I first had the pleasure of meeting Alli when we made plans to photograph her maternity session, which was just gorgeous!! She came to the studio to meet me and look through the gowns in our client closet, and chose a beautiful olive green dress that nearly perfectly matched her eyes! I couldn't wait to photograph her in it!

Here's a snapshot look at a few portraits from her maternity session, which took place in a local secluded wooded area with a waterfall, in mid-August.  Have any of y'all been to Alabama in August?  The heat and humidity can be pretty unbearable, and the air was so thick in the woods, by the end of the session, we were all drenched, either by the waterfall or humidity - but the images were absolutely worth it!

On September 2, 2020 in the early morning, Alli woke up to contractions around 4am.  They were 5 minutes apart, quickly becoming 2, and she knew it was time to go in to the hospital. Kinley Nicole made her arrival shortly thereafter, at 9:26 AM, weighing in at 6 pounds 12 ounces and 19 inches long. 

On Monday, the 14^th of September, I had the privilege of meeting baby Kinley and photographing her along with her energetic sister, Kennedy and their gorgeous momma!  I asked Alli a few questions regarding her experience of birth during this time of pandemic and uncertainty and you can read her responses below.

• Has having a baby during a pandemic been harder than when you had your first baby?

In the sense that I couldn't have Kennedy at my appointments, I always had to have someone I could get to watch her. Thankfully Brent was working from home! I think the hardest part was just not being able to see my toddler meet her sister until we got home from the hospital. We couldn't have any visitors. I felt kind of trapped in the hospital.

• Has adjusting to life with two little ones under age two been easier or more difficult than you thought it may be?

Much easier than I anticipated. I had such a hard time with the first, but I knew what to expect this time. I haven't been as anxious every time she makes a noise or cries. It gives me the ability to being a calmer presence as a parent. 

• Can you share with us your reason for choosing a lifestyle newborn session in your own home?

It seems cozier and closer to reality when pictures are in your home, to me. It's less forced feeling. I missed out on doing one with the first baby so I had to make sure we got one this time!

• What is the one thing you want to remember the most about this time in your life?

The feeling of just watching my girls quietly and observing these sweet little moments while they are young, like when Kennedy says something funny or just holding Kinley while she sleeps. I won't ever get these moments back so I'm always trying to soak them in. 

• Can you think of any words of wisdom or advice that an expectant mom may need to hear right now?

Becoming a mom is so stressful and anxiety provoking at first but you will make it through those feelings to the other side where you will be able to experience the immense joy that is being a mother. It's incredible the love you have for your kids that you didn't even know was possible. It truly is a display of the kind of love God has for us.

Alli - Thank you so much for allowing me to capture these moments for you and your girls and selflessly sharing your time and thoughts with us! ~Alishia