Remember when I joyfully announced I was the godmother to this little babe? Her newborn photos were so amazing I was compelled to have a similar shoot done for Waverley when she was teeny tiny. Since I was living in Maryland at the time she was born, I sought out a local photographer there and love the results. In fact, I’m contemplating traveling back to Maryland from Alaska if/when we have a second baby just so Denise can photograph it. Seriously. I adore the neutral colors with just a hint of femininity in a small flower or headband. I also adored the actual photo shoot, which took about six hours to complete yet my husband, mom, and I hung out on a cozy couch with snacks away from the action. It was a much-needed break during those first few days of having a newborn.

Babies lose their sleepy newborn-ness so quickly and change daily. I realize everyone says that but it’s completely true. I really recommend having pictures taken within the first two weeks to capture this time in their lives (Waverley was six days old in these pictures). I love looking at these and thinking back to how squishy and small she was. If you’re contemplating newborn photographs, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Start researching photographers early, as in late second trimester, to get in with the one you really want. They usually book up months in advance.
• This is your brand new baby we’re talking about, so make sure you pick someone with loads of experience handling newborns and one who will not be disgruntled by blowouts on their props, feeding breaks, or crying spells. This is not the time for amateurs.
• Discuss color schemes and likes/dislikes before the actual day. You will most likely be beyond exhausted and not functioning at your highest cognitive capacity to make such vital life decisions.
• If you want family photographs, talk about this prior to the shoot, too. Keep in mind that the photographer is an expert in photographing and posing newborns … not adults. Also keep in mind it’s pretty dang difficult to get candid shots with a newborn since they require so much help positioning properly.
• Plan for a long day. My husband says to bring snacks (he also tends to say this regarding a trip to the grocery store).
• Just do it! You will not regret having them. And by “not regret”, I mean absolutely love and think it was the next best thing you’ve ever done to actually having your baby.

My husband helped me pick out which photos to share. We went over every one in Waverley’s gallery practically sobbing over how tiny (well at 10 pounds she wasn’t tiny, but compared to now she sure was) she used to be. Sigh. I do not want another newborn. I do not want another newborn. I do not want another newborn.

{All photos are by Denise of Newborn Daydreams Photography.}