isla + cake = the sweetest things| Alexandria, MN family photographer

This is going to be a lot. You might want to grab a mug of tea and get cozy, there is too much cuteness about to happen. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

I met this family a little over 4 years ago when they contacted me to do their first maternity pictures. I still remember making Rachel, almost 8 months preggo, walk, er rather high step it in thigh high snow. Poor momma! Little man Sullivan turned four just two days ago. This is the best part of my job; the story telling. First there was two, then three, now four. I am blessed to be the fly on the wall to welcome their new babies, celebrate milestones, and capture the every day love that is shared among them. So fast forward through all that goodness to celebrate Miss Isla who turned one in January. And what a milestone it is. I spoke to momma Rachel today as I gave her their portrait order, I asked her if I could share these images today.  She got so excited and said it would be awesome. Why? Because it is World Down Syndrome Day (which I knew…but wanted to ask first).

I follow this family on their social media…we’re friends (yeah.. I am bragging) 🙂 and knowing how just after Miss Isla was born they found out that she has that extra chromosome. While it isn’t something I am sure they even thought about, they have embraced, learned and educating all things Isla is.

She is spunky.

She is strong.

She is a bit stubborn (which I really love. All girls should be. Keeps them tough for life).

She is expressive.

She is a fashionista.

She is smiley.

She is beautiful.

She is loved.

Big bro Sully.

I just can’t love this more. I am sad she cried (honestly for about 2.3 seconds) but how her big brother is comforting her fills my heart with such joy it brings tears to my own eyes.

Now, I have to be honest. Isla’s session rivaled the size of many of my senior galleries. There were just too many wonderful expressions I just couldn’t help myself.

I know sometimes these type of images are overlooked. But they are some of my favorites. I have photos of my girls’ faces when they were babies, but I don’t have of their little details. How many chunky arm rolls she had. When she only had two freckles and now has many more. How pudgy her toes were that they looked like they were put on like an afterthought. How she would stick their tongue out when she would concentrate. So parents, don’t forget the details.

And now the cake. She was so adorable with it. Not quite sure of it; should she play with it or eat it or wear it. So guess what, she did all three.

This is exactly how I look at cake.

This is exactly how I want to eat cake.

This is exactly what I look like when I have had too much cake.

And this is how I feel about cake.

Thank you for trusting me G family for all these years. I love watching your family grow.

Also check out this mom and dad’s super awesome web designing company CyberSprout.