There’s nothing quite like having a new baby. And a first baby.

The daily surprises (good AND bad). The constant wonder. Nothing else in this world changes your world from one second to another quite like having a baby. One minute you’re just plain Andre and Jessica. The next, you’re parents.

Welcome Baby Brooklyn. Your family is so happy you’re here.

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Before we get to the pictures, let me just tell you about my friend Amy. In short, she is one heckuva trooper.

She had Baby James with zero painkillers. Nada. And this is her third child, delivered naturally, without an epi. Armed with the aid of her super doula, Bonnie, hubby Andy, some soothing Appalachian tunes and nerves of steel, Amy delivered Baby James after eight hours of labor. In this day and age, this kind of feat is just plain heroic.

I asked Amy how she deals with it (I had my second child without painkillers but it was not by choice) – and more importantly, why?! She tells me it’s because this pain has a purpose. And what a purpose.

Amy and Andy chose not to find out the sex of their baby until (s)he arrived. I had my money on another boy. I am five for five now. Not sharing that secret .

Thank you for having me, Andy and Amy. It was an inspiring and humbling experience.

Half of these were shot on Kodak BW400CN, and some on Ilford3200 on my Canon 1v, and some digitally on 5dii in the darker spots. Enjoy!

Time for a walk around the block. Still in the mood to goof around between contractions!

This chunky six-day old is one sweet – and feisty – little miss We ended up shooting mostly on our bed at the studio.

She also brought her brand new big brother, Mr R.

One year ago, two beautiful people…

…had a baby.

She was perfect, and made them very happy.

And now, she’s one.

Happy 1st Birthday, baby C. It was such fun photographing you all year!

Congratulations, Adamses, and welcome to this world, baby boy! I will see you in a few days for your newborn pictures!

Baby A, newest baby girl of the A family – my neighbors!

Another Belly to Baby client is now one. Here’s a selection of pictures we took of Baby L, who came into the world March of last year. Thank you Tessa and Tyson – it’s been an honor!

Happy Birthday little one!

I feel so honored to be documenting Baby #2 for the Patterson family. They’re one of my first customers in my adventure as a working photographer, when Holly was pregnant with her first baby girl, the very cute Miss B.

Baby S arrived much as her sister B did, via a water birth at home. Baby S was two weeks late and was content to stay in there but mommy was determined to have her ten days ago on March 19 2011.

Here are a few pics of Baby S at the studio today – and since it’s spring, I thought a little green was appropriate!

Green spring knot hat from Lisa Grayson of Little Bird Lucy on Etsy.

Mom knit this beautiful little pom-pom beanie.

Congratulations, Patterson family!

Summer lingers in her presence,
Nor can winter’s clouds dispel
All the sunlight of her being
All her life is autumn fruitage.

~ J.M. Caveness

Welcome to this world, Baby I!