Charlotte Baby Photographer Little Love Stories: Baby Kam is 2 months old

2 months old, mommy and me, baby boy, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC, Fort MIll, SC

Katie and Kameron Two Months Old

Congratulations Mom your baby is two months old. How are you feeling after this last month? Physically, emotionally or mentally. (remember there are no right or wrong answers)

  • We are starting to get the hang of his routine! Since he’s sleeping more we’re better rested physically. Now that we’re more confident as parents since we’ve learned his hunger/sleep/I want to play cues it’s easier to handle the ups and downs of the day.

What has been your favorite part of this month with baby?

  • How playful he’s getting and interacting with toys. He looks forward to tummy time and gets frustrated if we pick him up when he isn’t ready for it to be over.

What has been a struggle? Was it a surprise or expected?

  • His two month growth spurt was HORRIBLE. It was a surprise because out of nowhere our happy chill baby was gone. Nothing we did for three days could help console him. He spent a majority of the time swaddled, snuggled, sleeping or eating.

How has your relationship changed over the last few months?

  • Now that Kameron is older and able to go longer without naps and is sleeping better at night, we’re able to do things as a family or just the two of us a lot easier. When my husband gets off work it’s no longer “can you please hold the baby so I can shower/use the bathroom”. We also recognize the need for just the two of us date nights, so we decided we need to do something at least once a month baby-free.

What would you tell a brand new mom about the first months with baby?

  • Don’t be discouraged if something you figured out stops working. Babies change so much from week to week something they like/dislike one day could be the opposite the next. Also parental instincts are real. If you sense you should/shouldn’t do something follow your gut. You might be tempted to ask people but you’ll get 10 different opinions anyways 🙂

 

Curious about the little love stories series learn more here The little love stories series is a great way to celebrate your new baby and capture all those sweet moments during baby’s first year! We book little love stories session during the last trimester of pregnancy. If you are expecting a baby now is the time to get in touch. 

 

Expecting a baby read here on my friend Nani’s blog about Newborn Safety and what professional baby photographers want you to know Read Her Article Here

Charlotte NC childhood photographer| Cancer Has No Place In Childhood, Now Is The Time To Act

Man & Woman of the Year supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

 

This month, we celebrate kids with fun portrait sessions and support Brandi Jansen. Brandi has been nominated for Woman of the Year with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This fight for her is personal.

Cancer tried to steal her little girl when she was just 3 years old.

Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC Real Kids portrait session, fighting childhood cancer

 

Brandi shares “We were lucky we got to keep our girl, so I keep fighting back for our friends still fighting, those we lost and those yet to be diagnosed. I am incredibly honored and determined to raise $430,005 by June 5, 2021, for the 43 children a day diagnosed and the 5 children a day who do not survive.

I wasn’t ready to be a cancer mom, but I was built for it.”

studio kid portrait child screamingLittle Wren endured 2.5 years of harsh chemotherapy by mouth, intramuscularly, via her port, and pumped into her spine and brain, but that was not enough. Wren also received radiation therapy to her little developing brain 10 times, to make sure they got all the cancer. Wren reached the end of her treatment in December 2018 at 6 years old. She fought a beast and will have life-long battle wounds from her experiences. 

With your gift, you will be saving lives by supporting research to fight (and one day end) cancer. Your gift will also provide families with education and support during a cancer battle.

Fighting childhood cancer, Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC real kids studio portrait, customer service

Your gift will also include a fun portrait session experience for your child(ren).  What could be better? You get to support an amazing charity, lift up a cancer mom fighting for our children and give your kids an amazing experience and create artwork for your home that you will cherish forever

 

collage of boy having a blast

Still have questions send me an email alicia@insleyphoto.com and I’ll get right back to you.  

Thank you for your support!

Charlotte Newborn Photographer | Little Love Stories: Navigating A Pandemic Pregnancy

navigating a pandemic pregnancy, newborn with family, Fort Mill, SC, Charlotte NC

 

What was it like navigating a pandemic pregnancy?

