/Letters to My Children/ January 2015

My sweet Jonah,

What a wild ride this month has been with you! Injuries, illnesses, and your newfound desire to get into everything that isn't nailed down. There's no taking our eyes off of you right now, that's for sure. But for as mischievous as you've become, you're also getting sweeter - and smarter - by the day. You're at this awesome stage right now where every day you have a new word or a new trick and everything is starting to come together for you. As a parent, it's a pretty incredible thing to witness. I can see the baby in you diminishing by the day, so I'm trying to enjoy every single  "wovey," "nnnack!," "tank you," and "buppy." I know all too soon they'll turn into "lovey," "snack," "thank you," and "up" and that bittersweet feeling of my baby turning into a toddler will wash over me. Not too fast, my sweet boy... not too fast.

Love,

Mama

Please head over to my immensely talented friend Ally's blog to read her letter, then continue around the circle until you land back here!

/10 on 10: 2015/ January

I'm thrilled to be back with the latest installment of 10 on 10! This has grown into one of my favorite projects and I'm teaming up with a truly awesome group of photographers on it this year. After you check out my 10, head on over to Christine's blog to see her 10! /1/ peek-a-boo barn

/2/ lines

/3/ hanging at the art wall

/4/ sidle up

/5/ snack

/6/ well maybe if you hadn't dumped the bowl out on your head...

/7/ more please!

/8/ Freeze!

/9/ two can play at this game

/10/ old and new feet

/Letters to My Children/ December

Dear Emma and Jonah, What a fun-filled month we've had! Christmas prep, Mommy & Me Princess Tea Party, cookie making... all capped off with an awesome Christmas. I saw something a few weeks ago that said people always say the best feeling in the world is being a little kid at Christmas, but really the best feeling in the world is being the parent of a little kid at Christmas, and that couldn't be more true. Getting to experience the holidays through your eyes and seeing you love our family traditions as much as Daddy and I do filled me with more joy than I can adequately describe.

We kicked off Christmas Eve morning with a new tradition - Christmas donuts! Emma, you of course had your usual pink frosted with rainbow sprinkles, and Jonah had fruit because donuts don't exactly make for healthy baby food... so maybe one of those traditions that was better in theory. ;)

Next we had our annual bowling trip, and everyone had a great time. Jonah, you weren't quite big enough to roll the balls but you had a blast running around the bowling alley while Daddy and I chased after you to ensure you didn't stick carpet food in your mouth. 

The next morning it was time for the Big Show! Emma, you were so excited to see that Santa and his reindeer had eaten your cookies and carrots and even left you a little thank you note. Jonah, in true fashion, you were far more concerned with your blueberries than with opening presents but eventually got on board.

After a great morning just the 4 of us, it was time to head off to the grandparents' houses! First up was Papa's house, where you guys loved his train and got even more wonderful new toys.

Then we went to Nana's for more Christmas fun and the final batch of presents! We had a wonderful dinner together followed by some super yummy cake. 

The next day was of course spent playing with your new toys. Emma, you started to get the hang of your new big girl bike and continued your obsession with the Jack-in-the-box, while Jonah strutted around the neighborhood in his baby Carhartts.

All-in-all it was another great Christmas, the best part of which was spending time together as a family... without a doubt the greatest gift of all.

Love,

Mama

/10 on 10/ December

It's my last 10 on 10 post of the year! Instead of sharing my usual 10 photos from a single day, I thought I'd do a year-end recap of my 10 favorite photos from 2014. I'm a little relieved that these were much harder to narrow down than I thought - a sign that I should feel really happy with my photography this year. In past years I had many technically good photos, or photos that were personally meaningful, but not many that accomplished both. This year was different. I discovered my vision, I captured what I wanted to remember, I took photos that made my heart sing. So without further adieu, my top 10 for 2014 (in chronological order)... /1/ Oh, this face. This photo is just so her... girly, but messy, sweet but a little mischievous. Every cup of hot cocoa after sledding was an event unto itself last winter, and I reveled in watching her enjoy every last drop.

/2/ This photo... this photo is every photographer mom's holy grail. Both kids smiling and looking at the camera in good light. It happens once in a blue moon, and I'm so happy it happened by chance because it makes this photo that much more meaningful for me. Both still in their PJs, Emma's hair a mess, Jonah snuggling with Emma's lovey. Had I tried to plan this, it wouldn't have worked nearly as well or meant nearly as much. I will love this photo forever and ever.

