I’m sure there are other rockstar photographers out there that do this every week, but not me. This was my first time shooting 2 births back-to-back. Good thing they were scheduled C-Sections, so we had some sort of idea of when baby would arrive.

Workday 1 & Workday 2:  Calling Dr. Donna to the OR!

BOTH of these births somehow involve phenomenal photographers. Day 1 was the birth of Lukas, his mommy is Anne Meintrup of  Shutterly Amazing Portraits. I’ll be posting WAAAY more photos of this birth next week.

Day 2 was a birth that Kelly Manno asked me to shoot. Shooting a birth in her place was a little nerve-wracking since I KNOW how awesome of a job she does.

That’s why she’s the only person who’ll ever shoot the birth of my kids.

Here are a few of my favorites from that day….

Dad waiting just outside the room as Mom gets prepped for her C-Section. 

Seconds old.

Chunky, happy, and ready to be loved. But could someone turn down those lights? It’s a little bright in here.

This evening, I’ve got another hot date full of hospital attire, waiting rooms, and baby blankets.

Yep, I’m off to shoot another birth. I’m not complaining. Not at all.

My job is awesome.

Happy Friday!

I’ll say it again. This little snuggle bug was perfect in every way.

And, I have to admit, I’m in love. There is just something about little boys that melt me. I’d steal this little guy and keep him for my own if I could.

Since his mom and dad are my family members, I can already hear dad say, “When he’s crying at 2 am or has an explosive diaper, you’re welcome to whisk him away.”

While that may be a funny joke and a fleeting wish in a tough moment, I’ll say right now, “Don’t tempt me, Matt. Don’t tempt me.”

Because this little boy is just divine….

Everett was such a sleepy-posy baby for most of his session. But as soon as I said, “Ok, we’re done!” this 10-day-old boy woke up and showed me his personality.

So, as usual, I couldn’t put down my camera.

I can only joke this way with certain people, and yes, sometimes my humor is a little quirky…

...but you can see it like I do, can’t you?  

Thank you cute, sweet Everett for letting me pose you, snuggle you, and learn more about you. I can’t wait to see your personality blossom as you grow!

We had a great time during our session. Brianne was up for anything and never let her heels or adorable dress hold her back from rolling in the grass or strolling through a field. She was a sweetheart from start to finish, inside and out.

I kept saying to Matt, “You know how gorgeous she is, right?”

Of course, he did.   He definitely loves this gal and it shows.

Sweet, fun, and perfect for each other. Brianne and Matt’s wedding is going to be a dream to capture next year.

How can it not be with a couple like this?

Thank you Matt and Brianne! I love capturing your love!

It is an honor to have these images featured in Todays Wedding Belles.

Here’s your baby girl:

 As I continue through life with them, I just love them.

They are my friends and they are my family.

It was a honor to photograph them in expectation of their third child.

You’ve seen them several times before.

Plus, you’ve got to recognize TJ… or maybe not, since his face is usually behind the camera, like mine.

Bella has a little brother in heaven. This rose is in honor of Nino.

The following photos are my favorite. Kacie is beautiful all the time and especially when pregnant!

Thank you, Ingrassia Family, for letting me capture just how wonderful you are!

And Congratulations! We are all in joyful expectation of baby Mia.

You remember this family, right?

TaDa! The Birthstory!

Here are some highlights of their story, beginning in Labor and Delivery.

The best part of their night had to be when they found out, “It’s a boy!”

A few weeks later, nestled back in their home, I got to spend time with the family again…

Starting with the lovely big sisters and their cute little outfits.

in. love.

Congratulations, sweet family, you are blessed with a handsome and beautiful bunch!

]]> http://www.donnaharrisblog.com/birthstory-henry-william/feed/ 4 http://www.donnaharrisblog.com/birthstory-henry-william/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/donnaharrisblog/ssol/~3/B9jqCgcCQdU/ http://www.donnaharrisblog.com/for-the-love-of-donuts/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:05:40 +0000 admin http://www.donnaharrisblog.com/?p=1784 There are some things that bring you back to your childhood. For me, donuts are one of them.

