How cute is this little one? Would you believe me if little Gabriel here came five weeks early? While Mom and Dad expected to have him a week early, they were quite surprised when Anna's water broke. Shortly after, they went to the hospital and Gabriel made his entrance! 

Daniel's sister reached out a few months ago about desiring to gift a newborn portrait session. This was extra fun because we first met up with these two when we took their engagement portraits and then had the pleasure of capturing their wedding day in downtown Minneapolis. It was an intimate day then and being invited in-home to document the special snuggles and first days home was an even more precious moment.

Sometimes, the best way to capture the stage of life in a child's life is to allow them to just play and enjoy life. After a few attempts at getting these three to sit still, mom and dad wisely agreed that maybe we should just let them play on the shore of the Mississippi River in Hastings near the Lock & Dam Two. I find kids come alive in play, so capturing their curiosity and wonder for life in this stage of life sometimes documents them better than any other way. It's not just about capturing the moment this way, but creating a special moment as well.

The first time I met the Ghandours was at their eldest’s newborn portraits in their condominium home in Hastings. A few years later, we reconnected for family photos when their middle man came into the world. We met up last fall to take some fun family mini portraits. Now, they have welcomed baby Layla, and it was fun to be welcomed into their new home here in Cottage Grove.

Whether it’s “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…” or “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” it looks like we might just get our wish this year as I overlook the fresh snow clinging on to the branches of the trees with the freshly rising sun making it sparkle in the new day’s light. There is something beautiful about this time of year, something special about the world being covered in snow, something refreshing about the deafening of the regular noise that a new snow brings. It’s partly why I love Minnesota so much. The idea of not regularly getting to experience the slowdown of the snow season and soak up the warm cuddles, hot cocoa, and wonder of a fresh snow? No, thank you. I think the Hobbs share this sentiment, which is why they requested some family portraits taken in the fun of the snow.