Kate

I received the best call early early this morning.  It was Jason, Kate's husband, calling to let me know that around 1 am they introduced a baby girl into their lives.  I screamed so loud and had to hold myself back from crying (for fear of missing every bit of information).  I am so excited for them and can't wait to go and visit their new daughter (and the two of them, of course).  This little girl has no idea what's in store for her when Auntie Cynthia comes down to Virginia.  Besides bringing cute little baby girl clothes; I will be filling up albums with photographs of just her.  

Congratulations Kate and Jason!!!  Words can not describe what I am feeling right now.  I love you both so much and am so happy for you.   

Julia and Darin

I met Julia last summer and right away I noticed her beautiful engagement ring.  We talked some wedding talk and I told her to check out my engagement portraits on, my friend, Kimberly Hurst's blog.  Well of course Julia loved Kim's work and booked her for their May wedding.  Kim asked me to be her assistant and in between I was able to grab some shots from the day.  

Husband and Wife fisheye style.

Strawberry Picking

I have never gone strawberry picking before and I was so excited to go.  However, I think I had more success taking photos than picking berries.  My berry picking date was a lot more proactive in bringing delicious strawberries home.  

We had amazing weather but the wind kept sweeping her hat away.

Running back to pick some more.

Ali and Jason

Joel received such a wonderful call the other day from his friend Jason.  Jason was calling to let us know that he and his wife Ali are expecting a baby this winter.  The two of them live in Texas but come to Philly occasionally seeing as Jason's family lives here.  Joel and I saw them in April and at the time Ali did not know she was pregnant.  I can't wait to see them in September; it gives me plenty of time to warm Ali on the idea of doing belly portraits.  I am so excited for them!!

Some shots I took of them in April.

I just love Jason's smile here; it was instantaneous and so genuine.

Happy Father's Day

Although I had a wonderful time in Virginia visiting my friends, I wish I could have seen my dad for Father's Day.  It really is hard living away from family and not being able to see them on a weekly basis (at least).  

My dad is probably one of the funniest guys you'll ever meet.  He seriously has all kinds of jokes; some that I even think he prepares for months in advance.  But sometimes it's just his delivery that slays me.  It truly is priceless.  Along with his humor my dad has a favorite past time of giving advice.  This man is the ultimate advice giver.  My brothers and I tease him for his "passion" for advice giving but there is no denying that our dad really knows a lot.  (Well... we let him think that he does).   

I could go on about how wonderful my dad is but what I really want to say is, "I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!!"

Getting Crafty

Joel and I came down to Virginia for a long weekend to hang out with our friends Kate and Jason before their baby comes in early July.  I knew that I wanted to take a million pregnant belly photos as well as help out with any last minute things Kate wanted to get done.  She said she saw this mobile that she was interested in making, so we set out to make a ribbon mobile.

The supplies:  

Some progress and hot glue gun bits.

Kate and I applied the ribbons with care and sticky fingers while the boys worked on hanging it up above the crib.

Such vibrant colors.

A baby's eye view

Belly portraits of, my girl, Kate coming soon...

a recent favorite

hanging out with my boy!

breakfast in bed

Kate's Baby Shower

I was down in Virginia this weekend for my friend, Kate's baby shower.  It was a wonderful celebration with the woman nearest and dearest to her and we all had so much fun showering her with loads of presents.  

The mommy to be.  She's had this glow ever since I've known her (which has been since 2000, not 2008).  

The food was so tasty that it was definitely hard to put your fork down.  Now, I'm wishing I had a photo of my meal before I devoured it all. 

Kate calls this little cutie pie her "practice baby".  She has the most darling face and I couldn't stop taking her photo.  

Kate with her mother...

and her mother in law.

Somebody's excited!

Kate has a friend that is due a few weeks before her.  I just had to get a shot of those bumps!!!

Ain't no party like a play date party!

They all are so cute working together

I love Springtime!