  • I found out I was pregnant right when everything began to shut down which was very hard for me.  My first OB appt to confirm mysweet newborn, Charlotte NC, Marvin NC pregnancy was over the phone which really messed with me. I was finally able to go in for my 12 week appt but my bf was not allowed to come in to see our baby on the screen. Due to COVID he is still unable to come to my appts and has only seen pictures of our child.  I had a minor scare with placenta previa but I was cleared after a few weeks.
  •  
  • What do you like to imagine for your child’s future? *
  • I want my son to be great at whatever he wants to do.
  •  
  • What would you like your baby to know about YOU (their beautiful mama!)? *
  • I want him to know that I love him and I’ve been waiting my whole life to meet him.
  •  
  • Is there an encouraging message you would like to share with other mothers navigating their own pandemic pregnancy? 
  • new mom with smiling newborn baby, Charlotte NC Indian land, SCYou can do this! Your body was made for this!
  •  
  • Why are beautiful photos important for you and your family? *
  • This is my first child and I want to have beautiful memories of this experience.

 

 

After his arrival, can you share about your first moments with baby?

  • The first moments with Cameron were very precious. I didn’t cry or anything I just looked at the amazing little human we had created.
  •  
  • Any surprises in labor and delivery? Anything you didn’t expect?
  • Nothing went according to my birth plan due to my water breaking and only being 1cm dilated. They had to administer medication. Thisnew family, baby, Charlotte NC, Tega Cay, SC prohibited me from laboring in the tub at planned and I was unable to walk around because they were monitoring him. I ended up getting an epidural because I was hungry and tired but everything worked out.
  •  
  • What’s the best part of being a new mom?
  • The best part baby snuggles and knowing I get a chance to mold him into a great person
  • navigating a pandemic pregnancy, newborn with family, Fort Mill, SC, Clover SC navigating a pandemic pregnancy, newborn with family, Fort Mill, SC, Charlotte NC
  •  

 

  • What’s the hardest part?
  • The hardest part right now is breastfeeding.

 

 

 

 

Want to learn more about the Little Love Story series? Your next step is to get in touch…  Click Here

 

Rock Hill SC Newborn Photographer | Notes from a first time Mom: Little Love Stories

first time mom, Rock Hill SC, Charlotte NC, newborn baby girl

Notes while waiting for her baby girl…

First time mom here. I really don’t know what to expect…. I feel like it has been a very easy pregnancy from what I’ve read.

What do you like to imagine for your child’s future? *

For her to have two supportive parents that can also help her have a love and understanding for others. To help her get through her trials by helping her understand ours.

What would you like your baby to know about YOU (their beautiful mama!)? *

Her moms have worked a long time to get where we are today.

Is there an encouraging message you would like to share with other mothers? *

You’ve got this! Don’t get discouraged everything will be alright! Enjoy the highs and hope the lows go by fast.

Why are beautiful photos important for you and your family? *

I want to capture moments with my child instead of just of my child.

 



First time mom notes from the first week

Tell us about the first moments with your baby?new mom with baby  mom, Rock Hill SC, Charlotte NC, newborn baby girl

The first moments with her were….. mystifying. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I know this sounds dramatic but, it was that and so much more. Taken over with emotions I’ve never felt, relief, and wonder. It seemed like such a dream.

Any surprises in labor and delivery? Anything you didn’t expect?first time mom, Fort Mill SC, Waxhaw NC, newborn baby girl

I had a very easy labor and delivery. That surprised me because, EVERYONE said the first delivery would be the hardest. I got so many stories of 24-30 hours of labor. I was only in active labor for four hours.

What’s the best part of being a new mom?first time mom, Fort Mill SC, Waxhaw NC, newborn baby girl

The best part of being a new mom is, all of it; the sleepless days and nights, the smell of baby, the cuddles. The fact that the baby wants no one else. To see your baby with your spouse and how they start to grow the bond you have.

What’s the hardest part?

first time mom, Fort Mill SC, Waxhaw NC, newborn baby girlThe hardest part of being a new mom is trying to figure out what works for you and your baby while trying not to linger on the thoughts of someone else’s opinions and “advice” wondering if your doing everything right and keeping your baby healthy.

What surprises has this month brought you?