/3/ This photo makes my heart so happy... I hope I can always make her feel this content and secure.

/4/ This photo means so much more to me than meets the eye. This was taken at the cabin and it was one of her very first times having french braids. She looked so grown up. But just under the braid you can see the tick bite on her neck - a traumatic experience for all involved and juxtaposed with the braid it was a reminder to me that she's still so vulnerable. She was laying on her daddy's lap here and I remember feeling in that moment how this photo still makes me feel... in awe of her beauty, her fragility, the ache of a mama's heart who can't stop time.

/5/ As much as I want to remember the good stuff, it's important to remember the struggle, too. So many nights after work and daycare were spent just like this. All Jonah wanted was to be held by his mama, but dinner had to get made. I was already so tired, but couldn't say no to that face, those eyes. So this was our beautiful compromise.

/6/ My favorite shots of Emma are always the ones where I feel like I thoroughly capture her personality. This kid has energy for days and jumping on the bed is one of her all-time favorite things to do.

/7/ This is my second favorite image of the two of them. Every morning they would stand at that window and watch their dad walking Rocco. They'd knock and wave and it was the cutest thing ever. I just love their connection here.

/8/ I love this one for two reasons... 1) Jonah is just so stinking cute and I vividly remember this stage of constantly chewing on everything. And 2) because it reminds me of what an unsung hero my husband is.

/9/ This is probably one of the best photos I've ever taken and I'm so grateful I happened to be standing in the right place at the right time so I could capture this moment between Jonah and my dad.

/10/ Not the best photo from a technical standpoint, but one I love dearly because of my mom's expression. She's so silly with my kids, so free. She wasn't always like this and it makes me so happy to see her this way now. My kids are immensely lucky to have her for their Nana.

I encourage you to head over to Felicia's blog for some more 10 on 10 fun, then continue around the circle until you end up back here!

/Letters to My Children/ November

Oh, my little guy. What a couple months you've had since turning 1! You got your tubes in, your hearing vastly improved, and you decided you were done with this whole easy going, unflappable baby business. You are still the happiest, smiley little guy, but man - when you want something, you REALLY want it and you get quite frustrated when you don't get your way. In other words, you're a toddler now! I wasn't quite ready for that development, but along with the emotional roller coaster has come some pretty awesome stuff... like talking and walking! You took your first steps around 13 months, and have slowly but surely getting that whole balance thing down. Every day you walk out a little further, and your confident cruising has all but replaced crawling.

You have also become quite the little climber! We can't seem to keep you off the furniture, and while this makes me and Daddy pretty nervous, you're always so careful getting up and coming down.

I think my favorite thing about you at this age is how silly and playful you are. You love playing with your sister (even when she smothers you) and we're already getting glimpses of the trouble you two are going to get into when you get a little older. You still love playing peek-a-boo, and have found a new love in taking things apart while making as much noise as possible.

From toddler to teenager, and even when you're old like me and Daddy, we'll always love you no matter what. But, you know, if you could slow down time between now and then, that would be super. :)

I encourage you to head over to my dear friend Christine’s blog to read her letter to her children.

/10 on 10/ November

/1/ He's a climber, alright

/2/ Bounce house fun

/3/ Jonah was a big fan

/4/ Kicking back with Phonics Island

/5/ Always so happy when he wakes up from a nap

/6/ Rollin', rollin', rollin'...

/7/ Asleep at the wheel

/8/ Look at me, mama!

/9/ Love that smile

/10/ Golden girl

I’m joined in this project by a group of crazy talented photographers. I urge you to click over to Sherry’s blog to check out her 10 on 10.

/Letters to My Children/ October

Whew! What a month October was for us! We usually try to avoid throwing a ton of change at you all at once, but this month it was pretty unavoidable. We kicked off the month by moving into our new house, and while Daddy and I were super worried about how you'd react to the move, you handled everything with patience and understanding well beyond your 3 years. You really seem to love the new house, having more space, and you especially love having a playroom.

Only a few days after moving, we left for our long awaited beach vacation. You were SO excited to spend a whole week at the beach and couldn't wait to dig your toes into the sand. We ate lots of Kohr's ice cream and we even bought you your very own kite. You loved running with Daddy to get it up in the air, then you'd take over the string and fly it all by yourself!

You and Zachary ran each other ragged each day, laughing one minute and bickering the next (like typical toddlers!) And you got lots of special time with Nana and Grandpa Ed.

