of mine.  However, there will always be something extra special about photographing people who I know, especially those that have been friends of mine for so long.  I have photographed Erika and John many times— they are some of my closest friends from home and have been HUGE cheerleaders for me in this business, helping to get me off the ground in the beginning and major sharers of my work, which I appreciate immensely!  You have most recently seen them in their beautiful winter maternity session here, and I admit it was one of my favorite sessions of 2014.  And now, SHE is here!  Their beautiful baby, unsure of whether she would be Nora or John IV until the day of delivery, is here!  Nora is absolutely perfect.  Tiny, beautiful, big blue eyes.  And Erika and John have assumed their role as mom and dad absolutely perfectly.  Nora calms instantly in their arms, and they tend to her every need with great care and affection.  Shortly after she was born, John posted on facebook that he felt like he had won the lottery, and my heart exploded.  That is exactly how Michael and I feel when we look at our babies.  We know the joy and greatness that is coming for them in every step of parenting and we cannot wait to witness them experiencing it all!

The big difference here is that I won’t just see Nora this once and then on facebook here and there, or even just get to photograph her once a year with her family. I will know Nora, like I know her parents.  I will see her at birthday parties and summer visits, and watch her growing up playing with my kids.  My 6 month old will be in the same year in school— Erika and I will have that in common for the rest of our lives, as our daughters go through similar stages together.  Nora is the first baby had by ANY close childhood friend of mine, and is very special to me because of that.  I adore her parents, and I know Nora is going to be so LOVED.  What a lucky little beautiful baby, and yes, what a jackpot win for her wonderful parents!  Meet Nora. 🙂

I LOVE Nora’s nursery!
Erika…you are STUNNING as a mother!!
There is no other love like this.
Nora’s face…!
She is so small in his hands.
Love these baby details!
With one of daddy’s many instruments…and a spotter very close by!
Erika, John, and Nora I love you all!