Just a few hours after our sesh, her water broke and she went into labor.

12 hours later, Alex came into the world.

Lesson? Modeling is stressful work

Kiddddding! Apparently Xin had a pretty easy labor plus only 40 minutes of pushing. For a first baby, that is practically a walk in the park?!

Such a beautiful baby boy.

I know for a fact that it’s near impossible to get my own kids to cooperate with me for pics. People tell me all the time how cute they are but you don’t know the amount of threatening and bribing (yes, simultaneously) that goes on before and after.

But when you get a “stranger” involved, who happens to be a photographer, all of a sudden there’s this trust issue involved. For the first 15 minutes, the kids stare you down as if to say, “What’s your game, lady?” And that’s when you “go in for the kill”, which in family portraits lingo means group and posed shots. After that, control over the session will irreversibly be wrenched away from you.

Which is when all the best shots are, IMHO.

Here’s a sneak peek of today’s fun sesh. Thanks SO much for another great afternoon, Kim. And Skeets – thanks for coming along for the ride this time

And what better gift is there, than the gift of art?

Gift mom a JTPA Mother’s Day session today, which covers a one-hour family session for up to five members, two 8×10 prints and one 11×14 print, for $500 (package is valued at $800) with a bonus of three corresponding complimentary JPG files licensed to print and share on social media sites.

To order this gift, simply contact me to book your session today.

Details and Terms: A retainer of $250 is required to book. Price is before sales tax. Orders have to be in by May 8th 2012 for on-time delivery (in Continental US). A gift card will be sent to you containing the details of the package by May 13 2012. Sessions have to be booked by December 15th 2012, and are either held at the studio (located in downtown Seattle) or within 20 miles of Duvall WA. Contact me to book your gift session today!

Six years ago, Catherine and Madeline’s life took on a fairy tale quality (which is how I describe it). They met Michael, fell in love and became a family in everything but name.

On April 11th 2012, that changed. Madeline officially became an Abegg, and Michael a stepdad dad. I was privileged to have been there to witness the event.

Thank you, Abeggs, for having me there to help document your important day. I heart your family so damn much

Shot in a mix of digital and film.

we join in!

As i watched Beckie push with every last ounce of her wavering strength even as the doctor went thru the pros and cons of their remaining choices as Charlie still showed no signs of wanting to vacate her cosy little home the last nine months, and Brad bravely asking the tough questions about worse case scenarios, I silently hoped that i had the strength to continue doing my job. Which was the simplest job in the room. Despite wanting to just drop my camera an grab Beckie’s other hand and leg and giving her my support. Maybe, this next contraction. Maybe, the next, if she just pushed harder. Maybe, if I just held her. Maybe.

Nothing makes us try harder, because i was there, 10 yrs ago, feeling like i was such a wimp for not being able to push out a tiny baby. And then found out she had her umbilical cord around her neck, holding her back.

And that Charlie, all nine pounds three ounces of her, just wasn’t able to defy the laws of physics (and biology) by squeezing through mommy’s tiny birth canal. Still, in the end, all we care about is that our kids are okay.

In that, Brad and Beckie, you’ve come out aces. Congrats – and welcome to parenthood

~ Rob Thomas

Gillian, who’s the youngest, will be leaving for Stanford to join her brother and sister for college this year. Mom Tricia jokes about finally being able to have some alone time but I can tell she’s gonna miss her girl.

It was fun! Not sure why I don’t do these more. Maybe it reminds me that I have two girls myself who will one day be seniors – ack!