We have no surprises yet…. She seems pretty perfect

Any feedback from your first little love stories portrait session? Anything I can change to make it better?first time mothers, Fort Mill SC, Waxhaw NC, newborn baby girl

I feel like our first session was amazing! We are very reserved people and you were able to get us out of our shell enough to catch it on camera.

PS Notes from a first time mom after one month with her newborn

“Hey Alicia,first time mom, Rock Hill SC, Charlotte NC, newborn baby girl

I looked back at my new mom questionnaire and wanted to change the answer to a question. Parker was only 8 or 9 days and I don’t feel like I was able to properly answer the question. Since Parker will be a month old on Tues. Now I can accurately answer “what surprises has this month brought”?

The surprises this first month has brought were the things no one tells you to expect. Of course the sleepless nights, the sweet cuddles, the love you would feel are what everyone mentioned.

They don’t mention some days in the beginning you’ll forget to eat. You will want to nap when baby sleeps but your brain doesn’t shut off. You’ll be following safe sleep but still wake up with every little noise to make sure your baby is okay. You will not know what to do when your told to take a little time for yourself. Just know it will all be okay! Don’t stress yourself out. Love yourself momma!

I know it’s long but I had to let new moms know how it is. That it is ok for it to be stressful but it will be okay.”

Amber

first time mom, Fort Mill SC, Waxhaw NC, newborn baby girl

Are you expecting a new baby? I’d love to include you in our little love stories series. Follow this link to get started and learn more.

JOIN THE LITTLE LOVE STORIES

 

Fort Mill Newborn Photographer | Love Stories: Mission Surprise 17%

17% newborn love stories, never give up, baby boy blue, indian land, SC, Rock Hill, SC

During this time in your life when things are changing, and your baby is growing inside you. I’m on a mission  to capture their true selves, the newness of the beginning, how small, innocent and amazing at a time that seems to race by. Capturing the newborn stage is a wonderful gift for your child showing them, how much they are loved, waited for and cherished! But it’s also hugely important for you to have a way to remember and connect with your child back to a time before. What would you tell your baby now before he is born about your hopes and dreams for her future? What do you want to show him as he grows and changes throughout her childhood? Is it important for him to know you never give up hope?

mom and new baby boy, indian land, SC, Rock Hill, SC

If you are expecting a baby, I would love for you to apply for the Newborn Love Stories Campaign.

In exchange for sharing your story and helping you connect to your baby now and in the future. You will receive a complimentary newborn portrait session and your favorite image printed professionally as a thank you for participating. Click the button below to get started.

Never give upnew parents baby boy, indian land, SC, Rock Hill, SC

Never give up on your goals or plans, it’s ok to pivot and roll with the curves life brings.  Sometimes just making a new plan can help open up the opportunities to achieve your goal differently.

17% boy was she surprised

Mom was given 17% chance of conceiving with in vitro, and no chance with natural conception. After years of working with fertility doctors to conceive his parents decided to go with the adoption option. Not long after contacting an adoption service Mom learned much to her surprise, she was pregnant!

Oh my goodness she had a ton of fun and personal ideas and plans for her newborn portrait session. We had a great planning and preparing session at the studio and a big list of images she wanted for his portraits.newborn baby boy, indian land, SC, Charlotte, NC

Again we talked about this for her maternity session but she continued in her newborn session with her calm, confidence in being a new mom without any nerves or concerns.

Finally we were able to create some fabulous portraits of baby Adrian. Our goal to remember and celebrate his newness, his birth and his future to come. But even more importantly we capture the love and connection between his parents and their joy to have a child of their own.

nursery collage for new baby boy, Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC

 

Apply Now

Charlotte NC Newborn Photographer | Waiting For Baby: My Wish

Waiting for baby, creating a new life, wishing for his safe arrival

waiting for baby charlotte newborn photographerMy husband and I had been trying to get pregnant for 4 years and on our second round of IVF we found out we were pregnant.

Describe your pregnancy journey while waiting for baby. Have you had any surprises (good or bad)?

Yes we found out our son had a clubfoot. So it is another journey we will have to go through with him. But other than a fairly normal and easy pregnancy everything else is great.

What do you like to imagine for your child’s future?

That he is happy and thriving!

