There’s something extra special about a maternity session for a second baby. The excitement is different this time. Parents are more grounded, more confident, and usually paired with a toddler who has very big opinions. As a Sonoma County photographer, I’m always ready for a little chaos. This session is the perfect reminder that the wild, in-between moments are often the most meaningful ones.
From the beginning
From the moment we start, this toddler is on the move. He’s curious, fast, and absolutely determined to explore everything in sight. He runs ahead, circles back, insists on being held for exactly ten seconds, then bolts again. Mom laughs, Dad shrugs, and we all adjust. This isn’t a quiet, perfectly posed maternity session—and it’s not meant to be. It’s real life, right in the middle of growing a family.
Mom is glowing in that way only second-time moms seem to glow. There’s less wondering and more knowing. She rests a hand on her belly while keeping an eye on her first baby, effortlessly doing both at once. Dad steps in and out, scooping up their toddler when needed. He is whispering jokes, grounding the moment. We pause often, not to force perfection, but to let things unfold naturally.
Why I love it
Sessions like this are exactly why I love documenting families at this stage. As a Sonoma County photographer, I focus less on stiff poses and more on connection—how a toddler leans into a pregnant belly, how parents exchange a look that says “we’ve got this,” how laughter breaks out when plans go sideways. The toddler keeps us busy, yes, but he also brings energy, honesty, and so much heart to the images.
We take breaks, let him lead sometimes. We embrace the wiggles, the dirt on his knees, the moments when he wants to be right in the center of everything. Those moments matter. They tell the story of what life looks like right now—before the baby arrives, before everything shifts again.
As a Sonoma County photographer, I believe maternity photos don’t have to be calm to be beautiful. They can be loud, playful, and a little messy. They can reflect the season you’re actually in, not an idealized version of it. This session captures anticipation layered with real family life, and that’s what makes it powerful.
By the end, everyone is a little tired, a little dusty, and smiling. The toddler finally slows down just enough to snuggle in close, Mom’s hand finds her belly one more time, and Dad pulls them all together. It’s imperfect, joyful, and completely theirs—and that’s exactly what I want every family to remember when they look back on these images.
If you’re expecting your second baby and wondering whether a maternity session with a wild toddler is “worth it,” the answer is always yes. As a Sonoma County photographer, I promise to meet your family exactly where you are—and to turn the beautiful chaos into something you’ll treasure forever.
Are you interested in booking maternity pictures with me? Contact me here.
You can view more of my work on my Instagram page.
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