Not just any donuts, but a particular place gets me right back to being 7 years old and sitting in the shop, the Donut Shop, that is. At Old Town Donuts, you’ll find a comfortable atmosphere where enjoying a sugary pastry is one of life’s pleasures. I’d sit there with my mom and brother and we’d munch on our donuts. We’d have our choice of drink: Mom with her cup of black coffee and my brother and I with those lovely cartons of milk (mine chocolate, his traditional white). My mom, being no stranger to anyone, would make friends every visit and we’d learn about new people, hear stories, see fun things. We’d sit there until the wee hours of the night, doing our homework, begging for another donut and sticking it out because of our sugar high.

When Roman was about two, I gave him his first experience at Old Town Donuts. Now, close to the same age, it’s Milo’s turn.

AAAAND we are just so psyched that Old Town has come to our town!
While I love going “back home” to get my donut fix, it sure is nice to have one just down the road at their new location in Cottleville!

What is it about a pastry case that makes kids (and adults) run up and press their nose to the glass?

Of course, I scanned the many donuts making sure my favorite was there…

Little ones are always treated to some complimentary donut holes.

For me???

Chow Time!

I can’t tell you how hard it was to get a photo of their donut fun. Those little piggies ate so fast I could hardly get a shot of one bite of donut.

Must get…

sprinkles…

in mouth!

The end result of donut eating is super-hyper kids with their silly faces.

For the love of these donuts, that’s okay with me!

I am really excited to meet this little baby as Christina is my cousin. Her brother just had a baby last year so I’ve already seen what cute babies her side of the family can make …and now it’s her turn. This little kiddo (boy or girl? We don’t know yet!) is gonna be super smart and super organized. …Or a total rebel that will likely drive her type “A” middle school teacher parents (yes, BOTH teachers!) up the wall.
Either way, parenthood will suit them nicely.
Congrats Kris and Christina! Soak in every minute of this new season of life!

Being the only female in the house doesn’t scare me. I wouldn’t have life any other way, really it’s all I’ve ever known.

See my niece Ava? She reminds me of me when I was her age. Hanging with the boys. All my life I’ve had the pleasure of messy rough and tough brothers, uncles, cousins and friends.

Yes, they can get themselves into trouble. But how do they manage to still look cute doing it!?

We have been having a ton of fun outside this winter (if you can even call it that).

Milo LOVES playing in his sandbox.

We got into a routine of “Lunch, Nap, Wake up and play in the sandbox”….. that I couldn’t say no even on a day where it was pretty darn cold outside!

When they were stuck indoors, pushing around laundry baskets in racecar fashion became the new game. They’d stop by my desk and scream “Momma!” and laugh and run away with each race around the track.

And my little Ro-bug. He’s gonna be 4 soon. FOUR! I know, he’s still tiny, but where does the time go??? This photo was taken before our date to his favorite place: Moes.

{Parents make it a point to date your kids. I don’t care if you don’t want to call it a date. Spend individual time with each one of your little ones. It’s precious time that I treasure and I hope I’m instilling traditions and memories for my kiddo that will last their lifetime.}

AAAND as I mentioned before THIS happened…. again.

I don’t know how.

So most days were spent on the couch.

Rehabilitation time. {ok, that’s a metal pole from our laundry rack…. but it was helpful when he first tried to walk}

First trip to the dentist!

Cool dude!

…and his nervous brother. Naturally, teething at the dentist office.

He’d rather be home up to his ears in toys.

Playing with food {real or fake} is this little guys favorite thing to do. And lets not forget to put ketchup on EVERYTHING!

…even brownie sandwiches.

….and always say grace before eating.

So that’s what my gang has been up to.

NOW we are just so psyched to have some crazy 80 degree weather in early March.   Next time I update, you may just catch a glimpse of us running through the sprinkler!

This girl was always on the move! She loves exploring so we decided to travel to a 2nd location and give her little legs some more room to run.

And she loves animals. We even begged some folks walking their dog to stop by just to give Evy a smile.

It worked.

Thanks Caroline, Durbin, and Evelyn. You three were a lot of fun!

Oh I just loved Evy! I really couldn’t stop thinking about how my little guy and this little gal are almost exactly the same age. Their personalities are so darn similar it was easy to fall in love with her. Speaking of love, I’m a total dork, and I just had to put the two side-by-side. You know, play matchmaker… JUST in case there’s even a chance they end up together. I really enjoyed getting to know Caroline and Durbin. They’d be fun in-laws!

Milo + Evelyn = LOVE?