Category Archives: Babies & Toddlers

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Munchin’ on Sand on Naples Beach

Just going to pop in and post one or two, really quickly. I’m a little backed up and bouncing off walls just thinking of everything I need to do but my computer doesn’t move as quickly as my brain does so instead of crossing things off here I sit, waiting, working, waiting, working, waiting. Oye! I really need to find a way be in two places at once…seriously. It would make life so much easier! ha ha

So, I’m sharing a quick one today, this little guy is Adrian. He recently visited the Naples area for his first birthday. Now obviously he brought the family along with him, but I’ll share more of them later. Mom swears up and down this little guy wasn’t enjoying the beach at all in the days prior to our session. In fact, if I remember correctly there was mention of tears and meltdowns as soon as the toes hit the sand. Well, let’s just say that was NOT the case when I arrived that day. In fact, I’d say this little man thought the sand was de·li·cious! *snicker*

This is one of those shots that when you first look at it you can’t help but to giggle out loud. You know, the kind of giggle that sneaks up on you and makes you snort when you laugh. Yea, that kind of funny!

Ok, just one more because he’s so stinkin’ cute! I need a caption for this one. Something that reads, “Who me? I didn’t eat the sand, honest!”

A Session at the park with Saylor

Saylor has to be one of the most expressive one year olds I’ve seen in a long time! This little angel has the best personality, so happy and easy going. She reminds me of my own daughter with her thin blonde hair, huge blue eyes and that adorable ‘laugh until you scream’ smile. I don’t think I’ll ever forget her newborn session when Mom lifted her up to look into her eyes and little Saylor decided to latch on to her nose! ha ha ha No surprise to see she’s just as much fun at one! She had us giggling at her antics through most of the session. Better watch out Dad, between her beautiful baby blues, that precious pout that melts your heart, and her sparkling personality I think you’re going to have your hands full in a few years! ;)

Okay, it’s seriously hard to pick favorites from this session to share on the blog, I think they’re all my favorites! Yikes. I don’t envy you’re job Mom & Dad. Not my fault your daughter is adorable. Nope. That’s all your doing. ha ha

Introducing Jack {Then & Now}

I can say I’ve know Jack since before he was born. ;)

I first met Jack’s Mommy and Daddy a little more than a year ago now for their New Beginnings Session. Their image showcased in The Big Book of Babies was a result of their subsequent newborn session. Jack is a big brother now and just bursting with energy, evidence included below for your viewing pleasure. ;)

We asked Jack’s Mom to answer a few questions for the blog, here’s what she had to say…

What are your child’s favorite books to read?

“Anything with airplanes or boats.”

Where do you shop for women’s clothing, you know, the kind of clothes that make you feel wonderful and don’t scream “teenager” or “mom”?

“Macy’s Dillards, Banana Republic, Saks Off 5th Ave, Puddy ‘n Pearl, and Mollie Montgomery for traditional items”

ha ha ha I think I’ve finally found someone who likes to shop as much as I do. Good taste too, hm, maybe I’ve found a new shopping buddy! ;)

Photographs are important to me because…

They document memories, windows into our pasts – where we’ve been, who we were with, what we were doing, expressions…”

My favorite little escape from parenting is…

“A night out with my husband – to enjoy a nice dinner and each other over a glass bottle of wine in peace and quiet.”

Do you have any special plans for this summer?

“Going to a Buffett concert for sure!”

What do you love about lifeXpressions? (Hey, you know you would ask too!)

“Your ability to capture the ‘everyday’ shots and turn them into something beautiful that sends sparks to your heart and will be cherished forever! :) THANK YOU!!”

Introducing Lauren {Then and Now}

Sorry for the delay in the Then & Now postings gang, things got a little backed up for a while there but we seem to be back on track now and I have some very important little Big Book of Babies stars to showcase in the coming weeks! This week I’d like to introduce little Miss Lauren to you. :) She first stole my heart more than two years ago now during a beach session that to this day showcases some of my favorite sunset images of all time. Since then I’ve had the joy of watching her blossom into this adorable spunky little preschooler with a heart of gold.

Here is Lauren {then} as published in The Big Book of Babies:

and here she is {now}:

 

We asked Lauren’s Mom to answer a few questions for the blog, here’s what she had to say:

What is your favorite children’s boutique?

Incredible Me! & Giggle Moon

Photographs are important to me because…

“I enjoy seeing all the changes the kids go thru. It also brings back wonderful memories of a particular time in my life and their life.”

One thing I hope to always remember…

“The way it felt to see and hold my children for the first time.”

A night out with the children? It can be done! What is your favorite child-friendly restaurant?

“Bayfront in Venetian Village, out on the patio.The kids love to look over the railing and watch for dolphins.

Mom’s need TLC too, where do you go to be pampered?

“Spa Blue, Naples”

An awesome, child-friendly place that theres may not have heard of is…

Sun -n- Fun Lagoon (Naples) and My Gym (Naples)”

 

 

What do you love about lifeXpressions? { Hey, you know you would ask too! }.

