I literally love everything about lifestyle sessions! I love meeting new families in their homes, highlighting their home decor in the background, including their pets. Every family and every home is different. It’s a challenge to walk into an unknown situation and look for angles that highlight the beauty. I’m excited to feature this family on the blog. (Although I’ll never fully understand why anyone would want to move out of Mt. Lebanon!! 🙂 ) I enjoyed talking and laughing with this family throughout the session. I hope you love these photos and French bulldogs as much as I do!
How did you and your spouse meet?
We met in the MBA program at Waynesburg University. What started out as a friendship between classmates turned into a romance between soul mates.
Describe how your life haschanged once you brought home your newborn baby.
Everything has changed since our bundle of joy arrived! We’ve changed our priorities and schedules to maximize time together and with the baby. Quality time has replaced productivity as our new family currency.
Describe your newborn baby.
Christian is the sweetest, most laid-back, cuddly little boy. His demeanor is both strong and calm, and he definitely received the best of both of his parents. He enjoys music, bath time, and Daddy’s voice.
What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area?
We enjoy how Pittsburgh offers a lot of amenities, yet feels like a small town. The arts, restaurants, and attractions rival almost any city; yet, Pittsburgh remains intimate and affordable.
What are your family’s favorite things to do in and around Pittsburgh?
Sporting events, concerts, and the orchestra are our favorite Pittsburgh past times.
Tell us about your home.
Our home has an amazing and unique view of the South Hills, and if you try hard enough, you can even see downtown. On the Fourth of July, you can see ten different fireworks displays set around Pittsburgh without hearing any of them.
Describe a typical day in your life as a new mother with a newborn baby.
Typically, we wake up and feed the baby. Then I shower and throw in some laundry while he naps. When he wakes, we play, and then feed again. This pattern continues throughout the day. Typically, we’ll run one errand or go on a walk in the afternoon. After my husband comes home, we’ll put the baby to bed together. His bedtime routine includes a bath, songs, and a prayer, and it’s one of our favorite parts of the day. Most of the time, both french bulldogs fall asleep before the baby at bedtime.
What is your family’s favorite meal to cook at home? Could you share the recipe?
Our favorite family recipe is lasagna, which I’ve updated for our busy schedule. It is fairly easy and quick to make:
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg no boil lasagna noodles
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 eggs
- 6 1/2 cups (52 oz) Prego traditional spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb of ground beef and spicy italian sausage mixed, cooked, and drained
- 2 tbs italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350
- In a medium bowl, combine Ricotta cheese, 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, add meat to pasta sauce. Mix well.
- Spread 1 cup of meat-sauce mixture in 9″ x 13″ pan.
- Place 1/3 lasagna noodles over sauce. Spread 1/2 of the cheese mixture over noodles, top with 1/3 of meat-sauce mixture.
- Repeat layering. Top with remaining noodles and meat-sauce mixture.
- Cover with foil. Bake 60 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle with reserved Mozzarella cheese and parsley flakes.
- Bake an additional 30 minutes. Let stand 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
How did you prepare for your newborn lifestyle session?
We prepared by de-clutting a little and purchasing fresh flowers the morning of the session.
How did you decide what to wear for your in home lifestyle session?
Using Laura’s recommendations, we stuck to comfortable neutrals.
What is your favorite portrait from your lifestyle session? Explain why it’s your favorite.
I am in love with the picture of Whitey resting his head on Christian. My favorite part was that it was very much unscripted. It perfectly sums up their relationship and Whitey’s love and absolute devotion to Christian, and I’m thrilled that Laura was able to capture this tender moment.
My second favorite is the picture of Christian in his crib with the Peter Rabbit stuffed animal. This stuffed animal was given to me the day I was born, and I love how we incorporated it into his photo to bring together both generations.
How did you decide to schedule a newborn lifestyle session with Laura Mares Photography?
We were looking for a newborn photographer to come to our home and capture us navigating life as a new family with our two dogs, and Laura was recommended by a friend.
Can you think of something else to share about your newborn, family or home?
The first few weeks of parenthood are such a blur, and we’re so thankful that Laura was able to provide us with memories of this busy and vulnerable time.
