The days are long, but the years are short // A summertime family session in Pittsburgh, PA

Every season spent cherishing our babies has its own special place in my heart, but summertime for me will always feel a little extra special, especially after the arrival of little Oliver last August. Everything about the summer months seemed made for baby life: the warm air, the sweet baby rompers, naps in the shade listening to the hum of the honey bees as they buzz from flower to flower, the endless opportunities for exploration and adventure as we visit parks, take first tastes of ice cream and stay out late watching as the fireflies put on a beautiful light show that seems made just for us and our little family of four.

Last year, as we waited patiently for our youngest to make his appearance, I had the joy of reconnecting with a friend from college days—and to meet her beautiful family too to capture some portraits before cooler days arrived.

Now that we have a feisty three-year-old leading the way in our home, we’re constantly reminded of how brief the baby years are. Oliver is already close to walking, and provides a constant stream of gentle babbles (“mamamamamama!”) to the background of our days. I know that we’ll blink and he’ll be talking and getting into all sorts of mischief with his older sister.

I’ll always treasure those first few portraits we had made as a family of four, knowing that once again our lives had changed again for the better, and that with the new addition to our family, life was about to be so much busier, louder, more chaotic, and ultimately sweeter than we could have ever imagined. As a wise woman once said, “the days are long but the years are short,” but ultimately I’m just so happy we have the chance to spend this time together.

Wishing the same and so much more for Lindsay and her beautiful family—and for all mamas in the baby years: may the hard times be fleeting and the joyful moments be many. xx