Daytripper | Chicago Family Photographer

I woke up this morning feeling like I was "missing" something...or that I forgot to do something. It's not a good feeling....a feeling like you need to be somewhere but you're not sure WHERE....

Then I realized it was Saturday...and I had no wedding to shoot today. After a busy busy summer season it's such a bizarre feeling to have a Saturday practically off.

I did, however, get to take a leisurely "day trip" to Schaumburg, IL to photograph the Sostak family. I've done several sittings for the family...their kids are beyond adorable (and they play up to the camera, lucky me!). We hit up Busse Woods Forest Preserve in IL, and beat out the rain (a little sun even poked through...BONUS!).

Little Miss Edy just turned one and she was all smiles and cute-ness....Cal was a perfect subject and more than willing to throw clumps of leaves at me for "effect".

So glad we got a break in the bad weather! Enjoy the sneak peek!

DISCLAIMER: Edy has the bluest eyes known to man...seriously. So blue, in fact, that they look "enhanced". Just want to put it out there that I did not mess with Little Miss Edy's eyeballs. They are THAT blue...and THAT gorgeous by nature. Ok...enjoy!

"Hey Cal....throw a big clump of leaves at me! Really....do it!"

Ooookkayyy Lady....if you say so!

Seriously...those EYES...they're just amazing.

Ok....a little cheese-tastic...yes....but really, what good is being a family photographer if you cannot embrace the cheese sometimes? Life is short.... : )

Location: Busse Forest Preserve Schaumburg, IL

Sweet Child O' Mine | Chicago Infant Photographer

She's got a smile that it seems to me

Reminds me of childhood memories

Where everything

Was as fresh as the bright blue sky

Now and then when I see her face

She takes me away to that

special place

And if I stared too long

I'd probably break down and cry

- Guns N Roses

I've known little Nevin's parents for some time. I've known her Dad since high school and since I've known him I've heard about how badly he wanted kids (yes...even in high school...Kasey was a bit...how should I say...different : ) ) Nevin was welcomed with open arms and after much anticipation.

What made her birth even more of an "event" was the fact that Lisa, her mom, didn't know if she was a boy or a girl. However...Kasey did. And he kept it a secret the whole time. His reward for his zipped lip? He got to name the baby. Kasey has a lot more willpower than I would ever have, and I can't believe it didn't just KILL Lisa not to know. I'm insanely impatient, though.

I got to meet Nevin for the 1st time today and take her newborn shots....Betty came along to supervise and tear apart Kasey and Lisa's living room. Good times had by all.

Enjoy the sneak peek, you guys! See you soon!

Now, Lisa said everyone was seeing her face in Nevin's...and yes, she does resemble Lisa...but this smirk here is ALL Kasey. That, folks, is a Kasey-face.

Betty felt a bit left out, so we threw her into one of the shots.

Location: Private home