Last week I had the pleasure of working with Shannon Renee Photography on an in-home newborn photoshoot and wanted to share our first family photos!
Finding the time to do anything with a newborn is more difficult than I thought it’d be, so I’m so grateful Shannon was able to come to us for an in-home session (she has a studio where she often shoots families, but I asked if she could come to us instead). It also makes the photos that much more special as they capture our day to day life (minus the hair, makeup and wardrobe, of course ?)
Shannon showed up with a full wardrobe for both mama and baby, which was amazing because Lord knows I have no time to shop for clothes right now!
I borrowed a couple of her dresses, and Shannon took care of dressing Esmé, complete with the sweetest little accessories.
I mean, how precious is this lace romper?! Everyone tells you not to buy any newborn clothes because they grow out of them so fast, but I regret that now because Esmé’s entire wardrobe consists of a handful of plain newborn onesies, and she has nothing cute to wear for photos! Good thing Shannon came prepared.
Shooting newborns is a special skill, let me tell you! Esmé was a hot mess for the first 30 minutes and would not calm down. Don’t be fooled by the angelic face—it was a task to get her still enough to sneak in a good photo.
Fortunately, Shannon was very patient and was able to suggest new poses and positions (and outfit changes) to keep things running smoothly.
Esmé definitely preferred the swaddle!
Her daddy got a smile out of her…
She also got daddy’s blonde hair 🙂
But she has mommy’s nose and lips…
It’s so fun watching her change by the day. Last week she gave us the biggest smile… I swear it wasn’t a gas reflex. I know 3 weeks is supposed to be too early for that, but it was my favorite moment with her so far and we’re convinced it was real!
We’re crazy in love obsessed with this girl.
Sleep has been more of a struggle lately, despite how rested we look in these photos (Shannon must use some sort of magic filter to hide our exhaustion, ha!)
We know the newborn days are fleeting (even though these early weeks can feel like an eternity) so we’re holding on to all the good moments and reminding ourselves during the hard times that “this too shall pass…”
This photo is one of my favorites—look at that squishy kissable face!
We couldn’t be happier with how this shoot turned out. It definitely captures the blissful moments of newborn life 🙂
I hear that one day all of the exhaustion and new parent struggles will be forgotten. It has to be true, otherwise we wouldn’t keep having children, right? 😉
This angel is worth it all. We’re so lucky to be your parents, little Esmé Rose.
And one kitchen sneak peek for you…
Stay tuned for that reveal coming up next! A huge shoutout and thank you to Shannon once again for capturing such beautiful images of our new family and home. We will cherish them forever!
Jan Fusco says
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Other than that I’m speechless.
Mary Zeilinger says
Congratulations ❣️. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing ??️
Nadine says
These photos are absolutely beautiful. The one with Esmé smiling at Lucas is priceless. The three of you need to be in a magazine ad!
Bobbie T says
Just adorable! What a blessing and responsibility to have the privilege of molding a life. God bless.
Torrie @ To Love and To Learn says
No doubt about it, the newborn stage is hard! And while I love so much about it, I’ll admit–it’s actually once they get a bit older like from 9 months to about two years–that’s definitely one of my favorite. You have so much to look forward to! I think it’s healthy to enjoy the moments you’re having now (because there will be many blissful ones, we hope!), but also don’t beat yourself up if you’re not enjoying EVERY SECOND of that newborn stage. Loved these beautiful photos!
Becky says
Loved the one with kitty cat. You are so blessed.
Marilyn says
She is a beautiful baby and the pictures are awesome. She sure is a great mix of the two of you! Congrats!!
Liz says
Awe…. so beautiful and precious! These will be something to cherish forever. My youngest is 17 and although I love where we are now these pictures make me nostalgic. I am so happy for the three of you !
Stacy says
Those photos are gorgeous! Will you be sharing the coffee table link? Thank you!! She is beautiful!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you! And yes I’m working on a living room update post now!
lilly says
simply magical and sweet!!
Nicki says
These are all so gorgeous! Congratulations! When my son was born, someone told me that it gets a little easier at 6 weeks, then at 3 months, then again at 6 months. He is 10 months now, and that all rang true for me — hoping it will for you too! Hang in there momma! (And those smiles make it oh so much better, right!?) xxxx
Jenna Sue says
I’ve heard the same! She’s going through her first leap right now (plus reflux) so it has been the roughest few days and nights ? But her morning smiles have made up for it 😉
Kristen Eff says
Hang in there mama! You’re doing great! For the reflux, I tried interrupting the feeding to burp my newborn (quite frequently, to her irritation) but it seemed to help. That, and gripe water when she’s old enough. And when we did bottle feedings I held her upright instead of her reclining. Just something to try if you want. Infants… omg. 🙂
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Kristen! We’re doing all of that now. Every night is a new adventure…
Sandy A says
So many beautiful family photos!! Esme is so pretty!! Embrace this special time, even the exhaustion, it passes and you look back and infancy is gone. One of my favorite times was night feedings, alone with our babies in the dim light, rocking them while we nursed. Memories I still cherish…
Tracy says
Your family is so beautiful. <3 That photo of Esme smiling at Lucas is just the sweetest thing 😀
Ginny says
CONGRATULATIONS to you both! Your daughter is so beautiful!
Eileen says
You are blessed -she’s PERFECT & so are you two ?