Within the first few weeks and even days, a newborn changes so drastically and quickly, which is why it’s so important to photograph them in their early stages to capture their little details and newborn state. This particular family session featuring their newborn Ava (and of course their pup, Hannah), are especially dear to my heart because they are family. The mom, Ashley, is my second-cousin twice removed, (which on a side note, figuring out how the “twice removed” thing actually works was a mission and a half), and as children we shared many similar features and I spent most of my early school years hanging with her and my other cousin Darcie every single week day. Needless to say, the “twice removed” aspect never reflected how close we were as cousins.

When Ashley shared the news that she was expecting, we were at the One of a Kind Craft Show in December. I say we, because the women in my family are close and we tend to go to places in packs, and this show was no different. Seven of us had gone down, and let me tell you, being in public didn’t keep us from yelling in excitement and crying when Ash told us the exciting news. It feels like forever ago that she told us, but I’m so glad these months have flown by and we now know the “little bean” as Ava.

Without further a due, meet my baby cousin, Ava Beverly!

Welcome to our wild family!

PS. My aunt made all those sweet baby blankets! Aren’t they just the cutest?