I love getting the mail this time of year-it’s the highlight of my day (including seeing Leo smile and when Alex comes home from work–and you know, all the obligatory stuff I’m supposed to say).  I think it’s so fun to open up Christmas cards and get a little bit of love from friends and family–especially those I don’t see often.  I can’t wait to see the faces of children that have gotten a year older, or families that have grown, or the creativity and humor that some of my friends include (Suzanne…I’m looking at you.)  And can I selfishly say that I love seeing the faces of clients I’ve had the pleasure to photograph?  So when Michelle and her sister, Barbara, asked me to do their Christmas card photos I was thrilled.  And the fact they are using these pictures to surprise their parents with as gifts made me even more excited for their session (so if you know Babcia or Dziadek, keep your lips zipped!)

Michelle is the last Charlestown mama that you are going to meet right now.  Initially, her and little Stella weren’t in our newborn group, but we adopted her and are so lucky to have her.  She used to belong to the group that met before ours with the “older babies” (who were probably only 6 weeks older than ours) and that group always intimidated me.  The slightly older age made those mamas seem like experts.  They all looked like they knew exactly what to do, while I awkwardly fumbled through every day.  And in honesty, Michelle may have intimidated me the most.   She exudes this confidence about her and just seemed like a natural with her little Stella from the Baby Bjorn she carried her in right down to her leopard print flats that I remember her wearing.  And while she is super confident and charming and put together, she is also such a good friend.  We bonded quickly over having the not-so-great-sleepers in the group, talking education, which we both studied, and much more.  I am so happy she’s in my life.  And what’s more, Michelle’s sister, Barbara, started working for the consulting company I also work for, so I’ve recently gotten to know her as well.  She is every bit as lovely and gracious and intelligent as Michelle and getting to be friends with them both makes me so so so thrilled.

Michelle and Barbara organized one big family holiday shoot, which I think will be their parents favorite gift this year.  You’ll meet Stella in a minute, but first I am going to introduce you to Barbara’s handsome little men, Will and Nate!  Such little cuties.

Luis is on the end!  Such an awesome dad.  To say he has fun with his boys is an understatement.

Op!  And there she is!  Little Stella Girl between her two big cousins.

And there’s Shawn!  Nicest guy and a great golfer, which makes Alex a big fan!  Thanks to him and Luis who carried my chair all morning without complaint!

I just want to squeeze her face!  Love you, Stella!!

One big happy family!!! 

Michelle and Barbara–I had so much fun spending time with your families and so happy that I know you both.  I hope you and your parents love these pictures forever!