I’ve told the story before so I’ll be brief in my explanation. For those who don’t know their story, you can read about Paxton’s birth here. Paxton was born with a very serious heart condition know as Hypoplastic left heart syndrome. But as you can see from the photos below, Paxton’s condition does not define the West family. Oh no, they are stronger, wackier, and have more love to share than ever before! Make no mistake, this family is blessed. Okay, time to share some of my favorite people with you all…Dave, you will not escape next time!! Ahh, the joys of little boys…

…Austin…

…Mason…

…Paxton…

This year although the forecast said rain, we had a beautiful day. It was super windy, but that couldn’t keep us from having our session. In 20 minutes flat we got photos of the kids in 2 outfits each, a few kisses for mom and lots and lots of smiles. Big brother, Kevin showed me a few teeth missing since the last time I photographed him and is becoming so tall it is hard to believe he will soon by 7 years old. But you have to love this boy, he could charm anyone with those huge blue eyes I love to photograph. Little sister, Riley who never wants to smile for me, had a whole new personality this year! She had so much fun letting me chase her and play hide and seek. And smiles, smiles and more smiles.

Thank you mom for sharing your beautiful family and friendship with me year after year, enjoy your sneak peek!

All done with this session….but one little grin left even with a thumb!

Murphy’s Law – You promise a newsletter and more frequent blog updates and then end up with two busted up fingers that make typing on the keyboard all but impossible. Yikes! Hang in there though, I will be good as new and back in action real soon!!

So now you know why I’ve been so quiet…trust me…it’s not a pretty site. Since I’ve managed to simultaneously damage one finger on EACH hand I’ve been reduced to hen pecking the keys with my index fingers. Owie!! Still, I have to share a few from a very fun session I recently photographed on Fort Myers Beach. They’ve been so patient, thank you guys! Here’s a little peek of the most adorable Johnny and his family. WHAT A HOOT they were to photograph, Johnny has energy to spare, bottle it up and sell it I say. Ha-ha

Thanks so much for having me capture your precious memories, I can’t wait to see you again and meet the rest of the family in the coming months! * Note to self – by new running shoes ’cause if the rest of the little ones are as fast as Johnny here I’m gonna need ‘em!

It seems like it was only yesterday when I first met Xander and his family on the beach in Naples. When I see the super cool dude he’s growing into I have to remind myself that it was actually way back in 2008 when I met them. You might remember Xander was the little guy taking flight over the Gulf of Mexico. The next year Mom called me to schedule a New Beginnings Session and of course I was thrilled to see them again. Mom is a knock-out, Dad is handsome as can be. What I love most of all, you can tell she is the queen of his universe. Every girl should be so lucky. And Xander, well, this little guy has personality to spare. Go ahead, take a peek at their maternity session and see for yourself. Then pop on over to this blog post to see their holiday session and see what a cutie Charlie has turned in to too. Clearly personality and good looks run in the family.

Fast forward to our most recent session when I met them at their Naples home to capture a few updated family portraits and celebrate the boys’ birthdays. Xander and I played with his Thomas the Train set while Charlie tried to charm me with his ‘shy face’. I’m told he does this when he likes someone. *smile* I won’t lie, chasing after these two energetic little guys wore me OUT. By the end of the session Xander was giving me high fives and little Charlie was snuggling in my arms melting my heart. So yeah, it was totally worth the effort. These are truly wonderful people. Great parents, loving, generous, beautiful people inside and out. When I photograph them I can see their love for each other in every.single.picture. After more than two years and five sessions together I’m proud just to be a small part of their lives and to call them my friends. Thank you Danielle and Gene, you are amazing and your children are amazing! ‘Till next time…xoxo

Ha-ha-ha We called this his “Baywatch Run”. Somebody was definitely hamming it up for the camera. *wink*

And in case you were wondering…these boys still love to fly!

Here are a few of my favorites from a recent family session at the Ritz Carlton in Naples. This family was AMAZING to work with. Four totally cute children, one very beauitful Mommy and one totally fun Daddy make for um 50 or so fantastic portraits to ensure their trip to Naples is never forgotten. Your package shipped out today guys, enjoy!! Hopefully we will have the opportunity to work together again real soon!

Introducing the “T” family; featuring Gavin, Ian, Luke and Avery. As you can see from the photos I’m sharing today this is a family that truly believes in letting kids be kids. Their love for each other and pure happiness radiates in every shot!

Oh and I think Dad works part time as a stunt man. <grin>

A child after my own heart! ha ha ha I thought I was the only one that jumped in the gulf fully dressed?

So cute!!

See the little legs poking out? Finding new ‘friends’ to play with is always fun!

This is just a quick post to share a few of baby Bryce whom I haven’t seen since his newborn session back in September of 2008, then it’s back to editing I go. I simply HAD to sneak peek a few of this little cutie for Mom and Dad though. You see, Bryce made me ALL OF US <grin> work a little to try and catch his sweet expressions. Suffice it to say the sand and surf held more fascination for him that me and my silly old camera. That’s okay, I understand little man, lots of cool stuff out there to see and explore! Still, before all was said and done, I do believe I was able to capture a few very sweet moments for Mom & Dad. Hopefully they’ll love them as much as I do. <3

Today I’d like to share a very special and completely adorable family with you all. You might recognize these smiling faces as I’ve had the honor of photographing both Judson and Paisley since they were just a few days old. When they called on me to photograph their family this holiday season I knew it would be an awesome session! Judson and Paisley are just as cute as ever and growing up right before my eyes!! Mom and Dad, you have two of the most expressive, and totally adorable, children I’ve ever met! I <3 them!!!

Thanks so much for making the drive to Naples to be photographed in the garden. It was SO much fun to see you all again!

Today I’m going to sneak peek the totally adorable Miss Berklie (and her Mommy & Daddy too)! She’s three now, full of spirit and energy. In fact I’m fairly certain she could out run the road runner! I first met little B’s Mom and Dad when she was the bun in the oven back in 2007. Oh yeah, they totally rocked their maternity portraits on the beach in Naples…

Yep, they sure did! Simply, beautiful! Then little baby B. stole the show for her newborn portrait session in their home. You might recognize this shot from the opening sequence shown on the lifeXpressions photography main website…

Then there was the totally fun session for her first birthday. Mom has a rockin’ sense of style as you’ll see below. How fun was this outfit?!

See, told ya she was ADORABLE! Oh but the fun doesn’t stop there. I’ve been enjoying the trip down memory lane, if you want to follow along here’s our little star on the beach in 2008 and the whole family for their 2008 Holiday Portraits at one of my favorite places to photograph families in Estero. There’s no denying we had a total blast during our 2009 mini session at the Secret Garden. The style and sass in this little girl never cease to amaze me! Little B, you are a SUPA-STAR!! A big thank you to you for coming out to the beach to play with me and to your Mommy and Daddy for letting me be the one to document your family all these years. I can’t wait to meet the new addition!!

Drats! Sorry, I got side tracked again! haha Scroll down for that sneak peek I promised. Little Berklie you are growing up SO fast!