Newborn Photo Session. Austin TX

Tell us a little bit about your growing family!

My husband, Eddie, and I were married in 2021 after only three months of engagement and nine months of knowing each other. When you know, you know! We were introduced by my close friend, who also happens to be his cousin. After time in the Valley and San Antonio, we’ve settled in my hometown area of Leander. Together, we now have our daughter, Sienna, who is bright and full of personality, and our son, Elias, who just joined the family. We love spending time with our extended family and exploring local spots around town — especially restaurants with good vibes and playgrounds, because when the kids are happy, we’re happy too.

How is your newborn baby doing? What was your first thought when you saw your baby for the first time?

Elias is thriving! In his first two weeks of life, he grew nearly a pound and two inches, and he’s been a great feeder since the very beginning. When I first saw him, I was overjoyed to finally hold him. I was also curious about how he’d look, since his big sister surprised us with blue eyes and light hair from recessive genes. Elias looks a lot like Sienna did as a newborn, but with darker hair, and his eye color is still a mystery. My best guess is they’ll be a beautiful shade of brown.

How did you come up with baby's name?

I first fell in love with the name Elias when I taught a sweet sixth-grade boy with that name. I loved that it could be pronounced differently depending on cultural background, and that flexibility appealed to me. We chose to pronounce it “Eli” for short. His middle name, Grey, came from my love of its cool, mysterious sound — and it also happens to be my husband’s favorite color. I preferred the “E” spelling to the “A,” because I liked the way it looked visually. Elias also derives from the biblical name Elijah, who held a significant role in early biblical history, which makes the name even more meaningful to us. And so, Elias Grey was the perfect fit.

How are you adjusting to life with a newborn?

We’re adjusting really well, though every day brings its own challenges. People often tell me I look surprisingly rested or put-together for having a newborn, but the truth is, life doesn’t stop when you already have a toddler. Recovery was a little slower this time, but with my doctor’s guidance and my husband’s support, I was moving around by day four. Eddie has been wonderful about taking on extra tasks — from diaper changes to late-night soothing — which has given me space to heal. This time we also made the decision to co-sleep, which has made nights much easier compared to our first experience. I’ve learned that there isn’t one “right” way to do things; it’s about blending safe medical guidance with what feels right for your family. I make sure to shower every day, keep the house as normal as possible, and remind myself when it gets overwhelming: this season is temporary, and it will pass.

How are the siblings adjusting to having a new baby in the house?

We now have two children — Sienna, age 2½, and Elias, who is just four weeks old. During my pregnancy, we worked really hard to prepare Sienna for her new role as big sister. We read books, had daily conversations, and made little changes around the house to help her understand what life would look like with a baby. That effort paid off — she’s handled the transition so well. I think it’s important not to underestimate how much little ones can understand; they’re far more perceptive than we sometimes realize. We’ve also made it a priority to give her one-on-one attention so she always feels valued. Having a new sibling is not just about welcoming a baby — it’s about growing little leaders in the family and inviting them to help in meaningful ways.

Favorite thing about being a mom?/ What’s the hardest part about being a mom to a newborn?

My favorite thing about being a mom is watching my children grow into their own unique little people. You realize quickly just how much influence you have — both directly and indirectly — and it’s both humbling and inspiring. I love seeing those “fruits of labor” moments: a milestone reached, an act of kindness shown, or even just a funny phrase that catches me by surprise. Those moments remind me why motherhood is such a gift.
The hardest part, especially with a newborn, is navigating the overwhelming days when you don’t feel like yourself. Motherhood changes us — our preferences, friendships, routines — and sometimes the hardest step is accepting that change. We have to learn to work with our new normal instead of against it. And of course, there are the everyday worries, like when baby has a stuffy nose and you feel helpless. For me, saline drops, steam showers, and the trusty Frida nose sucker became my lifeline.

What are some of your favorite moments with your baby so far?

Some of my favorite moments are the simplest ones. Watching my daughter hold her little brother with so much tenderness (always with my help and in a safe spot) is a memory I’ll cherish forever. I love listening to Elias’s sweet coos, seeing his funny cross-eyed newborn expressions, feeling his tiny fingers wrap around mine, and breathing in that unmistakable newborn scent. These small, ordinary moments are the ones that stay in your heart.

What pregnancy and parenting books did you read? Were they helpful?

I read quite a few books this time around: Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method, Cribsheet, You Are a F*ing Awesome Mom, The Second Baby Book, Boys Adrift, The Male Brain, and The Female Brain. I also leaned heavily on Moms on Call, which has been my go-to resource for schedules and practical advice on just about everything. Even though I planned to (and did) receive epidurals for my labors, I chose to read the Hypnobirthing book because I loved how it focused on mental strength. Many of the techniques were still useful for staying calm and centered during labor, even without going fully unmedicated or working exclusively with a midwife.

When we found out we were expecting a boy, I also became especially interested in books on gender and development. As a teacher, I see firsthand how boys and girls often learn differently, and I wanted to understand those differences from a parenting perspective too. Boys Adrift was particularly insightful on that topic.

For Sienna, we used Nine Months: Before a Baby is Born to help her understand my growing baby bump and the timeline for welcoming her new sibling. It gave her a sense of what to expect when mommy and daddy went to the hospital. The book mixes scientific images of a developing fetus with family-style illustrations, so I often narrated my own story to go along with the pictures. While it may not feel “storybook-like” for everyone, the visuals were powerful, and Sienna loved it. I think it was a key resource in preparing her for those nine months and easing the transition when Elias arrived.

Each book offered something different — some gave me confidence, others perspective — but ultimately, experience is still the best teacher.

What tips would you give to new parents who are about to bring their baby home?

One of the best investments we made as new parents was in baby monitoring systems like the Owlet sock and the Nanit. They can be pricey, but the peace of mind they bring is priceless. The biggest challenge in those early weeks isn’t just feeding or diapers — it’s managing the worry. Being able to rest, even in two-hour stretches, makes all the difference between feeling like yourself and feeling completely depleted. With our second baby, we’ve used both systems: the Owlet has been perfect for the newborn phase when babies crave closeness, and the Nanit works beautifully once they transition to the crib. If we could have afforded both from the start, we absolutely would have — because sleep and peace of mind are worth it.

If you had a great experience with Luba Cain Photography please share.

Luba is wonderful. Her studio is beautiful, welcoming, and perfectly designed for newborn sessions. I loved that she and her assistant handled everything so gently and professionally, which allowed us to relax in the family seating area and simply watch. She returned our proofs within a week, which is incredibly fast, and the props she provides are adorable — you really don’t have to worry about bringing outfits beyond something simple and neutral. She is an investment, but she’s worth it if you want timeless, high-quality photos from someone who understands both photography and newborn care. Not everyone knows how to handle tiny babies with such care, but Luba does, and that makes all the difference.

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Newborn Photo Session. Austin TX

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