“A sweet new blossom of humanity.”
~ Author Unknown

I had so much fun with this stunning mama at her maternity session, and I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her sweet pea!

She is such a doll and so beautiful, and this session was so much fun!

The location is a fave of mine, and she was so happy to be wrapped up and surrounded by the sound of birds, the soft breeze and the quiet sound of the water flowing down the brook.  Ahhh, newborns + nature=a happy photog!

This has been a theme the last few newborn sessions and I like it!    Thank you for such a great session-it was fabulous to see you again and to meet your family!

xoxo,

laura

*headband by the ever-so-talented Mia of Dolce Vita Mia!*

“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.”

~William Makepeace Thackeray

Are you ready?  Here is my very own day of {Laura’s Favorite Things}!!!!!  It is finally here!  Yay!!  I want to wish all of the ahhhh-mazing mommies out there a fabulous Mother’s Day!  Give yourself a pat on the back, a coffee in your hand and a day of putting your feet up…okay, well, maybe just settle for the coffee and the back pat. 

Take a peek at ALL of the fabulous goodies that are being given away to one VERY lucky + deserving mama. Yep, ALL of them.  All 25 of them!

SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ENTER!!!!

*And, when you want to check out more goodies from these fabulous shops, just click on a photo!!*

TO ENTER:

simply leave a comment under this post with your name + list one of the goodies that caught your eye (we know all of them do, really, but which one caught it first? ).

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

post a link to this blog post on your Facebook page.  Come back here, leave your name and your name on Facebook (if different from your name listed here) in a separate comment.  The comments won’t let you post a link, so the name is sufficient. 

FOR TWO EXTRA ENTRIES:

post this link on your favorite message board.  Come back here, and in TWO more comments, write your name and which board you posted on.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Visit ONE of these awesome websites, come back here and with your name,  leave a comment telling us what product you loved when you visited the website.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Become a fan of Laura Winslow Photography on Facebook, come back here and write a comment with your name and that you fanned/liked LWP.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Post a link to this giveaway on your blog, come back here and write a comment with your name and a link to your blog.

The VERY LUCKY winner will be announced on Friday, May 7th, so check back to find out if it is YOU! 

The fine print: This prize package has no cash value.  Items are non-transferable.  Should the winner not reside in the Phoenix metro area, a second winner from the area will be chosen for ONLY the Cake Hole Project prize.  This is due to the fact that this prize is for a local rental.  Laura Winslow Photography endorses these products but is not responsible for matters concerning the products once the contest has ended and the information has been delivered to the vendor.  I know we probably already know this, but I feel a need to say it anyway.    Please understand that all vendors have generously donated their time, energy and beautiful handiwork to the lucky mama for this giveaway.  Let’s be appreciative of this–thanks so much!

A special thank you to all of our AMAZING designers, shops + awesome ladies that are generously giving their fab products for our giveaway!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!  You are going to make one VERY lucky mama’s Mother’s Day FAN-TABULOUS!!

Ahmelie | Ahmelie {the blog} | Facebook

Cake Hole Project | Cake Hole Project {the blog} | Facebook

Chenzie

Curly Birdie | Curly Birdie {the blog} | Facebook

Dana Designs

Dolce Vita Mia | Dolce Vita Mia {the blog} | Facebook

Finley and Oliver | Finley and Oliver {the blog}

Ivy and A | Facebook

KaraMiaSofia

Lockette | The Locker {the blog} | Facebook

Lover Dovers | Lover Dovers {the blog} | Facebook

Modern Little Ones | Facebook

Pink Crocodile Designs | Preppy Pink Crocodile {the blog}

Polka Dot Posh | Polka Dot Posh {the blog} | Facebook

Red Pajamas | Red Pajamas {the blog} | Facebook

Sarah Bee Creations | Facebook

SilverBloom Studio

The Pink Pooka | Facebook

The Posh Event | Facebook

Three Yellow Starfish | Three Yellow Starfish {the blog} | Facebook

Trendy Peas

Unravel Me Designs | Facebook

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. she never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.”

~Rajneesh

This sweet little girl was welcomed into the world just four short days ago.  FOUR DAYS!  I am so, so lucky to be able to hold and cuddle such precious little beings mere days after they made their arrival in the world.  She has the cutest little lips that she loved to curl into a pout and is just a tiny little thing.  I adored the way the new family looked, cooing at their new baby girl under the shade of a large tree, the grass blowing in the wind.  Big sis –seen here awaiting the arrival of her sibling–was so protective of her little one and happily positioned herself at her feet.

How amazing to witness a family being born as well.  Such a strong, life changing time in one’s life.  To become a parent is life-altering, and I love being able to see that happen to others.  I feel honored to have been allowed a glimpse into your cocoon of new-parent bliss.  Thank you for letting me capture your miracle.  Enjoy your sneak peeks. 

xoxo,

laura

Precious lamb hat + diaper cover set and cozy purple cocoon from the wonderful Roxxi of Up Above Creations.

Adorable headband from the talented Mia of Dolce Vita Mia.

So, when we moved here two and a half years ago, Jack was just over a year old.  We joined a meetup, made some amazing friends and got out and did things.  A lot.  I remember the girls and I having to make a point to schedule time to stay at home just so we could get housework done–that was how often we did things!  Things slowed down a bit when Addison was born, but I am back to enjoying a packed calendar with tons of fun things to do with my children.   I love exposing them to awesome new places and experiences, and love when they can “get their wiggles out”.  And hey, let’s be honest–I also love when the added bonus is that they get all tuckered out and take awesome naps so mommy can get work done.    I am always on the lookout for new places, but we also have quite a few regular favorites.

