It always amazes me just how fast a baby grows into a toddler. Baby’s first year is a blur of sleepless nights, growth, milestones, changes, and personality! Your tiny little bundle quickly grows into a crawling, (or walking and running) toddler who is happy to explore their world and voice their opinion. Baby’s first birthday is a great milestone to celebrate!

Emma came to see me for her birthday session. With birthday sessions I usually include 2-3 different setups for families to capture those 12 month portraits, then we do a cake smash (if parents want), followed by a real bubble bath to clean up afterwards. I often capture some of the best baby smiles during the bath. By then little ones are warmed up to me and the sugar from the cake is in full effect (plus, who doesn’t love to splash?)

I think she enjoyed her cake. (This amazing cake is a custom creation made by the lovely and talented Tami at https://www.tamiscupsncakes.com. )

Happy Birthday Emma!

As much as I love smiling baby pictures, sometimes the serious, more somber ones speak to my soul. Just look a those baby blues!

She’s so animated! We had such a good time playing peekaboo and playing with all sorts of noisemakers. I might have even broken out my squeaky rubber chicken. I’m not afraid to be silly if it means getting a genuine smile from your little one.

Seriously, is there anything cuter than baby bum?

Now, on to the cake smash….

I think it’s safe to say she likes her birthday cake!

If you drop a piece, you have to find it.

I love how excited she gets over the cake. I do too baby girl!

Taking a close inspection. Checking out the unicorn’s ears. (They’re edible too).

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!

I’m not sure what made her cry. (It didn’t last long, she decided to try some more frosting and was a happy camper again.)

When she made it clear she was done we moved on to the bath. Emma smashed her cake and splashed her bath and had a fantastic time all around. Thanks for celebrating your birthday with us!