What would you like your baby to know about YOU (their beautiful mama!)?

That we had prayed and prayed for him and he is my best accomplishment.

Is there an encouraging message you would like to share with other expecting mothers who are also waiting for baby?

Keep a good mindset and don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s.

 

Why are beautiful photos important for you and your family?

To cherish those memories!

 

Thank you both for sharing your story with us. -alicia

Are you expecting a baby?

I would love for you to apply for the Newborn Love Stories Campaign.  Ready to share about your miracle baby click the button below to get started.

 

Fort Mill, SC Child Photographer | Cherished Mom and Daughter Portraits

mom and daughter share joy Fort Mill, sc, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC

Do you want a pause button for your fast growing kiddo? Many people think I offer portrait services, but what I’m really giving you is a window back in time. You see, when you buy a photograph from me you get to stop time for a second and take that memory with you forever, and that, my friend, is priceless.

These are just awesome for mom and daughter. Imagine in ten years how much these will mean to mom! Imagine what these will mean to this little one in a few years. She will look back at these and see how much mom loved her and how much she loved her mom as a toddler.

Simple, classic mom and daughter portraits like these are treasured memories when this little girl is an adult. Mom of course will cherish these forever. And on the tough days these portraits will bring her so much joy. And isn’t that why we take family portraits in the first place.

Share Joy my friends!

Planning ahead for Amazing Baby Portraits – Fort Mill

planning ahead for baby portraits, wall artwork, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC

When you are expecting baby number three it’s easy to think oh I got this I know what is coming next. Moms who plan ahead are my spirit animal. (serious over planner here).  Plan ahead moms make their life and mine so much easier. I distinctly remember chatting with this mom about where she wanted portraits to be displayed in her home.  How she wanted them to feel and how having a photograph of the three kids together was so important to her.  

Why newborn portraits matter in the grand scheme of things

Having photographs of this special time is a once in a lifetime opportunity and something this mom didn’t want to forget. The newborn stage goes by so fast and it’s easy to forget the small details. Having newborn portraits on the living room wall will remind her that she was wanted and loved! Planning ahead for amazing baby portraits is the best way to achieve this goal.

Great Job Mom

Shout out to mom on her clothing and styling choices for this session. I feel like she could teach other moms how to style a family and make it look effortless. These kiddos always look put together yet casual for portrait sessions. But don’t let that fool you it’s never as effortless as it looks. I recall tears from little D last year when he had to take off his batman shirt for picture day! 

Perfect little sister

Little miss was a dream baby model, I’m not sure she cried the whole session. And only woke up to eat near the end. She seems to be an easy going little sister and that will help mom out immensely with two active older brothers. 

Are you planning ahead for baby at home?

Check out my best baby soothing tips here.

 

 

 

Real Kids Portrait Session

Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC real kids artwork for your home, all the kids, puppy, playroom

Mister serious here isn’t the most serious little guy I’ve met but he is one of the most polite. He is growing up to be a well mannered, fun loving guy. His parents are doing a great job with him. It was an honor to create his portrait in our Fort Mill, SC studio. He came in with his little sister to help create a special art piece I had in mind during this real kids portrait session.

Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC real kids studio portrait

She was all smiles for her portrait day. Also just as polite as her big brother and happy to try any pose or prop I suggested. Her outfit was so fun! Sequins and a big bow are great to accessorize and show off her personality without distracting or taking away from her sweet expressions.

Real Kids create Art in the Studio

The idea behind our art piece was to show off the fun of all the kids not just the Human kids! So we had to bring in the furry littlest sister for the portraits. She did such a great job for being so young and full of energy!

Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC real kids studio portrait

Just a few images from this fun #Real Kids studio portrait session!

Had a blast with these three kids creating some fun portraits for their parents and making an art piece for the home. Creating custom wall art pieces of your family to enjoy for years to come is the goal of our real kids portrait sessions! Having fun while creating them is one of the many reasons I love what I do. When the kids leave with smiles on their faces and talking about what fun they had then I know I’ve created a positive experience for the whole family! Portrait photography is supposed to be a fun time. Art is fun, call me today if you want a positive experience from your next photo day!

-alicia