Four years ago Kevin and I walked into the hospital at 6:00 on a Tuesday morning in late November to get my water broken. We were nervous. Excited. Not sure what to expect. I was already pretty far progressed so my doctor thought my labor would come on pretty fast. My baby had other ideas. I can’t complain though. It was a pretty easy 11 hours of labor. And then with one final push the doctor pulled my baby out into the world, held my baby up and announced, “It’s a boy!”

I’m not going to lie to you. My baby was a red squalling ball of icky gooey-ness. But it was still love at first sight. And when we were released from the hospital Thanksgiving morning, I was indeed very thankful.

We’ve been through a lot together, he and I. Colic. Chronic ear infections. Tubes. Sleepless nights. The trials and tribulations of breastfeeding. And I wouldn’t change a moment of it. He can drive me crazy one moment and then melt my heart the next. He’s my whiner. And my cuddler. My people pleaser. And my daredevil. His smile can light up a room and his giggles are contagious.

I can hardly believe that he’s four already. I look at this image and I feel like I can already see the man that he’ll someday become. And I’m not ready for that yet. So please my sweet boy, just stay little for a little while longer. For mommy. Okay, buddy?

I love you Dylan.

Just one for Dalyan’s mom since I know she was worried.

Are you ready? Because this “secret” is hardly a secret to anyone who has had a child/family photo session. Or to any photographer.

The secret is that they almost never go as quickly or as smoothly as you hope they will. Almost every session there’s a snag. Maybe the kids are fussy or tired. Maybe they’re being silly. Maybe they’re just a little rambunctious and excited. No matter what the reason, the end result is that they’re typically not doing what you want them to – sitting still and smiling at the camera!

As the session progresses, and despite my reassurances, I can see Mom and Dad getting a little frazzled. A little frustrated. And inevitably someone says, “You must have the patience of a saint.”

So I’ll let you in on another secret:

I do.

With other people’s kids.  You see, I can completely empathize with Mom and Dad. Because I have two uncooperative children of my own. And I assure you, when you think that your children must be the most difficult kids I’ve ever photographed, I can honestly tell you that they’re not.  Because mine already have that title sewn up and in the bag.

Every year I’m painfully reminded of just how hard it is to be the parent and try to bribe, cajole, trick and threaten your child into compliance when I attempt our own holiday photos. And every year I end up frazzled, frustrated, exhausted, dejected, discouraged and ready to sell my children to the first band of traveling gypsies that happen to cross our path.

I’m kidding about that last part of course.

I wouldn’t do that to the gypsies.

We’re making attempt number three at our family photo session tomorrow if the weather cooperates. Yes, I said THREE attempts to get holiday pictures of our family. To explain why three sessions are necessary, I’ll simply offer up to you Exhibit A from Attempt #2 :

Yup, that would make my husband and I the only ones looking at the camera. Dylan is apparently quite taken with the grass. And Logan is fussing and mashing his head into my face. Fun times.

But you know what? It’s my family. And it’s pretty true to life. And it makes me smile. So maybe it’s not a complete failure…

Just look at this adorable new addition to my Oh Baby! first year plan! Little Samantha was so easy going and very accomodating of all the little accessory changes we put her through.  I’m loving that sweet smile and those beautiful blue eyes!

Miss Sophia was feeling a bit serious for her session. Contemplating the economic crisis perhaps? No matter, we had adorable (and warm!) outfits for her, a fun time trekking around the park and we even managed to eek out a few sweet smiles.

Sweet little Katharine slept like an angel her entire session. In fact, I didn’t see those open even once! But that doesn’t mean that she’s not as fiesty as that adorable red hair would suggest. At just 11 days old, Katharine had very definite ideas of how she was willing to be posed – and how she wasn’t!

And the LSU baby! I predict that this hat will be veeeery popular. I love how she looks like she’s floating on a cloud here.

You know, I like to think that I’m a pretty darn good photographer. And I’m not afraid to admit that it’s taken a lot of blood, sweat, tears and late, late nights to get me to where I am. But every now and then I have a session that makes me think my job is all too easy. I mean seriously, could this beautiful family possibly take a bad picture? I think not…

I love little Lila using the baby bump as a step stool… how cute is she?!

And I can’t wait to meet this little one! I see yummy, delicious newborn photos in the near future…

I recently met up with Amalia for her 4 month pictures. What a cutie! I seem to be blessed with lots of adorable red-haired clients! I just loved the fun, colorful style of Amalia’s home and using some of those elements in her pictures.

This blanket was her daddy’s as a baby. I love family heirlooms! 

Morgan wasn’t too sure she liked this whole “photography thing”, but with a little help from Elmo, we succeeded in getting some really precious images.

Wow, it’s hard to believe that this blue-eyed beauty is the same little newborn that I photographed almost a year ago! And big sister Hannah was just as sweet and funny as I remembered too. It was great to see you again S fam!