Okay so you're super pregnant, you have pregnancy brain, maybe you have other littles running around the house, you're trying to function in your normal day to day...the last thing you have time to think about is what to bring to the hospital to prep for your coming baby. No worries, babe. I got you. I have created a simple and clear list of all the things you might need for yourself and your baby for your hospital visit.  It is a checklist, so you can put your significant other in charge of making sure all those necessary items are checked off and packed! You're welcome! ;) Now all you have to do is enjoy that sweet little nugget about to enter your world!

I was not ready. I'll be honest about it. I was terrified. I was trying to grow my business and had no idea how that piece was going to jam into my puzzle of a life. Being pregnant was really hard on me. For someone who relies on being active as part of her lifestyle, the physical changes were very tough on my body and mind. My birth experience was less than ideal and I suffered from severe PPD for a year after Eliza was born. But guess what...I made it through with this tiny, amazing, spunky little human. She challenges me daily in the worst and best ways, but isn't that what life is about? Something inside me has literally changed and shifted where life without her is unimaginable. I get the chance to meet so many moms in what I do, be it new moms, second/third/fourth time moms, moms who've suffered losses, and families who've lost their moms. It is insane that I get welcomed into people's lives the way that I do, but I am so flipping grateful. It is unreal how grateful I am for my family and for all of YOU. I just had to celebrate some of the many moments I have gotten the opportunity to be a part of to say thank you and send high fives to all the badass moms out there.

 But is he not the happiest one year old you've ever seen? Literally nonstop smiles...except for the cake part of the "cake smash". Like most babes, he was not.a.fan. But he didn't mind when daddy gave him a hand (or finger full of icing). That's why I like to include the neutral set up, some without the cake, and the tub splash! That way, they are bound to be a fan of at least one part! One is usually a tough age, as that is when they tend to develop "stranger danger", but man, Mr. Rocco was just a happy, friendly little man. What a sweetheart. I loved designing a neutral set, using grays, browns, and creams, just like in his newborn session. It really is such a pleasure watching these little grow and I can't wait to see how your personality continues to develop, buddy! <3 Now let's smash some more cakes!

In a time of uncertainty and worry, it is nice to take a break and reflect on the positives. I have been taking some time to go through old galleries and remember how amazing it has been to experience so many things with so many amazing families. I met this family when they booked me for their maternity session. They are such a sweet and down to earth family, and Miss Madison and I were obviously buds pretty quickly. I got the chance to capture the first time these siblings met at their Fresh 48 session at Magee Women's Hospital. The love in the room was thick. Oh, babies. You have my heart. And then they gave me all the feels when they emailed me saying "The photos are amazing, we will truly treasure them forever.  I'm only sad that we did not have you in Virginia when our first daughter Madison was born.  You have a gift for capturing the small details and precious moments that mean so much. ​"
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Cue crying emoji. I just really love my job and can not wait to get back at it. I hope everyone is hugging their families tight and enjoy this extra time spent together. Stay positive and find the good moments!

Logan is ONE! {Lovely Day Events Pittsburgh Birthday Photographer}-First Birthday Cake Smash

​Baby Asher {Lovely Day Events Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer}

Caroline is ONE! {Lovely Day Events Pittsburgh Child Photographer}--Happy birthday!!

Sweet Baby McGuire {Lovely Day Events Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer}

Welcome to the World, Baby Hazel!
{Lovely Day Events Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer}

Emma & Taylor's Pittsburgh Maternity Session {Lovely Day Events Pittsburgh Newborn Photography}

Welcome to the world, beautiful Sienna! <3

Welcome to the world, sweet Rory. I can't wait to watch you grow and be besties with Eliza. There is nothing more fun then when one of your best friends has a  baby. Congrats, guys! <3

Check out this gorgeous summer wedding held at River City in Wheeling, WV. I have loved watching this family grow in love, starting with the birth of their cutie pie, Julian and now to their wedding day! Do they not look like models?? Plus, they are two of the most fun people you'll ever meet. Seriously, this wedding was a BLAST. Can't you feel the dance party vibes in those photos? Everyone was there to have a good time and definitely did! Congratulations to you both again and thank you for including me! Enjoy your first year as an old married couple. <3

Just reminiscing about this amazing couple. Guess what? He SURPRISED her and bought this maternity session for her! He didn't tell her where they were going, but just to get dressed to go out. Husband of the year up in here! But for real, I love when couples show that they love each other. That's how we get those adorable squishy babies anyway, isn't it? You should like each other and show it off! They were open to all the kissing and laying on the ground/canoodling my little heart could hope for. Sessions like these fill my soul. They spent a gorgeous evening walking, rolling around, and smooching all over this Murrysville park. We even got some gorgeous in studio fine art style maternity photos in our Pittsburgh studio.  I would love if all mommas showed off that bump! You are growing a human person! Bodies are crazy amazing. I can't wait to get out there soon to keep capturing these important life moments for you. And for those of you who did not get a chance to have photos taken during the quarantine, you are beautiful and strong! I feel for you and can't wait to make up for missed time! Stay safe, stay healthy, and grow some more babies! <3