My sister’s love bug…my niece

I got back in town last night after having spent a few days in Nebraska. Since Sunday was Neil’s and my one-year anniversary, I had kept the weekend open from weddings. And thankfully, I did, because as it turned out, my sister had her baby on May 21 and the soonest I could make it home was June 13. Neil was enamored with the idea of spending our first anniversary helping my sister out with our new niece. 😉

Anyway, I fell in love with Cailin Frances…and it didn’t take long. She was such a darling baby, and the poor thing, despite her acid reflux, was a joy to hold, shhhh and snuggle with. I’m so happy for my sister and her husband for bringing such a precious little girl into this world. Cailin surely will be loved a plenty, I tell ya.

My sister’s hubby works during the week 2.5 hours away, so even though she’s married, she’s somewhat of a single mother until the weekends. I admire her for hanging in there, it’s definitely not easy.

Anyway, here is Cailin’s first photo shoot. I’m going to BET that Temple & Nick will cherish these photos forever… as I will… being her aunt and all. 🙂

Here goes… (and thanks to Lara Hanlon for coming along to help and meet the newest member of my family!)

First up, Cailin’s soothing (womb-hued, I kept telling my sister) baby room.

and why not start out with one of my faves. Tea anyone?

A view from the top.

What I would do for a peaceful nap like this…

…but this peace was (lovingly) disturbed a few minutes later when it was time for a new pose. Tyra Banks would be so proud of lil’ Cailin. She was a trooper!

Mama had to soothe her a few times in between. I love this moment.

And some more tender time with the parental units.(I would like to note, that these photos are the FIRST I’ve ever taken of Nick as a willing subject. Ahhh, the changes that come with being a daddy!!)

Usually, it had been Nick making faces at me when the camera was in hand. Like father, like daughter…

I just LOVE this photo.

We attempted a tutu, but didn’t get much…

I wonder if she’ll get the Gibson feet… (I have size 10…Temple is 9.5… my brother wears a 15, and my dad is nearly a 16!!)

The blanket she’s lying on was made by my grandma Fritz….(frances)…for whom Cailin bears a middle name.

This also reminds me of my grandma. I’m just sayin! haha

Check out her hands…the rest of her was passed out, but her hands were all about taking in the softness of the yarn.

And lastly, Cailin told me she wanted to do whatever she could to represent Darbi G. PHotography. So I requested she don this custom-colored hat in the name of her aunt’s business. And she did. Now THAT is branding for ya, folks! haha

This definitely is one of my favorite shoots ever. Cailin, I wish you many more adorable moments, peaceful slumbers and loving embraces with your mom and dad…and all the rest of us who LOVE you already!