{ following in leaps } ~ austin area photographer

For the past couple of weeks I have been researching what it would take for me to become a certified birth and postpartum doula. Having delivered both with and without medication, I am passionate about helping women recognize the energy and power of their own bodies and how beautifully labor and delivery can be when approached freely, naturally, educated, and with great support.

Typically when I have talked to people about this I am met with the question "what's a doula?" A good web definition I found here is: "a woman who gives continuous physical, emotional and informational support during labor and birth; she may also provide postpartum care in the home."



My personal vision of what I want to do is be there as a friend and helper to the mother and the father if he is wanting that inclusion, to assist and comfort, listen and support, ect. I want to offer my photography throughout the pregnancy as well, so many people miss the opportunity to capture that time and then later down the road have no photo memories to show their kids or just reminisce over. I also plan to continue into the postpartum stages and would like to dive deep into training regarding postpartum depression as I had a very trying year after Masyn's birth and would have benefitted from having that support.





Truly I'm excited, as I began the training it just felt so right and like a perfect fit. I have so many ideas forming and little plans I want to get going, but I have to take it one step at a time. It feels so good to be so passionate about the direction I am going and the steps I am taking, I needed this jolt and this ah-ha moment. As I continue on through this and can develop a clear plan and what exactly I will be looking to make from all this, I will post and update. All of the text and messages from those that I told personally have been such great confirmation, thank you for that!! I look forward to hearing any ideas you guys have or feedback, stories, anything you want to share!



Images from previous maternity and infant shoots in the Austin area.
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{playing favorites} - austin area newborn photographer

Finished with all the proofing and picked out a few more favorite pictures from the session, as well as a few random lists of favorite things.



I love this blanket. It's one I purchased from Anthro after pining away for it for several months. Oh how happy I was to finally use it, I've been saving it for a newborn session.

Which evokes my list of favorite things bought from Anthro:

All my AG jeans.

My teal schlubby cardigan.

My red suede sandals.

Honey & The Moon perfume by Tokyo MIlk. The other day someone said I smelled like a cupcake, that made me feel good.

All my AG jeans.

The red poppy headband that makes me feel saucy.





A list of favorite memories:

Waltonia. It's a campsite my family used to visit every summer. Sometimes I smell things that make me feel like I am 8 years old and swimming in the river again.

These fizzy soda drinks that my aunt used to serve at parties. They had a city skyline on the label and I have no idea what they were, I just remember loving when we went to her parties because that was the only place I'd ever had such a yummy drink.

Racing my sisters and cousins to finish eating at my grandma's house and running to weigh ourselves after to see who gained the most. All I ever remember eating was chili and rice, which can really pack a punch in the weight gain department.

Giving birth to Evelyn. Not to trivialize the other two girl's entrances into the world, but Evelyn's was the most relaxed, special, and memorable of the three. Having her at home and going at my own pace let me take it in and enjoy each moment of the whole experience. I cherish it.

Wearing my grandpa's boots pretending to be a dwarf.

Staying up with Becca and talking all night until I made her fall asleep.





Favorite frivolous things:

Keeping my fingernails polished.

Teaching my girls to say silly things just to get a laugh.

Sunbathing in extreme heat. I love to feel the sun on my skin.

Frozen yogurt. Too much.

AG jeans.

Feeling my hair on my bare back. I have been growing my hair for years and this feeling makes it all worth the wait.

Reading books, all books.

Kombucha.

Lastly, a favorite song... "Starlight" by Muse. Wow, I'm such a fan.

{dream baby} - austin area newborn photographer

I have read and re-read the book "The Baby Whisperer." In the pages of that book there is described, a baby that is so good natured and happy that it will just go along with anything and hardly ever fuss. Tracy Hogg calls this the "Angel Baby." I met him Tuesday. This little guy was sleeping or just sort of taking it easy the whole shoot. His daddy moved him around and we woke him up, but he would just drift back to sleep, only fussing a little at the very end of our hour session. This little Mr. is most definitely the type of baby that every mother hopes for, and it was a privilege to photograph him. A huge "Thank You" to his beautiful mama and super helpful daddy for having me in your home to capture this precious stage of his life!













Also some music provided by a favorite band of mine, "Band Of Horses." Enjoy~

fresh - {austin area newborn photographer}

I have been very lucky to have been asked to photograph a beautiful friend throughout her pregnancy. Yesterday was a most gratifying shoot....I got to snap pictures of her new little baby boy. He's so precious and still so fresh. I forget what it's like to see such a tiny baby and to hear their itty bitty wimpering cries. I really, really love my job(s)!!



His nursery is decorated with a western theme so this is to blow up for his wall.



Or perhaps black and white... I'm partial to the black and white.



Ray LaMontagne is singing one of my favorite mellow tunes "Empty."

Stay tuned for an update of why I've been SOOOO quiet lately...lots going on!