Well… this session has been such a treat in my editing queue. I really do gush over every session, but this one definitely came with a few extra melting moments. This Gilbert, Arizona newborn session was especially sweet because it was for my nephew — little Bennett James.
Bennett was born Friday morning, January 23rd… just three days before my birthday. Truly the best gift I could ever ask for. (You can see their maternity photos HERE.)
The Bennett & Bethie Parallels
We’ve already been laughing over all the similarities Bennett and I share — same birthday, same initials (BG), we’re both the second child… and the family joke these days is that Bennett is and I was a nocturnal baby.
Every time we go to visit little Benny, he’s sound asleep. He gets passed from person to person without making a peep, gets comfy, and drifts right back off… every once in a while he’ll coo or make a sleepy sound. It’s so sweet and peaceful.
But the minute Adam and Aubrey turn off the light to go to sleep? He’s wide awake — hungry and oh so loud! I have such a hard time believing it while I’m snuggling that perfect little boy. But my parents just laugh and share that look of someone who has lived through the challenging days of having a toddler full of energy during the day and a baby who won’t sleep at night. For Adam and Aubrey, it’s Everly and Bennett… for my parents, it was Adam and Bethie.
And that’s exactly what we wanted to capture with with this Gilbert Arizona newborn session — the precious, peaceful moments of snuggling their new little infant, alongside the vibrant, joyful chaos of life with a 15-month-old toddler. As the days begin to blur for these sleep-deprived, busy parents, it’s such a gift to pause and preserve it all for just a moment.
Why I Love Gilbert, Arizona Newborn Sessions
I can’t even begin to tell you what an honor it is to capture these memories. Aubrey asked me while I was photographing Bennett’s tiny fingers and toes if I enjoy working with newborns, and my answer was, “More than you could ever imagine!”
Yes, it’s sweet to be around newborns — their soft coos, their snuggles — but it’s so much more than that. It’s knowing how quickly those little fingers and toes will grow. With every portrait session, the goal is to freeze time and honor this season… but that feeling is amplified tenfold with a newborn.
These photos are their family’s story. These photos are their legacy. And getting to capture that for my brother and sister-in-law is beyond special.
I think we exceeded our goal, and these images truly showcase what life looks like for them right now — quiet newborn snuggles, the softness of Bennett’s skin, gentle morning light dancing through the windows… paired with the beautiful burst of joy that comes with having a toddler at the same time. The giggles. Everly’s silly side. Her curiosity about her little brother and her soft kisses on his forehead.
It’s been such a gift to watch Adam and Aubrey step into parenthood, and for us to play a small part as proud members of their village as they raise up these littles.
So enjoy scrolling through Bennett’s newborn photos.
