Amanda and I have been internet friends for some time, and I was so incredibly honored to photograph her family for her. She is an incredibly talented birth photographer operating as Raleigh Birth Photography. And seriously, if you want your birth photographed, she’s your girl. She’s also a wonderful human being, loving wife to Joe, and fantastic mother to two boys. Our job was to capture Amanda, Joe, Michael, and Lucien as the family of four that they are now, because a new baby is on the way shortly! Then in November, we’ll be back to photograph the new family of five. Amanda told me that she thinks there’s something so interesting about seeing how family dynamics change as a new member is added, and I couldn’t agree more. I can’t wait to see what happens in November! Michael and Lucien are THRILLED about this baby. Like, way, way, way, way excited. They talk to the baby, kiss the baby, discuss the baby, and are plenty prepared to help their parents when baby arrives. They are planning a homebirth and Michael’s job is to tell his parents whether it’s a boy or a girl, and he’s seriously stoked about this responsibility.

When not planning for baby, Michael and Lucien enjoy roughhousing with Joe (who is a great dad wrestler!), playing with Legos, putting on capes, and interrupting any quiet portrait moments between their folks. They also enjoy water fights (which I believe Amanda won, given that she’s pregnant so is the one holding the hose, and therefore has the most firepower) and popsicles. The boys also put sugar on their french toast, which is a tradition from Amanda’s side of the family. This family is also home to the WORLD’S CUTEST DOG named Aria (who really wants to eat said french toast). And while she definitely looks straight-up Dire Wolf, she was named before Game of Thrones, and spells her name a little differently. ;) She is the tiniest Husky I have ever met, and I want to hug her forever and ever and never stop. She is a little fuzzy old lady and I don’t think I’ve ever met anything as cute. She enjoys belly rubs and pets and is very patient. Super excited to rejoin this adorable crew in November to meet their newest member (and to hug their dog again).