So my trip started off with a phone call. "Well, no need to rush, but you might want to start making your way down here," my brother-in-law stated. Oh so much excitement from those words!

So my younger sister and I began our journey down to Anderson, Indiana to be at the birth of my niece - the first grandchild on my side of the family. We didn't exactly know what to expect, but we were SO excited to meet this little girl that had been 9 months in the making.

It started off meeting Josh (my brother-in-law) at the hospital and seeing Audrey (my sister and new mom). AFter visiting a while, we went to their house to get some shut eye and kept our phones on, just in case - although it didn't seem like the baby was going to arrive until later the next day.

And later the next day it was. Around 7pm after much labor and over 3 hours of pushing, the Weiger family welcomed Emma Mattingly Weiger into their arms. It was so wonderful to spend the next few days with them, basking in the newness of life. She was so precious and did really well for having a photo shoot on her second day of life :) Gotta get it in while you can, you know?

So I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking. First a few of the baby bump and then I'll show you my adorable niece, EMMA!

Story-time with Dad.

And now, it's baby time!

In the waiting room the next day... Did I mention it was bright and early?

And then she was here! Proud Dad.

They are so in love...

And when baby sleeps. Mom and dad sleep too.

And then it was time to go home!

Welcome to the world Emma. We are so glad you are here and couldn't be more excited for what God will do in your life! Love you lots already - Love, Aunt Elise.

So the Meyer's. I am so grateful to call them friends. My husband and I were the best man and matron of honor at their wedding and it is such a pleasure to continue to capture the joy of their spirits as their family continues to expand.

So, I am grouping two sessions in to one post, because I think it's so wonderful to be able to see the baby bump before the baby has arrived, and the newborn after they are here :) So here you go, the bump and the baby (and the rest of the family too).

And when dad talks to Malachi, he really gets in to it - in a good way.

Then it was time to get Malachi ready to go out for pictures. And while mom and dad got ready, Malachi and I had a fun time reading.

Then out to the car and on to take some more family pics!

Then we went to a coffee shop to warm up and reminisce about going to a coffee shop for Jason and Amy's engagement shoot. They made funny faces and a good time was had by all.

And afterward we went back to the house for a few portraits of mom and Malachi was definitely tired from the cold and all of the smiling required for such a family shoot.

And even though Malachi was tired, he still wanted in on the pics with mom.

Big brother had to get in on the action too.

And Grandma and Grandpa visited while I was there too! I only got a picture of Grandma, but both of them had their turn to hold beautiful Aliza.

And snuggled up on daddy (or mommy) is definitely the place to be.

Many blessings on your family Jason and Amy as it grows and grows.

So, I just couldn't help myself. My sister is SOOOO beautiful and by the way, it's her BIRTHDAY! TODAY! And her first born is due in just a few weeks! Audrey, you. just. glow. I can't wait to meet your little one and see the wonderful mother you will be :)

The Wright family is one I have come to know and love. The littlest Wright is full of smiles and giggles for his parents. His mother, who did a FANTASTIC job picking out his cute outfit with tie and hat, is a gem, and his father, is one of those men who is kind to everyone he comes in contact with.

Aidan, you are sure to have a wonderful life with parents such as these.

And now on to the pictures...

It has been my pleasure to photograph Arawyn Do since she was a newborn and even more fun was her recent 1 year old photo shoot! Filled with smiles and so many faces, Arawyn is truly growing up to be a gorgeous girl. Her spunky personality and "I can do it" attitude is refreshing. She is quite the natural in front of the camera as you'll see - she poses all on her own - it's just my job to catch it :)

It's amazing to watch kids grow, and even more fun to photograph the process - and thanks Evie for letting us use your house for the photo shoot!

And after the chair, it was time to walk....climbing chairs takes work, walking with dad's help is much easier!

Oy, they take so many photos of me. I don't think she sees me yet...

A ballerina, just like mommy...

Meet Benjamin Slakes - one of the fastest crawlers and most smiley kids I have ever known, and who recently had his 1 year birthday! Benjamin is one of those kids who is full of energy and being the 5th child, can still hold his own. He gives the best hugs, loves everyone, and at this point in life, is pretty much not afraid of anything. So big! (in a little sort of way)...

Discovering the snow (when we had some).

And lastly, my favorite. He is so filled with joy it just makes me smile and makes my day better - I hope it makes yours better too!

Well the title is appropriate for 2 reasons.
1. Arawyn is possibly one of the cutest babies that are around...although she is getting to be not as much of a baby anymore these days, but still adorable, and...
2. these images were taken at the store Spring Sweet in downtown Holland, MI.

So: sweet baby + sweet store = awesome pictures. Thanks so much for letting us use your store Spring!