My Sweet Little Niece is Turning 5 - Riley Emma Park

Almost 5 years ago, I remember receiving a call that my little niece was coming soon!  I was so excited for Brad and Leah to welcome their first child.  Riley had a scary start to her life.  After being told she had RSV, she was taken to Peoria and spent quite a bit of time in the NICU.  Fast forward 5 years and Riley is a happy, healthy, and very active little girl!

Riley keeps her mother and father on their toes.  She is very keen and quick-witted - and that is exactly what we love about her.  You never know what she has going on in that little head of hers!

Riley CRACKS me up.  From her silly little sayings, to her dancing, to her everyday behaviors, she honestly makes me giggle whenever I am with her. During this photo session we wanted to try some shots in the snow.  Riley has very sensitive eyes when it comes to brightness!  Take the sun and bright white snow and it's a recipe for disaster for Riley!  It was HILARIOUS watching her try to keep her eyes open.

I only tortured her for a little bit before we went back inside. It took her eyes a little while to get adapted again, and then she turned on her charm.  We called in cousin Ella to get a real smile out of Riley and the result was pure cuteness!

I remember holding Riley as a little baby.  I remember her little waddle of a walk as a toddler.  I remember her potty training.  I remember her first day of preschool.  I can't believe that she is turning 5!  Our families are very close to one another and I can't wait to watch her grow into the beautiful young woman (that will continue to keep her parents on their toes) that I know she will be.  We love you to the moon and back Riley!

Until next time...

Fast and Furious - Ava Jacobs is ONE!

Fast and furious!  These are two words that describe Miss Ava Jacobs who just turned ONE!  

My first ever experience with Ava was at the T-Ball field last summer.  I would hold her occasionally while the game was going on, but it was always short-lived.  Ava wasn’t really a fan of me.  BUT, when she arrived at my house yesterday she was all smiles and ready to go.  

Ava is definitely a Zavada!  Every Zavada girl that has been born within the last few years looks identical!  By identical I mean they have shiny dark hair, beautiful and bright dark eyes, and a smile that could melt anyone’s heart!  

During the photo shoot Ava’s mommy worked hard at trying to get Ava to sit still.  Ava, on the other hand, was interested in everything BUT sitting still.  The minute the opportunity presented itself she was OFF!  She wanted to play with anything and everything she could get her hands on!  

The basketball picture is for daddy….it’s the only way we could get her to sit still for that brief moment in time.  

All of this changed the minute we brought out the cake - and who can blame her?  Bess Muntz makes PHENOMENAL cakes and this one was not only adorable to look at, but according to Ava it tasted pretty good too!  She was modest at first, simply swiping a little dab and tasting it.  By the end of the session she had cake on her feet and on the sliding glass doors.  A sink bath and wash down were all that were needed in the end.  

Ava was absolutely precious.  Her facial expressions were cute and hilarious all at the same time.  Happy Birthday little Miss Ava!  

Until next time…

Weighing in at 7lbs. 12 oz. - Mr. Weston George Campbell!

There is nothing more precious in the world than watching a family grow.  The Campbell family welcomed Weston George on January 13, 2014 at 9:50am.  He weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 21.5 inches long.  You truly forget just how tiny newborns can be.  

When Weston showed up he was sleeping.  During the photo session….he was sleeping.  When we moved him to change out blankets…he was sleeping.  What I’m trying to say is that a majority of this session…Weston was sleeping.  

Those of you that have children are aware of the creepy I’m going to keep one eye open so I can spy on you look.  Weston is no fool!  He knows that his daddy needs to be watched at times - and his little sister too.  Since mommy is the one that feeds him he doesn’t feel the need to spy on her too much.  

I loved the elephant hat that Laura brought for him to wear.  Weston, on the other hand, decided that he didn’t really care for it.  BUT, put in the binky and all is well in newborn land!  

Big sister Madyson is clearly in love with her new brother.  It was so stinkin’ cute to hear her say shhhhhh when he was crying and watch her caress his back.  

I love this next picture because even though Weston was over the session at this point, it looks like they're both celebrating something big!  

This family truly is beautiful.  Josh and Laura are two of the most generous and kind people in the world and it’s wonderful to see them be rewarded with two beautiful, healthy children.  Congratulations Campbells!  

Until next time…

Cowboy Hats and Tractors - Jett is All Boy at 9 Months!

Hello everyone!  Today was an absolute blast as I got to see the adorable personality of Mr. Jett!  From tractors to horses, to my dog that looks like a horse - he had a blast!  I've known Jett's mommy for a long time and I've always thought she was a great person.  She was a focused student, a dedicated athlete, and such a sweet girl.  Now she's a devoted wife and a loving mother.  I never had my doubts that she would become such a great person.  

Jett showed up ready to take pictures, but even more importantly, his mom and dad showed up ready for business too!  It's always nice to capture what the child truly loves - and at 9 months - it's pretty obvious what Jett loves!

I absolutely love his brown eyes, and even more, his smile.  Even though he wasn't interested in smiling the entire time, when he did, it was precious.  

The next couple pictures are my favorites.  Jett was adorable in his cowboy hat.  The minute we put it on him he seemed to turn into such a handsome man.  He reminded me of a 9-month-old Garth Brooks!  

Seriously, there is nothing cuter than this!  From the hat to the grin to the lean on the horse - he truly is so cute!  I'm pretty sure in 16 years when his mom pulls these pictures out, he will have a girlfriend saying how adorable he was!

Thank you, Jett, for allowing me to take your pictures today and for being such a charming little boy!  

Until next time...