Melissa Rasmussen

Pregnancy isn’t just three neat stages—it’s an entire journey that continues well after the baby arrives. The more you know about each trimester (including the 4th), the more grace you can give yourself along the way.

Are you expecting a baby soon? I totally get it—the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. Between baby showers, last-minute Target runs, and looking for that perfect newborn photographer, there’s a lot on your plate. I’m sharing my top 5 tips for getting your home (and yourself) ready for baby in just two weeks. Plus, there is a free downloadable check list at the end!

As a newborn photographer who has seen just about every toddler mood in existence (sometimes all in one session), I’m here to assure you—beautiful sibling photos are possible. You just need a little preparation, a whole lot of patience, and someone who’s genuinely good with kids. Spoiler: that’s me! Here’s how to make sure your toddler feels happy, included, and maybe even excited about being part of your newborn session.