oh baby

Among many other celebrations, this fall also brought it's fair share of baby showers! It was a privilege to attend a baby shower for a friend from town. Even though I didn't know another soul at the party, her family and friends were so welcoming -- I can tell her little one will be loved beyond measure! I have only known her for about a year and a half, but it feels as if we have been friends for much longer. We genuinely connected early on in our relationship, and our walks around the neighborhood are always a highlight of my day! I have a feeling we will only get closer in the future.

As part of my shower gift to her, I offered to take maternity photos in a nearby park. So on an early November afternoon, we braved the brisk autumn temperatures for some photos while the colorful leaves were still on the trees. I'm so glad they loved their photos-- I did too! 

I could not be happier for these friends as they welcomed their new addition into their family on Christmas day! He is adorable and I'm sure there will be many photos of him to add to their collection. 

Toward the end of the month, I also helped host a baby shower for my sister-in-law who is due with her first child in March. Since she and her husband live in Chicago, we decided it was best to throw her a shower while they were visiting for Thanksgiving. It was a small and intimate event -- mostly family and a few close friends -- with some fun activities that made everyone laugh. It is exciting to think that the next time we see them, their baby boy will also be here! 

With all of these little ones, we certainly had a lot to be thankful for this past Thanksgiving!