DANIELLE & ISLA

Isla's mommy and daddy were first in the studio as a part of my Rainbow Maternity Project (See more here). I was thrilled when Danielle told me she wanted to bring Isla back for her newborn photos. She is a very special miracle so we  had to incorporate some rainbow baby elements into our session.

What is the first thing that ran through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?
We were skeptical when we had our first positive pregnancy test. We had been trying for months to get pregnant and had a miscarriage in November.

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?
This pregnancy was tough for me. I was sick the whole time. While it was challenging, I loved feeling movement. It was my very favorite thing about being pregnant!

Did you have any pregnancy cravings? What were they?
The only food I craved was grilled cheese with ketchup.

What was your favorite part about our maternity session together?I loved being part of the Rainbow Baby Maternity project. Angie gave me and other mommies a voice for our experience with loss and our journeys to motherhood. I felt so comfortable having my pictures taken, which I was very nervous for. I loved the dresses and Angie couldn’t have been any sweeter!

How did you prepare for our maternity photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?
I was very nervous to do my own makeup, as I am not typically one who wears it frequently, but I felt good about how my hair and makeup turned out. I also was nervous about how my pictures would look because I always thought I was “too big” to look pregnant. Angie and my husband got me to feel so beautiful that day and I love how my pictures turned out and would definitely do it again.

Please tell me some small details of your birthing process. When did you go into labor? Time of birth? Who all was at the hospital with you?
We had to be induced at 36 weeks due to complications with my Lupus. Our induction started on Sunday afternoon and Isla was born Tuesday morning at 10:09. Josh, my husband, was with me for the whole hospitalization. I couldn’t have done it without him.

What was the first thing you thought when you saw your baby for the first time?
When she was born I cried “oh my God she’s so beautiful!” I couldn’t stop looking at her. I thought “she’s finally here, and she’s gorgeous!”

What was your favorite part about our session together?
Isla was so cooperative and quiet throughout our session so it was easy for Angie to try new things and get multiple poses, which was so fun to see. I also loved that Angie incorporated a handmade blanket that Isla received from my Aunt. It made those pictures so special.

How did you prepare for your newborn photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?I was very nervous that the baby would be fussy, but she did great! We followed the newborn guide Angie has on her website and she did a super job once she was swaddled.

What would be your advice to someone getting newborn photographs taken?
Feed your baby right before and make sure you have things that are important to you in the pictures, like our blanket.