Sweet Baby Chricel arrived 1 month early. Here she is, just 8 days old with Mommy & Daddy. Thank you, Claire and Chad, for the privilege of spending the morning with your new family. I’m looking forward to capturing Chricel as she grows in leaps and bounds during her first year.

Tiny feet:

Tiny hands:

Big, big love:

The sun was hiding for most of this session, but the grey and cloudy skies could not keep this beautiful family away from their family session in Orange County! Little Miss Riley just turned one and I was on-hand to capture some close-ups of the Birthday Girl. Her big brother, Mommy, and Daddy were there to celebrate in the gorgeous natural backdrop. Here is their sneak peek.

The stylish Miss Riley:

Sweet moments with big brother and little sister:

And some fun with the whole family:

Happy First Birthday, Miss Riley!! And thank you for a wonderful afternoon! :)

~Rachelle

She arrived just 10 short days before, welcomed by her new big brother and Mommy & Daddy.  You may remember her from her debut session (in Mommy’s tummy, of course). ;) Baby Gianna was an absolute dream to work with–so, quiet, sweet, and sleepy! Amy-Jo, Jeff, and Enzo–thank you again for giving me the privilege of capturing Gianna’s very first days. Enjoy your sneak peek of your precious princess!!

How awesome was it that Mommy had a belly cast from Baby Enzo’s belly days?! Here is Baby Gianna reliving her days in Mommy’s belly:

And, of course, a sneak peek at a little family fun:

Thank you, again, Amy-Jo, Jeff, Enzo, and Baby Gianna!! And I wish you much love, laughter, and many blessings, now and always!! :)

~Rachelle

Remember the Q Family maternity / family session from last Fall? Well, little Kendall has grown so big already! I met up with Rhea and Ed, the kids, and the grandparents for a wonderful session in Claremont to celebrate Kendall’s 3 months. This session is part 3 of my “Ultimate First Year Package” which captures each milestone stage of your latest family addition from mom’s pregnancy through to baby’s First Birthday. That’s six sessions: maternity, newborn, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month, and 1 year sessions. For more information about the “Ultimate First Year Package” or any other specialty session packages, head on over to my website. Thanks for another memorable afternoon, Rhea and Ed–can’t wait for June! And I am honored to capture your family grow in love and beauty through years! :)

Fun with the Grandparents. :)

Happy 3 months, Sweet Kendall!!

What an eventful and fun-filled weekend! It started out with a wonderful session at the Claremont Colleges with 3-month old Kendall (sneak peek to come!). And not only did we have some of my family visiting from the East Coast, but both sides of the family all converged upon our new home to celebrate a very Happy Easter! :) It was a gorgeous day–the sun came and went, but stayed out long enough for us to break in our patio and put our old teak table to work. Colin and Daddy colored the eggs for our centerpiece on Saturday, then we took some sod and “custom-fit” them to our containers. With his keen eye for color and composition, Daddy placed the eggs on the sod for our fun tablescape. Finished off with some asiatic lilies, we were all set for the Sunday celebration.

Colin waited all week to give us our Easter present–something he made at school. He was SO proud, even telling me one lazy morning in bed, “You’re gonna like it.” :) He was right–downright brought a tear to my eye! I love my little guy. After a (not surprisingly crowded) Sunday mass, we came home to eat, eat, eat! Of course, there was the egg hunt with Colin and my cousins. Plus the birthday cake for my Dad, who’s birthday was two days before. Throw in a little earthquake and we’re good to go! I even snuck in some time for mini sessions with the family. And what Filipino celebration would be complete without a little karaoke?! ;) So on the eve of a workday, I sit here exhausted–in a good way–sharing a glimpse of “Easter with the Smiths 2010″. It’s shaping up to be one heck of an amazing year!!

Gotta color the eggs for our centerpiece:

Our Easter surprise from Colin; the finished centerpiece; my sister’s creative egg hunt genius; the fruits of labor:

My favorite model (when he cooperates!):

Sneaking in some family shots. :)

Until next time, Happy Easter!! :)

~Rachelle