“Working with you! You NEVER hurry the session which is so important when dealing with children. You are always available for questions on ordering, wardrobe, etc. And of course, LOVE the photos and slideshows!!”

Note from Terrilyn: Thank you Mom! I have to say you have been a complete JOY to work with too! I’m looking forward to seeing you all very soon and meeting the newest member of the family!!

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Now available for pool parties!

Ha ha ha, ok, not really but I do love working with creative parents who aren’t afraid to step out of the box when it comes to their family portraits. With two tots under 3 years old I’m betting Mom is used to having to improvise to make things work. Totally worth the effort, in fact, I often feel like it’s those fantastic ‘every day’ moments that just happen during your session that make the most memorable images.

Meet Brandon (3 yrs) and Chloe (1 yr), two gorgeous little children with boundless amounts of energy. While we did capture some adorable more ‘planned’ images during this session, without a doubt my absolute favorites are the images I was able to capture after the children thought “picture day” was over. They put on their swimsuits and totally let loose in the water.

One thought comes to mind as I proof these images – they capture what’s real. Real life with two toddlers isn’t peaceful, it isn’t clean, they don’t usually do what you want them to do when you want them to do it. That’s ok!! Enjoy their spunky little personalities! I hope that when the dust settles (say in about 18 or 20 years -ha ha ha) Mom & Dad will look back at the images captured remembering the chaos. Then, as they look up at each other, they’ll smile with pride because they survived! ;)

Sneak Peek, Kiley (and her sweet cousin Olivia too!) – Naples Child Photography

Oh my goodness – I think I was on cute overload last week, seriously! I’ve got to share this q-t-pie with you all. She started out shy but I think she quickly determined that the crazy photographer lady wasn’t going away any time soon so she’d get rid of me much quicker if she cooperated. *giggle*

It is my great pleasure to introduce to you Miss  Kiley of Naples. Mom mentioned to me that she missed not being able to have all of those super sweet newborn photos and was feeling a little behind with regards to little K’s professional portraits. It happens to the best of us, believe me! I have to make mental notes to take photos of my own children lately. Life has a way of happening very quickly, days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months…I’m just thrilled that I was able to capture THIS sweet time in little K’s life. She’s just beaming with personality right now. I think if I had to put a label on her I’d have to call her a rock ‘n roll princess, she’s already got all the moves down! ;)

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Peek-a-boo, I see you!!

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Little K’s cousin Olivia was there to be photographed just a little bit too. Olivia is a complete ham, very much NOT like my own Olivia who is as shy as they come. LOL Mental note to myself, next time I am asked to photograph two one year olds together: BRING DUCT TAPE. They do not hold still for a second! In spite of the  complete chaos that comes from trying to photograph two one year olds at the same time there actually some super-cute shots of the two of them!! But this one with Kiley peeking around the door totally cracks me up!

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Last one, you have to wonder exactly what it is I do that prompts this expression in so many of my baby sessions! *snicker*

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Introducing Paisley {Then & Now}

I first had the opportunity to work with Paisley when she was just a few days old. As a member of the Just One Year program she’s become a fairly regular star here on the blog. Now at a year old she just recently graduated from the JOY program, I have to say, I am going to miss our regular play dates. It has been so much fun watching her blossom into this beautiful, playful little lady and Mom always has the CUTEST outfits for her!

Here is Paisley {then} as published in The Big Book of Babies:

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and here she is {now}

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PEEK-A-BOO! We sure had fun that day!

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We asked Paisley’s Mom to answer a few questions for the blog, here’s what she had to say:

What is your favorite children’s boutique?

Children’s Couture, Fort Myers”

Photographs are important to me because…

“They Capture the moment that is gone in the blink of an eye. My baby is only as small as she is today. Tomorrow she will be bigger.”

A night out with the children? It can be done! What is your favorite child-friendly restaurant?

First Watch – We get a cool placemat, crayons, and our very own cup. Of course the pancakes are our favorite! Mimi’s Cafe’ is great too. Their kids meal comes with oreo dirt dessert complete with worms! (Gummy ones, of course!)”

Mom’s need TLC too, where do you go to be pampered?

Spada, Fort Myers”

Often family traditions are handed down through the years, others we start ourselves. What are your favorite family traditions?

“Family dinners, letters from Santa, church on Sundays. A very specific one, we save our Christmas cards & every night at dinner during our blessing we say a prayer for family.”

What do you love about lifeXpressions? { Hey, you know you would ask too! }.

“Aside from Terrilyn being an outstanding photographer ( she really captures the everyday love). I really think lifeXpressions is a first class operation. I love the little things: the Christmas ornament, the accordion mini books, the stuffed dog goodie-bag she brought to the promotional mini sessions, even the cute tissue paper that comes in the photo boxes. My husband jokes that you are like chocolate – once you get a little you just can’t stop!!”

Note from Terrilyn: Alright, that seriously has to be the BEST compliment I’ve ever received – comparing me to chocolate – ha ha ha I love it!! Thank you for your sweet, sweet words. I can’t wait to see you all again!

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