I'll never forget you feeding the seagulls on one of our last days there. You were completely fearless, holding up the bread and letting them snatch it out of your hand. You were in heaven and could have spent all afternoon running around feeding those birds.

Not long after we got home from the beach, you had a school closure and we got to spend a special day just the two of us. While it's often hard for me to manage work and play on those days, I always look forward to them because spending time with you is one of my all time favorite things to do!

We finally trekked out to the pumpkin patch at Gaver Farm, and you had a blast. I think you tried every single activity they had, but your favorite was the cow train. (Which of course I didn't get a picture of!) You also had a school field trip to Mayne's and got to pick out even more pumpkins. It was so fun getting to see you with all your little school friends. 

Lastly, the day you'd been waiting for most of all - HALLOWEEN! There is no article of clothing you've been more excited to wear than your Rapunzel dress. (Even now that Halloween is over you like to go into your closet and touch it, and your whole face lights up!) You looked perfect, and having Jonah as your Pascal made it even more fantastic. Once it was time for trick-or-treating you were super shy at first, but after a few houses you really got the hang of it and were running up ringing doorbells all by yourself. We were very proud of you, and it was impossible not to stand back and feel like you were growing up right before our eyes.

It was a month for the record books, my little love, filled with memories that I hope will last a lifetime. <3

I encourage you to head over to my super talented friend Renee’s blog to read her letter to her children.

/10 on 10/ October

We're at the beach this week and this has been one of my favorite days so far... /1/ morning train

/2/ and she's off

/3/ races

/4/ practicing her "guh-mastics"

/5/ focused

/6/ wedgie

/7/ building Arendelle (of course)

/8/ hide and seek with Nana

/9/ found you!!

/10/ tickle time

I'm joined in this project by a group of crazy talented photographers. I urge you to click over to Felicia's blog to check out a day in her life.

/Jonah Month by Month/ One Year!

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!!!!

/Letters to My Children/ September

I really can't believe it, but tomorrow you will be ONE. Holy moly. Where did this past year go? It has been remarkable to watch you grow from this teeny tiny squish into a sweet, boisterous little boy.

Over the past few months your personality has really started to emerge and while I know I'm completely biased, you are one awesome kid. You are so stinkin' sweet and funny and curious. You love nothing more than air drumming along to anything that even remotely sounds like music. I don't know if you're going to grow up to play an instrument, but you certainly love music - and that's something your dad and I hope never changes.

You also love making a big ol' mess. Whether it's taking all the toys off the shelves or trying to get into Rocco's food and water, it seems every time I turn around you're surrounded by a mess - looking up at me and smiling big as can be. It's a good thing you're so cute!

I'm so honored to get this front row seat to your childhood... it's pretty clear to everyone who meets you that you're a special little guy. And while this milestone is a bit bittersweet for your sappy mama, it's exciting to think about all the things this next year has in store for you. Walking, talking, climbing, chasing your sister around, and charming everyone with those huge blue eyes.

You light up my life, little boy of mine, and I feel blessed beyond belief that I get to be your mama - on your birthday and every day.

I encourage you to head over to my super talented friend Carrie’s blog (Seattle Family Photographer, YiLi Photography) to read her letter to her children.

/10 on 10/ September

Doing something a bit different this month... All of the previous month's I've documented an entire day, so I'm switching it up and documenting a single moment this month. These are from the cabin over Labor Day weekend. Emma had been fishing with her little toy fishing pole for the past year and this trip she was ready to fish for real... I'm so so grateful I had my camera with me as this all unfolded!

I’m joined in this project by a group of amazing photographers… head on over to Davina’s blog to see a day in her life, then continue around the circle until you end up back here!

/365/ Every Day in August

\Letters to My Children\ August

What a month this was for us... you had your mini summer break from school, which meant you were home with me for two whole weeks. I had to work some of the days, which we both thought was a bummer, but the other days were jam packed with fun. We made new friends, had naughty treats, and went on lots of adventures... long walks to the park, laughing at Mary Poppins, jumping into the pit at gymnastics open gym, new books from the library,  walking Rocco, exploring Fountain Rock, a playdate at Lilypons with Christopher, and that was just the first week! 

You even helped nurse me back to health when I came down with a bad stomach bug.

