As a River Forest newborn photographer, some of the stories I capture start with a first hello, while others begin before that—with a tiny flutter, a glowing mama, and the anticipation that the best is still to come.

This is one of those stories.

When I first met up with Kristen and Will for their maternity session at A Darling Studio, their baby girl was still a mystery, all soft kicks and secret hiccups. I love listening to these first-time parents dream and wonder.

Now, she’s here—on the outside—and she’s every bit as lovely as I imagined.

Introducing Baby Meredith!

She’s perfectly squishy, with the kind of newborn cheeks that make you want to bend down and kiss them (but only her parents get that sweet privilege). This girl already knows how to work a room, even if her big moves are subtle, like stretching and blinking, and occasionally giving us the tiniest, accidental smile.

I have to say, if River Forest ever does a “cutest new resident” award, Meredith is a shoo-in. Sorry, local puppies.

A Charming River Forest Home that Hugs You Back

Kristen and Will’s charming house is pure magic. Not the stuffy, don’t-touch-the-throw-pillows kind of magic, but the “come as you are, grab a mug, and stay awhile” kind. There are stories in the floorboards, warmth in every window, and soft light that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. It made the perfect backdrop for their newborn session.

I told Kristen their home looked like it belonged in one of those glossy Good Housekeeping spreads. And it’s true—except theirs has more real-life laughter, overflowing love, and snacks stashed in the best hiding spots. (I see you, secret cookie jar.)

As soon as I walked in, I knew this was a place where newborn snuggles abound. Where baby socks go missing and no one really minds. Where you can take a break for cluster feeding, or two, or five, and no one’s checking the clock. (Least of all me. Feed away, mama—your only job is loving that tiny human.) Mom and Dad did so well prepping their home for Little One and the priceless memories to come.

Real Life, Real Love, Zero Rush: Newborn Sessions with Extra Time Built In

If you’re planning you’re own newborn session and worried you may not make it through without a wimper, let me reassure you: you won’t. 🤭 But you’re in good company. We took plenty of breaks this session for feedings and rocking. Sometimes, baby just needs a little top off—or two (hello cluster feeding!), which is all built into my packages. 

As a mom of three, I know that those first few weeks are filled with feeds and finding your new rhythm. I encourage you to take all the “off-camera” time you need. I get that Mom is still healing and baby is still learning how to fill their belly, or re-fill their (tiny!) belly. 

If Meredith couldn’t quite get the hang of the bottle, we paused. If Kristen needed to reset, we breathed. And if Will had to wrangle the dog or sneak in an extra peek at his girls, I pretended not to notice. (But, of course, I did).

My newborn sessions are typically longer than a standard family or couples session to ensure a comfortable, smooth, and happy experience for both parents and baby. 

Not only is that okay—it’s the whole point.

These sessions aren’t about rushing from pose to pose. They’re about remembering that love looks like soft hair, sleepy eyes, and the way Dad’s hand fits so naturally along the curve of Mom’s back. It’s about the moments that happen when you think no one’s watching.

You know what sticks with me the most? The imperfect, ordinary things that will be extraordinary someday. Some of my favorite photos are the motion-blur images of Mom and Dad doing the kitchen bottle-making shuffle. I loved the way the sunlight danced across Meredith’s tiny toes. The burp cloth tossed on the armchair was an unspoken badge of honor. (Pretty sure Good Housekeeping would approve.)

Take in the cuddles on the couch, the quiet between feedings, and the tiny “o” of your newborn’s mouth as they dream. That’s the good stuff. That’s the story.

No one remembers if the laundry was folded or if the nursery shelf was styled just so. But you’ll remember the feeling—the safety, the warmth, the overflowing love that made those early days both exhausting and impossibly sweet. (And you know what? Your newborn feels that, too! They may not remember it the way we do, but all that warmth forms a connection and builds a strong foundation they’ll build their life upon.)

Holding on to the Little Things

Here’s the thing: newborn days are a blur. One minute you’re holding a fresh-from-the-oven baby; the next, you’re googling “when do babies sleep through the night?” with one eye open. (Spoiler alert: not for a while.)

That’s why I love these in-home sessions. They freeze the tiny, slippery magic of this season. The soft skin, the sleepy smiles, the way a family breathes a little deeper when all their people are finally home.

If you’re reading this, knee-deep in burp cloths but up to your elbows in love, remember:

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And you’re nailing it!

I left Kristen and Will’s house that day with a full memory card and an even fuller heart. I hope you feel inspired by this session with the Lundes. Baby Meredith is already so loved and so blessed to have landed in a home as warm as yours.

River Forest Newborn Photographer

If you live in River Forest or nearby areas, it would be my honor to be your family’s photographer for every chapter from maternity pictures to milestone sessions and beyond. Have more questions? I’d love to answer them!