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:

A small look back at what happened with RLP this year.
I did a lot of boudoir this year, too, but can’t really show all that hotness.

And I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you to all my dear clients. You guys are the reason for all these beautiful photos. You guys are amazing.

Yes, it has been a pretty great year.
I’ve said hello to some new babies,
celebrated  with couples getting married,
and spent time with some fabulous families.

But it has also been a bitter sweet year.
Emilie, the amazing mom in the above photo, lost her fight with a brain tumor this year.
I want to spend 2012 living the legacy she left behind.
“We should all be so in love with each day.”
Don’t think that is a beautiful way to live?
I do.

See you in 2012, my friends!!

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. Crack. Me. Up.

Your imagination, your cute little voice, the stories you tell.
All of it makes me giggle
and makes me oh so happy
that you are mine.

You are my snuggle bug.
More than the other three,
you are more than content to
curl up in my lap,
sit at my side,
get in my way while doing chores.

Your big, huge smile
lights up my life.
It’s contagious.

I love the way you are a little shy at first in new situations.
I love the way you twist your mouth into funny, awkward shapes
when you are embarrassed or unsure of how to act.

Your full on laugh and big accompanying smile
is one of the best things in the world.
I dare anyone not to grin
when you do it.

You are so kind and sweet.
It makes my heart happy.

You make my heart happy.
Every. Single. Day.

Happy Birthday, Paeton-Head.

Love,
Mommy

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When Kim contacted me about a family session, I knew exactly how she felt.
She said her last family session was back in 2008.
We couldn’t have that!
(We don’t even want to talk about the last time MY family was photographed by someone other than myself. )

It was really sketchy there for a moment.
After following the weather all week and looking like we had a great window,
it POURED just minutes from our session.
In fact, it was still sprinkling when we arrived.
We waited it out.
It was worth it.

I’m so happy that the weather worked out for us.
I had a great time and we got some gorgeous images.
Yay!

There are still a small handful of session available for the Last Minute Minis! 
Contact me for details!

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There are still a few dates available for the November Last Minute Minis.  $100 for a half hour session!
Click on the contact link or email cherronmcdonald@gmail.com to book or to get more information.

I think she is.

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

Or catching up.

Whatever.

This is another family that I have had the pleasure to have in front of my camera numerous times.
Actually, this is only three members of the family.
The older two boys were visiting grandparents this day, so mom and dad decided to just have a session with the youngest.

This makes me happy because we get to have fun with the entire family soon! 

And don’t forget that RLP is now booking for fall mini sessions!

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Emilie is such a great mommy.

You can see the love she has for her family in almost every move she makes.

It’s such a wonderful thing to see.

And the kids! Oh, the kids.

They are some of THE sweetest little guys out there.

Yep.  Told ya.

One of the best families ever.

And don’t forget that RLP is now booking for fall mini sessions!

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