Interview with a Pittsburgh Family | Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

Please write about how you guys decided to move to Pittsburgh/Mt. Lebanon!

We had looked at a couple of different areas around the U.S. (Seattle, Raleigh) but instantly fell in love with Pittsburgh and Mt. Lebanon when we first visited. The schools are great, the people are friendly, and the homes are so beautiful! We feel like we live in a storybook.

Tell us all about your beautiful home! 

Our home was built in 1941 and  has so many unique items. It has plaster-work on the walls with little hidden reliefs everywhere - griffins, lions, ships, flowers, crests, etc. There is an original winch hardwired in the garage that was used to pull the 1940's cars up the driveway! The basement has a dungeon-like wine cellar with a massive iron gate. We instantly fell in love with the house and our daughter calls it her princess castle.

When was your baby born?

December 30, 2017

What was your baby's height and weight at birth?

19 1/4 inches and 6 lbs 2 oz

Was your baby early, late or on time?

About two weeks early.

What was your first thought when you found out you were pregnant? 

Excited and terrified at the same time haha.

How did you tell the father you were expecting? 

I left the positive pregnancy test on top of the faucet in the bathroom and just waited for him to find it and freak out.

How did you style the nursery? 

Eclectic. The walls are wallpapered with dressed up black and white animals, a large oriental rug, a dresser and rocker from craigslist, and some items we had in our daughter's nursery.

How did you chose your baby's name? 

We wanted a name that wasn't too common. Our nickname for our daughter is baby bear and when we came across the name Orson it was the perfect fit. His middle name is a tribute to our street address since he was unexpectedly  born at home!

What are you looking forward to doing with your baby? 

I'm looking forward to all of the toothless smiles and then baby giggles. When he's a little older it will be great to see him and my daughter play.

Write 3 adjectives that describe your newborn baby. 

Serious, determined, and of course adorable.

Share a piece of advice to an expecting mom. 

Don't stress about things too much, especially during the newborn phase. It can be a tough time but in a week or two's time they are on to the next phase and everything has changed.

What has been the biggest struggle since having your second baby? 

Adjusting to life with a newborn and a crazy toddler! Mornings, nights, and weekends are loud and hectic when its all four of us but we're starting to get in a new routine.

What was your favorite part of your newborn photo session? 

Definitely the siblings pictures and Laura's patience. Although he was only five days old he would not cooperate for almost any of the poses but Laura kept pushing on and we got some beautiful pictures.

Why is newborn photography important to you? 

You only have one chance to get these pictures and they change so quickly.

If any of your personal items were used during the portrait session, where were they from? Target, Pottery Barn, Etsy, etc. 

I got a few items from Etsy and then knit some other myself.

Where did you deliver?

I delivered at home about five or so minutes before the paramedics arrived! We then went on to Magee and the emergency staff there was amazing.

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected] To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow along on Instagram and Facebook.