Our second week at home brought more new adventures. I worked for the first couple of days, but then I was off for the whole rest of the week! Our first adventure was to Glen Echo park for a puppet show (which you loved) and more playing in the park. Nana and I were so excited to take you there because her parents took HER there when she was a little girl, and my parents took ME there when I was was a little girl. It was so special to see it new again through your eyes.

(This is your "I was super excited to go on this ride but now I'm actually on it and will remain expressionless until it ends" face. Any type of ride, it never fails. Daddy and I love it.)

The next day it was back to our house for some pool time. We're all going to miss the nice pools here once we move, so it was nice to get to go a few more times before summer ends.

For our last (week)day of summer break we went to Catoctin Zoo and you looooved it. You sang "We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo. How about you, you, you..." all the way there, and ran from habitat to habitat remarking on all the animals. You especially loved feeding the deer and llamas.

After the zoo we went to the Roads and Rails museum and you had so much fun pushing all the buttons to make the trains go.

Our two weeks flew by, and even though we were both pretty tired and ready to get back to our normal routines, it was still bittersweet to have it come to an end. We so rarely get time just the two of us anymore. I obviously love Jonah to pieces, as do you, and there's nothing I enjoy more than hanging out as a family - but to have time where it could just be us, going on new adventures, laughing, snuggling, not having to ask you to wait while I finish nursing Jonah, not feeling like I'm being pulled in a million directions and unable to give you as much attention as I'd like. Well, it was pretty darn glorious for both of us.

But all good things must come to an end... Monday I got back to work, and you started Primary. Seeing how big you looked on that first day of school made me even more grateful for those two weeks together, when it felt like - ever so briefly - time slowed down a little.

I love you, my darling girl. Only 360-something days until next summer break.

I encourage you to head over to my lovely friend Lucy’s blog (Philadelphia Family Photographer, Lucy Baber Photography) to read her letter to her children.

\10 on 10\ August

Park + Pool + Kidstock = best Saturday we've had in a long time... \1\ The only benefit to waking up so early

\2\ Digging

\3\ Thirsty

\4\ Adult swim

\5\ Chompers

\6\ Metamorphosis 

\7\ Festival kid

\8\ Big Blue

\9\ Like no one's watching

\10\ Sunset over Kidstock

I’m joined in this project by a group of amazing photographers… head on over to Christine’s blog to see a day in her life, then continue around the circle until you end up back here!

/365/ Every Day in July

/365/ Every Day in June

As I mentioned yesterday, I'll be sharing my 365 project on a monthly basis here on the blog. (If you want to follow along during the month, be sure to like my Facebook page.) Here's my catch up post for June...

(Day 17 is from the kids' bathtime, so we'll be keeping that one private :) )

Every Day in June: Part 2

Well, it's almost August, so I figured I should probably finish Part 2 of this Every Day in June business. When I first wrote about this project, I mentioned that it was a HUGE epiphany for me and has impacted my shooting in ways I never expected but am extremely grateful for. At the end of the post I wrote: "So I had the 'how' and the 'why'… now it was time to figure out the 'what.' What did I want my photos to look like, to feel like – both to myself and to other people?" The answer lay in an unexpected place...

I've mentioned on here before how music is a huge part of my life. Give me a song with some guitars, banjo, a little mando, heartfelt and honest lyrics, preferably live, and I'm good. I want a song I connect to - that when I listen to it, I feel something. Music that trades polish and perfection for honesty and emotion. And that's when the lightbulb went off... what I wanted my photos to look like is exactly how the music I love makes me feel.

Once I made that connection, everything started falling into place... my compositions, my use of light, my editing. For the first time in my 2 years of being a photographer, I knew I'd found my style. It was ME, through and through.

I continued to shoot my 5 photos every day, and found myself happier and happier with the photos I was taking...

6.15.14: safe / little charmer / "daddy, play me something on the ti-tar!" / passed out... again / watching George with George

6.25.14: bed head / stalling getting dressed / chunky legs / pantry peekaboo / trying to flatten them out

6.26.14: wheeee! / looking for groundhogs / Elmo / But I don't want any of the expensive organic fruit you bought for me! / breaking point

6.27.14: good morning! / these two... / from above / my boys / she sleeps

6.28.14: soccer sit / reflection / a parent's greatest struggle / hanging around / play

6.30.14: mornings are tough / reward / Jonah sandwich / dueling humidifiers / this smile makes any work day disappear

You'd think that I'd be super relieved to be done with this project... shooting for a set of 5 photos every day is definitely tough, but the funny thing was I missed it when it was over. Like, a lot. So I decided to keep going with a 365 project. Our everyday, every day for a whole year. I'd always felt so intimidated by doing a 365... always made excuses why I simply couldn't do it. The primary reason being that I work full time and I feared that weekdays would be super challenging, especially during winter when it's dark before and after school. But I'm throwing caution to the wind and telling myself I can make it work. (<-- someone remind me I said that come January) Heck, I already had June done! What's 11 more months? Ha ha.

