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Happy 1st Birthday Allie Kate!!

I have loved watching Allie Kate grow into such a fun, sassy toddler over the last year. Her mommy brought her into the studio on her birthday for a fun 1st birthday session.

When you have a hard working mama and two older brother one on one time with mommy isn't easy to come by so we made sure to capture some sweet moments for them to cherish. 

Allie Kate is a diva who loves mommy's silver sparkly shoes, because who wouldn't?!

She wouldn't walk for me during the session but she did show off her standing skills.

I mean, how stinking cute is this little peanut?! She needs to stay this size forever.

Next we tried out Allie Kate's birthday tutu! She wasn't quite sure what to think but I loved the little birthday hat.

A few more mommy snuggles before the cake smash.

Miss Allie Kate took advantage of her first sugary delight. She smashed the cake like a pro, even lifting the whole thing up to her mouth! 

 

Thanks so much for coming in Allie Kate & don't get too big before I see you next.

Happy 2nd Birthday Beckham!

I had the pleasure of photographing Beckham from the very beginning. (I think we even photographed him 3 times in his mommy's belly!) It has been such a joy to watch this tiny little peanut grow into a curious and in charge toddler! 

 

This was our very first session after Beckham was born, at just 8 days new! His mommy spent so much time preparing for his arrival and his nursery was just the perfect nautical theme.

Beckham came into my studio around 3 months to show me that he can giggle already! Oh and we grabbed a few sweet pictures for Father's Day for his daddy too!

At about 9 months I journeyed with the family to a tree farm where we captured some fun holiday photos. This was their first Christmas as a family of 3.

I remember the night before Beckham's first birthday session his mommy messaged me to tell me that he HATES the balloons she bought for the session. By the morning, he had changed his mind, he loved the balloons and hated his cake! Such a little wild thing! 

This past weekend the weather finally warmed up and I met Beckham at the park where we celebrated all things TWO. He absolutely loves airplanes. Even though his mommy thought it was nearly impossible to get all of her awesome props into one picture with a rambunctious almost two year old, we did it!! 

It's so funny how an accessory can transform someone, even a 2 year old. With his hat on, Beckham hammed it up for me. 

Beckham, you are such a handsome wild man! Continue to spread your wings and explore this wild world. (& drive your parents just a little bit crazy in the process.)

Happiest of 2nd Birthdays to you Mr. Beckham!

Little Liam @ 4 Days New

I must admit, I've fallen behind on blog posts lately because studio sessions and weddings have been keeping me so busy! But I promise to catch you up on my last few months. The most important thing to happen in July was the birth of my first nephew Liam! He was born on a Thursday, while I was vacationing with my parents at Myrtle Beach. I made the drive back home to Cornelius to pack up all of my lighting equipment, camera gear and props then started for Daytona Beach, FL on Sunday.

I am so grateful to have chosen a career that allows me to leave at a moment's notice and be part of these special moments. My brother and his wife were just glowing with pride. 

Liam is not only my brother & sister - in - law's first child, but also the first grandchild on both sides. They have naturally been coming up with their grandparent names while I was busy nicknaming the little dude. Liam Arthur Meixsell, or LAM for short, quickly became Lamb Chop in my eyes. Therefore, what better way to introduce him to the world than in a sweet little lamb hat. You're welcome for all the cuteness!

The tiny parts have quickly became some of my favorite pictures form newborn sessions. I mean, let's be real, everything is cuter when it's smaller. 

Liam, like many other breastfed babies had to stop to eat many times during the session, exhausting his new mama. He was also getting rather irritable but you can't notice it in the pictures, thankfully.

I mean, does this look like hard work to you? You just wait little Liam, life gets much harder!

While I was at the beach with my parents and grandparents, we all had bets on how big Liam would be. I'm pretty certain his great grandfather guessed closest with albs 9oz. He was born in the afternoon, via c-section, after a little scare.

Liam's mom LOVES to bake, particularly loving cupcakes. So how appropriate is it that I had to stick him in a little cupcake hat?

Since he was born in and lives in Daytona Beach, FL I had to incorporate a little beach theme to his photo session. Liam loved the inner tube, it was just the right size for lounging.

Last, but certainly not least....Liam has a Star Wars themed nursery! Since I haven't personally seen the movie my brother had to guide me on how to pose the little man with his gear. Apparently Darth Vader is bad and Liam shouldn't be buddying up with him, my bad. Oh and the laser part should not be in his hand. I'll try harder next time!

Happy 2 Months Little Liam!! Auntie Amanda can't wait to watch you grow.

<3 Amanda