Big sister snuggles smiling baby girl. I never babysat. In fact, I was scared of babies. My older sister was the babysitter when we got our new brother. I was the diaper bag holder. With older kids--toddlers--I was bored. I fought it, but couldn't stay engaged around them. I was pretty sure that they didn't even like me. But something happened as I began to pass childbearing age. I started to crave baby.

I don't think approaching someone on the street and telling them that you'd be glad to take their baby is a good idea. So, okay, I haven't done it. But I have thought about it. I HAVE offered to hold other people's babies while they eat their meals. They laugh uncomfortably and let me know that they appreciate the offer while "Crazy lady, please go away" is written on their faces. I laugh--unashamed of crossing the line that is so hard for me to see. 

So let me tell you, as a baby photographer, when I am able to hold someone's sleeping NEWBORN baby for an hour or two and they can't do a thing about it--I am thrilled! Okay, yes, technically someone could decide they want me to leave, but they never do. There have been times when new Mama, in the middle of a hormone-induced hot flash has about had it with the heat in the room, and I've thought that we were going to just have to call the session done. But what I most often hear are exclamations of astonishment such as "Oh my goodness, you are so good with her. You are so gentle. I can't believe how she doesn't startle when you are moving her."

Let me just say that those are proud moments for me. I have come so far from that 11-year-old who was less than thrilled with being the diaper bag holder. I love every part of this job. I love getting to know you and seeing your favorite Pinterest ideas for newborn photography, and newborn poses, and newborn headbands, and all of the wonderful creative ideas you new mommies have. I love gently handling your newborn and explaining to you what I'm doing and making it a positive experience for all. But really, most of all, I love knowing that the beauty of the pictures we take today will get you through some of the more difficult times ahead.

Thank you Austin mommies and daddies for trusting me with your lovely babies. 

Baby snuggly swaddled in cream on blue blanket Little baby toes curled up next to newborn wrinkles, lips and nose. New baby posed with face propped up on hands, sweet organic headband