I'll be sharing some of my 365 photos here and there on my Facebook page, and at the beginning of every month I'll be posting all the photos from the previous month here on the blog. I'd love to have you follow along!

\Letters to My Children\ July

You, my little one, have been on a huge development streak since my last letter to you! It seems like every day you're doing something you couldn't do the day before. Your cautious army crawl has been replaced by standing, cruising, and getting into EVERYTHING. Your absolute favorite thing in the world is to make your way over to Emma's kitchen and enthusiastically toss all of its contents onto the floor. Sometimes you make a loud bang when you drop the pots and pans and you look over at me to see my reaction and give me the silliest grin - it's impossible to be mad at you!

Your other favorite toys are your music table and this little pop up toy that frustrates you to no end, but you love it anyway. We're anxiously awaiting the moment you figure out how to make the little guys pop up on your own.

You've been pulling yourself up for a while now but you only recently figured out how to get back down. And it's the funniest thing - you basically do triangle pose until you get one hand fully on the floor, then you pivot around and down into crawling position. Our little yogi!

One thing that hasn't changed is how well you and Emma get along. She's always so thoughtful where you're concerned, and you just adore her and so desperately want to be able to do everything she does. You'll get there sooner than you know, buddy. I promise.

Watching you two together makes my heart so happy, and while I know it won't always be this way, I sure hope the fierce love you have for one another never fades.

The next time I write to you, you'll be turning 1. That gives me two more months to come to terms with the reality that you're not going to be my little baby forever. Oh, who am I kidding. I'm certainly not one to quote Mariah Carey, but you'll ALWAYS be my baby. ;)

I encourage you to head over to my lovely friend Lucy’s blog (Philadelphia Family Photographer, Lucy Baber Photography) to read her letter to her children.

\10 on 10\ July

Back for another 10 on 10! This month you're looking at a Shellaway Summer Sunday... \1\ Remote thief

\2\ Trucks 'n Chucks

\3\ Run like a chicken

\4\ Two of a kind

\5\ Step right up

\6\ Emma McStuffins

\7\ Pool snack

\8\ Making breadcrumbs

\9\ Pre-bath raspberries

\10\ Goodnight, sweet girl

I’m joined in this project by a group of amazing photographers… head on over to my sweet friend Carrie’s blog to see a day in her life, then continue around the circle until you end up back here!

\Letters to My Children\ June

I’m continuing my “Letters” project this year with a new group of my very dearest photography friends. Each month I’ll write a letter to one of my babies.  This month it’s Emma’s turn…

This month we celebrated your 3rd birthday! It feels like just yesterday you were a fussy, wriggly little thing, and now you're THREE.

We kicked off your birthday festivities by skipping school and heading to the zoo with Nana. You were so excited to see all the animals, and despite it being ungodly hot out, you had a blast. You were so curious about all the animals and got such a thrill every time you found one hiding in its habitat. We ended the afternoon with ice cream (of course), and you were asleep in the car before we even turned onto Connecticut Avenue.

That night we met daddy at Cafe Bueno ("the quesadilla restaurant") so you could get your favorite dinner, followed by the homemade peach cupcakes you requested.

The Saturday after your birthday we had a small get together so close friends and family could celebrate your big day. It was a wee bit overwhelming for you to open all your presents, but worth it in the end when you opened your big present from me and daddy - your new dollhouse! It was actually my and Titi's dollhouse when we were little girls and I renovated it to make it a little less, well retro-tastic. I know you don't exactly have a taste preference when it comes to design (yet!) but I figured tan floral wallpaper and green shag carpeting weren't your thing.

Overall, it was a wonderful few days of celebrating our beloved little you, and Daddy and I are so excited to see what this coming year has in store for you - our sweet, silly, brilliant, thoughtful, fiercely independent, always-moving Emma.

I encourage you to head over to my lovely friend Lucy's blog (Philadelphia Family Photographer, Lucy Baber Photography) to read her letter to her children.