Chicago At-Home Newborn Session | Steph, Kyle, & Ryder

This sweet family may look familiar since I had the privilege of photographing Steph earlier this year while she was pregnant. Well, we definitely wanted to be sure to squeeze in a newborn session before my big move to Denver. Luckily, little Ryder arrived on November 20th just in time for his close up. 

Newborn sessions at home are such a joy to be a part of. The energy feels quiet and delicate. Running on minimal sleep, constantly feeding a hungry baby, bottles and diapers scattered throughout the house. It’s beautiful, it’s chaotic, it’s incredibly real. 

Our instinct is to clean up the mess, change out of the pajamas, and put on a bit of makeup for the first time in weeks. But I want to encourage you to pause and embrace the chaos. Allow these photos to capture what your life actually looked liked during this time.

My brother-in-law once told me that one of the many things being a father taught him is to let go of any expectations. Your high hopes are sure to be crushed when there’s a newborn or toddler in the picture controlling the show. So allow room for surprise - for a change of plans and unplanned twists and turns. Basque in the unexpected. Because these moments are fleeting and oh so precious.