Life with a toddler and a newborn is a whirlwind; messy, unpredictable, and beautiful all at the same time. It’s a phase of constant movement, sleepless nights, and tender moments that somehow make all the exhaustion worth it.
As a Sewickley baby photographer specializing in in-home lifestyle newborn and family photo sessions, I’ve seen firsthand how magical (and crazy) this time can be. (Not to mention I’ve been there with my kids!) And let me tell you, there is nothing more special than documenting the beautiful chaos of growing families.
I was so excited to be invited back to photograph this wonderful family! This time as they welcomed baby #2 into their lives! A precious little girl and a baby sister to the sweet boy I photographed 2.5 years ago. In addition to becoming a family of four, they recently relocated to a beautiful new home in the charming town of Sewickley. It was such a joy to document this special new chapter for them!
BTW, I love Sewickley! I’ve photographed many families that live there and our farm used to have a booth at the Sewickley Farmers’ Market! (In my opinion, the best farmers market in the Pittsburgh area!)
Embracing the Reality of Life with a Toddler and a Newborn
You can probably imagine the energy that comes with having a two-and-a-half-year-old and a seven-week-old! I know I can because my first two babies were almost the same age apart! If you’re in this stage of life now or have been before, you already know just how unstoppable a toddler’s energy can be. One moment, they’re eagerly showering their baby sibling with (not always gentle) hugs and kisses; the next, they’re running off to find a snack or a toy that suddenly feels very important. And that’s okay!
I never expect toddlers to sit still for long! After all, that’s not who they are! Instead, I go with the flow, letting them interact naturally, whether that means snuggling up next to their newborn sibling, giving sweet forehead kisses, or showing off their favorite stuffed animal in the middle of a session.
I always reassure parents that it’s completely normal when their two-year-old dashes off in the middle of family photos on the couch! I’d never expect them to sit still longer than they want to! But don’t worry, I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to bring them back for a few extra seconds, a few more smiles, and just a few more chances to capture those sweet moments!
And then there’s your seven-week-old baby, still adjusting to life outside the womb and in the chaos of life with a 2-year-old brother. They might be wide-eyed and taking in the world around them (like sweet Miss L did for most of our session), or maybe they’re curled up, sleeping peacefully in your arms.
I love to capture it all! Their tiny fingers wrapped around yours, their many expressions, their little yawns and stretches. Those details change so fast, and having them preserved in photographs is something you’ll cherish forever.
Why In-Home Sessions Are Perfect for This Season
With a toddler and a newborn, the thought of getting everyone dressed and out the door for a photo session can feel overwhelming. That’s why in-home sessions are perfect. You get to stay in the comfort of your own space, where your toddler feels safe and your newborn can be held, fed, or changed whenever needed. There’s no pressure for perfection…just real, meaningful moments captured as they unfold.
Your home is the heart of your family’s story. It’s where you’ve rocked your newborn in the early hours of the morning, where your toddler has danced in the living room, and where love fills every corner (even if there are scattered toys and a sink full of dishes in the background). And that’s the beauty of lifestyle newborn photography! It’s about capturing life as it is, in all its imperfect, wonderful glory.
The Magic of These Fleeting Moments
As parents, we often feel the pressure to make things look “picture-perfect.” But the truth is, the most meaningful moments aren’t the posed ones. They’re the little in-between moments. The way your toddler holds their sibling’s hand, the way your baby curls up on your chest…your family, just as you are.
So if you’re in the thick of it with a toddler and a newborn, know that this chapter in life may be exhausting but is also incredibly special. One day, you’ll look back on these photos and remember not just how it all looked, but how it felt. The love, the laughter, the sweet chaos…it’s all part of your story. And I would love to help you capture it.
If you’re thinking about booking an in-home newborn session, let’s chat! I’d love to document these beautiful, fleeting moments for your family.
Go have a look at our first session together! I never play favorites, but it was one of my favorite newborn sessions! It’s always so special to see the contrast between a first-time newborn session and one with baby #2!
If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in Sewickley, Edgeworth, or Pittsburgh, please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo session for your new baby!
Here are some other blog posts that you might want to check out!
Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!
All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over fifteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including the Sewickley borough, Sewickley Heights, Edgeworth, Coraoplis and Beaver PA. Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!
