It’s a special time for Mommies, too.
We have to learn that our babies are quickly becoming something other than our babies.
That can be so hard to do.

I spend a lot of time capturing these little moments in the lives of my own children.
I often find that
they are more precious to me
than the ‘proper’ photo shoots that I set up for them.

I like the photos with the toys.
Messy hair.
Mismatched jammies.
I try to include myself in these photos as much as I can.
I always seem to get the urge to whip out the tripod and remote
on days when I’m still in my jammies, too, with hair just as unkempt.
And I still love the images.

I wanted to capture the little moments that I love so much for another mommy.
Just her and her little person
doing what they do during the day.
Something for her to look back on in a few years, smile, maybe cry,
but ultimately be oh so happy that she can hold something in her hands
that freeze the simplicity of those days
when her baby was still her baby.

So, I put out my first casting call.

This is what happened:

Dearest Tatum,

My oldest daughter, my first girl, my beautiful little lady.
I love you.

I love your blossoming creative side.
You can spend hours with your new journal and colored pencils.
Drawing.  Writing.
You remind me of when I was a little girl.

I love your delight in all things magical.
You still believe in magic and faeries and all those things I love.
Believe as long as you want.
(I still do.)

You are growing up so fast and have opinions on fashion and hair.
When did that happen?
Can I stop it?

I love your smile and your laugh.
I love the way your eyes light up when something clicks or you get an idea.
You. Are. So. Smart.

I’m sorry your birthday letter was so late.
That’s what I get for having you just before Christmas. 

Thank you for being mine.

I love you.

Mommy

I had the pleasure of meeting up with this very fun family the day after Christmas to capture some portraits
while everyone was together for the holiday.
It was supposed to be a beautiful day.
( I know because I stalked the weather all week.)
But, as crazy Arkansas is known to do, the weather turned icky on us.
No worries, we just worked with a gorgeous house instead. 

Here are just a few of the photos we took.

These two kiddos were super cute and hilarious.
Oh! And Frank.  I love Frank.
I want one of my very own.

Who doesn’t love a Wet Willy?
(me)

Everyone should have a photo like this with their grandparents.
(I love the sibling love, don’t you?)

Story time!
(And those were two awesome books, too.  I shall be picking up copies for my kids ASAP.)

You came as such a surprise to us with your early arrival.
It was scary and exciting all at the same time and in the end we had
this tiny, itty bitty baby who stole our hearts.

Life with you has been so interesting.
You are much more wild than
your sisters.
That in itself is pretty funny because
I thought Paeton was
going to be our wild one.
I was SO wrong.

Your will is so strong and
your determination rivals even
your father’s.

There is never any doubt if you are upset.
You are happy to let us know.
And when you get in trouble,
you are quick to try
and pucker up
to smooth it over with a kiss.

You are a wiggly
snuggle bug
who loves to crawl into my lap
and bury your sweet head
into the curve of my neck.
It’s one of the best feelings in the world.

Much to my utter dismay,
you can find a way to scale anything.
A favorite past time for you
seems to be seeing just how
many times you can try to get in the spice cabinet.
Our kitchen has smelled of
curry on more than one
occasion.

Another ‘delightful’ thing you just
ADORE
is finding markers or pen
and scribbling furiously
over every inch of exposed skin.
In fact, you
are currently painted in shades of red
and black that is
s l o w l y
rubbing off from the last
encounter with permanent
marker.

I love you, sweet baby.
Forever and always.

Mommy

That can’t be possible.

But it is.

I. Am. The. Mother. Of. A. Teenager.

Yikes!!

He brings me such joy and laughter.

Who else would make funny faces in the mirror with me as we’re

comparing our eerily alike features?

And then laugh at me as I attempt

to dance to a country rap?

This guy!

And I love him oh so much for it. ?

(yes, a country rap.  My husband’s newest musical find.)

What a joy three is.

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Not familiar with my portrait parties?  They are so much fun and a great way to get some updated photos of your children without having a full session.  If you are interested in hosting one and would like more information, simply get in contact with me and I would love to discuss it with you!

A custom Valentine’s Day card of your child to pass out?  Too cute!!

Someone turns a year old oh so soon.

Since she leaves them to do fun, amusing, glamorous Kindergarten things, Paeton and Aryah are left with me to do fun, giggly, stay-at-home-with-young-children things. It’s different and we miss Tates, but we are adapting.

This is how we like to wake up.

Not a bad way to start the day!

The other day I decided that it was time to do Aryah’s ten month old photos while the weather was so pretty. Now, I saw the opportunity for some beautiful light, nicely asked (yelled) at John to please come help me gather the girls up before we lost it. I stripped the baby as John helped Paeton into one of her favorite dress up outfits. We rushed out in the front yard, threw down a quilt, and placed the baby on it. So, Aryah loves to crawl. She’s been doing it for months now but only recently started sitting. This meant that I knew we would have about 1.2 seconds before she tried to crawl off the quilt and attack some pine needles. I was correct and after several attempts, I got one usable shot. I even tried to put her in a doll bassinet to keep her sitting and not crawling out of the frame. That ended up in hysterical laughter because she decided that particular moment was THE BEST time to pee. Back on the quilt she went.

Good thing she is cute.

Paeton is notorious for wanting to have her photo taken when it isn’t really her turn. Who am I to say no to that adorable face?

And look at this!! Both of them together and looking at the camera.

I’m so lucky.

You started Kindergarten last week.

Be still my aching heart.