Happy Birthday, H! | Silverdale Cake Smash Photographer

Y'all, my last cake smash in Washington couldn't have been more perfect. When I took my first test shot with the background, I knew this was going to be one of my favorite smashes. The pinwheels, her birthday hat and bubble bath at the end... I don't know if it gets cuter than this. 

If you saw the sneak peek, then you already know how her smash went. She loved her cake for about 5 minutes. Then she pulled off her necklace and tutu... and then she was done! Like, basically feel asleep on the floor done. 

First Look | Silverdale Family Photographer

I did their little brother's newborn session in January. A few weeks later, everyone came back to do a sibling session. Three kids under 3 made things a little crazy, but nothing some fruit snacks and cuddles couldn't fix. 

Miss Ava | Bremerton Newborn Photographer

Introducing Miss Ava, 15 days new. 

FSP is relocating from Kitsap Co. to Charleston Co.

It is with very mixed emotions that I make this announcement... The time to say goodbye to Washington is quickly approaching. 

As you know, the name "Following Seas" is a nod to my husband's Naval career. Our tour in WA is coming to an end this spring which means saying goodbye to all of my wonderful clients-turned-friends. 

I'm going to save all of the sappy stuff for later and I'll put out more information as we make more concrete plans. 

"Fair Winds and Following Seas" is a nautical phrase of good luck or blessing as a person departs on a voyage in life.

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We've got to practice our y'all-ing, introduce Landon to sweet tea and get our pale, PNW skin some sun because we're moving to Charleston, SC this spring. WoooHoooooooo! If you need me, I'll be mentally decorating my new house and deciding which swimsuit I'm going to wear to the beach first.

Howe Farm Milestone Session | Port Orchard Child Photographer

This big boy was about to become a big brother. His momma wanted a few pictures of just him before his little world got rocked by a newborn ;) 

Howe Farm in Port Orchard, WA was a perfect backdrop for this all-boy session. He got to play with the barn door, admire the huge sunflowers and run around a dirt path. He was obsessed with my "magic tricycle" and it was the prefect prop! Enjoy this rustic session. 

Peaches & Cream | Newborn Session in Bremerton, WA

Sometimes I don't know what to say other than.... she was so cute, squishy, sweet, cuddly and I didn't want her session to end! She was such a peaceful little girl surrounded with love. And she totally rocked peach and cream. 

Newborn Session in Silverdale, WA

When these three boys walked into my studio, I knew I was in for... a whirlwind? But seriously, these boys were so sweet. We had to use some magic to keep biggest brother in the studio, marshmallows to keep middle brother interested, and like most newborns, milk to keep the littlest sleepy. The boys did awesome and I love how light and delicate this session turned out. 

Breastfeeding Session at Howe Farm in Port Orchard, WA

I first met Dalis when we did a quick maternity session before her little guy made his appearance. I think it was just a few days later that I got the "he's here!" text from an excited dad. A week later, Seeley was the best baby during his newborn session. We got back together to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with a special nursing session at Howe Farm in Port Orchard. 

About half way through editing her session, I sent Dalis an email saying "you should always nurse sitting on a tree in the middle of a field." I mean, seriously, how gorgeous is she? 

Between gushing over these images, you should also read the great things Dalis has to say about motherhood. 

"My first few nights of breastfeeding were spent in a hospital NICU. There isn't the sense of comfort you get from being in your own home. There's no dim lights or soft music, just the hum of machines and beeping of monitors. By the time I got home with my son, I was completely confident in my ability to breastfeed."

"Don't give up! It's difficult, frustrating and sometimes painful, but I promise it gets better and easier. Do your research and take advantage of the tools provided, like a lactation consultant. Even if you know what you're doing, having a professional give you reassurance is confident boosting."

"My favorite part about being a mom is knowing that no matter what, my son will love me. Even when I feel like I'm failing or messing up, I look at my son and see this smiley happy baby who thinks I am the world. He has opened my heart and mind to what is important in life."

"I hope that he will follow his dreams and won't let anyone hold him back, including me. I hope that he will be compassionate and caring towards others, young and old, and set a good example for others."

Family Session at Kitsap Lake in Bremerton, WA

Every time I get to photograph this family, I get excited. Evie never disappoints and her parents are pretty well behaved too ;) 

We spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon by the water at Kitsap Lake Park. I love this park because it's so diverse. Rustic lawns, willow trees, water... it's just beautiful!