Five months! When you were still tiny and new and we came across older babies, I sometimes thought, “I can’t wait until she's older.” I would scold myself for wishing time away, and focus on enjoying you in the moment. Now that we’re here, I wouldn’t go back—I love this age more than any previous—and I already feel myself mourning its end. It's a good thing you can't wish for time to pass faster than it already does. You also can’t go back, which is why mamas’ hearts burst open as their babies grow.
Read More
![Portraits of Rachel // Fat and the Moon]()
I first discovered Fat and the Moon while nannying for Wendy, who uses a baby salve on Veda that smells divine and works like magic. Turns out the woman behind the potions is equally magic. Wise beyond her years and crazy accomplished—not to mention strikingly beautiful and wicked smart—Rachel has a warm and calming presence and the unique ability to put you at ease and make you feel heard. In December she reached out about taking photos for a book she is going to be a part of, and I jumped at the opportunity. It felt like a gift, the time we enjoyed making portraits, talking babies, and learning about her life and work.
We started at her gorgeous home with her man, his girls, and their pups, then she took me to Fat and the Moon HQ and showed me where the magic happens, and lastly we went for a walk in the mountains―baby Ella in tow!―where the sky turned purple and snow fell out on the drive home. It's hard to pick a favorite, I loved it all so much.
See for yourself―this lady is clearly an inspiration, and I feel lucky call her a friend.
Read MoreDear Ella,
All of a sudden time is moving faster than I thought possible, and the leaps and bounds you've made the past month astound me. You love chewing on your toys and are getting more coordinated at grasping and bringing items to your mouth. If you don't have a toy, you happily gnaw away on your shirt, bib, or fist. The drool is plentiful, with still no signs of teeth. You laugh out loud when I kiss the sides of your belly (we share the same tickle spot). You love to fly up above our heads, and think it's hilarious when we pretend like we're going to drop you, or when we roll you onto your side and back again really fast. You're a thrill seeker and have been since the beginning. I can't wait to take you on your first roller coaster, (when I asked your dad if he would take you, his response was "do I have to?") Haha.
Read MoreI adore this family. It has been an absolute joy photographing their boys over the years and watching them thrive and grow.
Read MoreThis life with you is the only life I’d ever choose. ♥️
Read MoreOur flight leaves just after noon today and the morning is laden with heavy sighs. It's always sad leaving my parent's house in Hilo, more so now because of the extra effort it took to get here with an infant, and how sweet it is having extra arms to hold and extra hearts to love our girl. The time goes by so quickly, I never get to do as much while I'm here as I wanted to. It's always been hard having family live far away, but it's never been this hard. Lucky for us, my parents are coming to California in February, so we have that to look forward to, and we'll facetime in between. This girl loved the beach, loved the garden, and we loved dressing in her in less clothes so we could enjoy her gorgeous chub! We haven't even left and we already can't wait to be back.
Read MoreWe enjoyed the last few days of 2017 at the beach in Hilo with grandma and grandpa. You loved the ocean breeze, the sand in your toes, and weren't bothered by the cold water. Ridiculously adorable in your whale suit, me and grandpa couldn't stop taking photos. You are such a delight, kicking your feet, smiling and cooing at all of us. After the sun went down we came home and got in grandma's jacuzzi tub and you loved that even more.
Read MoreWe're in paradise, and all we have to do is walk outside and it's beautiful in every direction. The best this sleep deprived and overworked mama could muster for your three month photos is a few frames in a messy bedroom with yellow walls. I tell clients to schedule their shoot for when their baby is their brightest because a happy baby is the most important thing, and it's true. I took these right after your afternoon nap.
Read MoreI spent most of 2017 growing a human, which consumed me entirely and was the single most challenging thing I have ever done. Pregnancy took an enormous physical toll, at first reducing me to a useless lump on the sofa, then I became a slave to my voracious appetite, followed by crippling back pain and general discomfort. It was the hottest summer in recent memory, and swimming was my only solace. I am so grateful I was able to swim throughout my second and third trimesters, which not only helped with the psychological impact of impending motherhood, but also helped contribute to a smooth labor and fast recovery.
Read More