This blog feature–which I hope to make a regular one–was born after chatting with a fellow mom wondering what things there were to do around town.  I actually get asked this same question quite a bit from my clients that have just become moms.  There is so, so very much to take advantage of around the Valley.  Get out and further enrich your child’s life and spend some quality time learning something new–or just push them on a swing with the breeze blowing through your hair at a park you’ve never been to! 

First up is one of my faves–Jack LOVES it, and so do I.  The Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY) is located in downtown Mesa and has inside of it a place called Artville.  Oh, Artville, how we love thee…particularly on blazing summer days.  Artville is an interactive play area for children ages birth-5 years old.  I highly recommend purchasing an annual pass as it can quickly add up if you go there a lot.  Children under a year are free, and there is a great little padded play area for kiddos under one.  It has mirrors for them to look in and soft little hills for them to crawl over.  The exhibits in the actual museum rotate (right now there is Play Ball, there is also Sounds like Art right now).

This photo gives you an idea of how long we have been going to Artville…doesn’t my now-three year old look so little here?

If you head out to Artville, or are already a regular, I would love to know how you love it too!  Leave me a comment to share your own experiences!

xoxo,

laura

We had a wonderful time, and this photo shoot was a long time in the making.    The babies were all so sweet and loved being so close to their mommies.  They looked adorable all snuggled up!  The slings are made by designer Ivy and A and feel great.  As our moms modeled with their babies, they loved having their hands free and the kiddos liked the comfort of being right next to their mamas.  Babywearing is wonderful for you and your child!  Learn more about it here.  Here are just a few from our morning –doesn’t everyone look fab?  Thanks for a super-fun session, my ladies, and give those precious little ones smoochies!

xoxo,

laura

We had oh-so-much fun this weekend at the photo shoot for Finley + Oliver’s newest collection.  Six kiddos under the age of five, an uber-fab location (check out the chicken and those huge grapefruits!!!) and fun clothing made for an amazing morning.  Our {mod babe} contest winners were absolute naturals in front of the camera and I just wanted to squeeze them both they were just that cute!!  They both have the most stunning eyes, don’t you think?  I adore the newest tees and girl’s tunics from Finley and Oliver–they are so comfy and perfect for your little one to play around in or for a photo shoot.  They are so versatile.  Thank you to everyone for a wonderful morning–more sneakie peekies to come! 

xoxo,

laura

“A daughter is a bundle of firsts that excite and delight,

giggles that come from deep inside and are always contagious,

everything wonderful and precious and your love for her knows

no bounds.”

– Barbara Cage

Oh, how I love this little sweetie.  I first met her when I photographed her as a newborn, then when she was around 4 months old, and now at nine months.  I LOVE my job, and I ADORE my clients!  How absolutely amazing to be able to watch this little princess grow right before my eyes!  She is such a treasure and was a wonderful little model.  T, I got that adorable little nose scrunch she does on camera…but I’m going to make you wait to see it, sorry!  He he!  I love you guys!!  Thank you so much–I can’t wait to capture the new big sis and the new baby in the fall, too!  Aww, my sweet girl is growing up! Enjoy your sneakie peekies! 

xoxo,

laura

Headband from the talented Mia of Dolce Vita Mia.

“I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.”

~Yves Saint Laurent

Do you love skinny jeans?  Want to win an awesome pair for your little one? Read on! 

Look at that little face!  Doesn’t he just rock the skinny jeans?

For a chance to win a pair of these rockin’ skinny jeans for your baby or toddler, here’s what to do:

1.  Head on over to the Red Pajamas website, check out their wonderful clothing, and come back here. Then..

Leave a comment with  your name and which item you LOVE the most!

For additional entries, do one or all of the following:

2.  Become a fan of Red Pajamas on Facebook

3.  Post a link to this giveaway on Facebook

4.  Follow Red Pajamas on Twitter and retweet about this giveaway

The winner will be announced on Thursday, March 25th.  Happy entering!!

Another cutie patootie…read on to find out how these models are paid! 

Love these chucks, too, don’t you?!

Thanks so much to Red Pajamas for such a FAB giveaway!  Now, for how these kiddos earn their living…:)

“Life is a flame that is always burning itself out, but it catches fire again every time a child is born.”

~George Bernard Shaw

This little sweetheart is just such a doll, and I adored his wispy blonde hair!  I love his nursery, too!  SO adorable!!  Check out his name on the wall!  He might have had a bit of an eventful arrival, but he is just as calm as can be and simply perfect.  He is a wonderful eater, and as is usual with newborn sessions, we worked around his schedule so that he was content and had a full belly.  What a little angel!  The new mom and dad are obviously overjoyed and so in love with their new little man.  How could you not be?!  I also enjoyed chatting with them–it was such a pleasure to meet the both of you.  Thank you for having me to your home and trusting me with these amazing first moments of you miracle.  Enjoy your sneak peeks!

xoxo,

laura

Thanks so much for all of the fabu comments on the awesome goodies in the Polka Dot Posh + Ivy and A boutiques!  They rock, right?!

The winner of the $19 gift certificate to Polka Dot Posh and the guitar bib and pant set from Ivy and A is……………….

Jen Ray! Jen, just email your address and info to laura@laurawinslowphotography.com  Thanks bunches!

Yay!  Thanks so much to all those that entered and became fans and followers of both shops.  Love you all!  Stay tuned for a giveaway from another fun boutique, Red Pajamas!  This time, the winner will receive a pair of their skinny jeans for your baby or toddler!!  Can you even stand it?!  I heart skinny jeans!!