Bringing home a new baby is overwhelming, but bringing home two babies as first-time parents? That’s a whole different level of exhaustion! As an experienced newborn twin photographer in the Pittsburgh area, I was thrilled to book this session, as it had been a few years since my last twin newborn session. And I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to meet with this sweet couple for their maternity session, before their babies arrived.
Unfortunately, scheduling their newborn session did not go quite as planned. Although some parents prefer to wait until their baby is a few weeks old to schedule a session, I know this Mom hoped to schedule it when her babies were two weeks old. However, after their boys arrived, one of them needed to spend a little extra time in the NICU, which is not uncommon for twins who typically arrive a few weeks early.
But as common as it can be for one or both twins to spend time in the NICU, I know those first couple of weeks for Mom and Dad were filled with worry and the ache of wanting both babies home together. I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult that was, and I’m sure it made those early weeks even more of a blur for both parents!
Although Mom had hoped to schedule the session sooner, once baby number two was finally home with his brother, we were able to schedule their in-home newborn session when they were one month old. I know Mom was worried we would miss that brief phase of when they were tiny and new, and she mentioned how much they were already changing and growing in just a few short weeks! (babies have a way of doing that!), But thankfully, because they were born early, they were still in that fresh and sleepy newborn phase for our session!
And I loved to hear that this couple has relatives nearby who were ready to step in and help. Having that extra set of hands (or more) can make all the difference in those first exhausting weeks, and I know they were so grateful to have all of the help! The maternal Grandmother is actually the one who reached out to book the session for her daughter and soon-to-be grandsons!
Even with the support, I know Mom and Dad were still running on very little sleep and figuring out their new rhythm of life with two babies. Yet they were incredible to watch (and photograph). You’d never guess they were brand new to parenting with how naturally they juggled feedings, soothing, and switching off when one baby needed extra attention. Parenthood is a steep learning curve for anyone, let alone having twins, but they handled it with so much grace.
These fraternal twin boys were just perfect. At one month old, they were both amazing sleepers during the session, which gave us the chance to capture so many quiet, tender moments. Photographing twins is always special, especially seeing how they instinctively relax when they are next to each other. And I will never not be amazed by the miracle of multiples!
If you’re reading this as a new parent, especially if the beginning hasn’t gone the way you imagined, please know you’re not alone. There is no perfect time to schedule photos. The messy, emotional, sleep-deprived days are worth remembering too. They are part of your story, and years from now you’ll be so glad to have them documented. Because even when things don’t go as planned, these first weeks with your baby (or babies) are so very fleeting!
If you’re in the Pittsburgh area and expecting twins, I’d love to come to your home and photograph your family’s story. Reach out anytime. I’ll make the process simple and stress-free.
If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in Pittsburgh, please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo session for your new baby!
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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 fourteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including the South Side, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, the North Shore and Northside. Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!
