I got out of the car, instructing Ryan to get the stroller ready while I checked the light in a spot near the trailhead. These would be my first clients at this location, and while I had previously scouted, I wanted to shoot in *perfect* light if I could find it. Watching this sweet family walk to the starting location of our session couldn’t have been more perfect. They looked serene as they called out to their adorable two-and-a-half year old to accompany them to the bushes. Mabel was naturally excited about finding snakes and bugs…ahhhh, Arizona kids! (???) As a mama with two of my own, I promise this is an actual thing.

Once I got them facing the direction I wanted to shoot, and all in the image at once, you could see the love on their faces for one another. They celebrated their family’s love together, loving on the soon-to-be new arrival in baby girl #2. Mabel is ecstatic to become a big sister, which was evident in all the sweet touches and kisses she gave to her mama’s growing belly. While Mabel is excited for her mama to keep growing baby sister, she doesn’t want anyone to refer to her mama as “cooking” little sister. After hearing that term in a conversation, Mabel asked Jordan to be sure not to “cook” her baby sister.

A few breakout sessions later led us to another area on the trail for a few more images, including a few of my favorites to grab at a maternity session: a twirl, and the toddler hands on the belly giving baby a kiss. When Mabel naturally stood on her tiptoes to reach her mama’s baby, my heart melted inside. It’s so unique to experience what a pregnancy is like for an oldest child in a family and to watch as the child embraces the new coming being to the family! Jordan and Ryan, it was an honor to capture your growing family and I’m so excited to meet baby girl #2!