My baby boy. 11 months today. I am the happiest mama, and at the same time I want to bawl my eyes out!

Your 11-month photo was definitely more challenging than the last. Gone are the days of propping you up in the corner of your chair and snapping a couple photos. You are climbing, crawling, rolling, sliding and learning to take tumbles like a tough little guy. Did I mention you are climbing?! And pulling yourself up and trying to reach doorknobs and… You will be walking in no time. We have already started discussing new baby-proofing strategies.

Now if only we can get you more interested in solid food. We were so lucky to find the right formula to supplement when I couldn’t keep up with you anymore. Those were tough days. It’s hard not living up to your expectations, but you’ll learn about that someday, and that you just keep going. I am so proud of how far we made it! And you love your milk! So much so that fruits and veggies are relatively uninteresting so far…we’ll keep trying of course. I cannot imagine giving you a cake to eat and smash on your first birthday. But so much can change in just a day. You show me that all the time.

We love you, baby boy. We can’t wait to see what you learn next.

His outfits this month are classics. Vintage 1980s. My mother-in-law gave us the red overalls and the knit outfit, which were worn by my husband when he was six months old. {My husband was “definitely chunkier” than our baby boy, according to my MIL 😝}  The other outfit was a gift from his favorite aunt. 😉

Recently I was asked by two sisters to photograph their beautiful sister Vita’s maternity photos. She would be in town on a family vacation, the last as a family of three before Baby #2 arrives, and they wanted to surprise her with a portrait session before her baby shower that day.

I get so much joy when I photograph a maternity session, because expecting mamas are always glowing! They light up the photos and exude pure love. Vita was no exception. She was absolutely beautiful, and so was her family. Lil B and his excitement to become a big brother was beyond adorable. I smiled so hard during this session that my cheeks hurt afterward! 😁😍 Congratulations “Bella Vita!” What a beautiful life you have created! May it only get sweeter! xxoo

“I’m thinking balls are to men, what purses are to women. It’s just a little bag but we’d feel naked in public without it.” — Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw (“Sex And The City”)

I’m not nearly as fashion-hungry and purse-spoiled as Carrie, but I do love a great bag! I’ve recently been on the lookout for a unique and utilitarian addition to my collection. I was a huge fan of the over-the-shoulder, messenger-type bag during my college years, opting more for handbags and clutches of late.

I’m the type who weighs all the factors and considers multiple options when faced with a decision. Often I end up choosing the safest option when I can’t stall any longer. I literally spent 20 minutes choosing a nail polish today…and ended up with red (OPI Big Apple Red <3).

We had the occasion to hang out in St. Pete/Tampa for the day – America’s favorite pastime in the afternoon followed by one of my all-time favorites, Dave Matthews. I couldn’t wait any longer! I wanted a cute bag for the day that I couldn’t possibly lose :) The shops on Central Avenue in St. Pete did not disappoint.

After trying on every purse on the block (and exhausting my man), I took the plunge with a @SkunkFunk at Cozette’s Boutique. I love the colors, and the leather hand-rest-strap-thing is clever and comfortable. But what really excited me is that it’s made from recycled materials by a company that cares about sustainability. My bag was made with plastic bottles and tires, and it smells great :) Learn more at www.skunkfunk.com/sustainability.php and check out the other great bags at www.shopskunkfunk.com.

And what a great little boutique! So many lovely aromas! I also picked up a divine, all-natural artisan lavender soap from Sweet Harvest Farms (Tampa, FL) and a Fleur de Lys Soy Patchouli Ginger candle from Himalyan Trading Post (Decatur, GA). The entire experience was a pleasure. Many thanks, Cozette!

…something little comes along to remind you just how big it is really is.”

This was such a fun shoot for me and a blast from the past! Candy and I went to elementary school together in Michigan and hadn’t seen each other since the ’80s. Crazy! Decades later we reconnected in Sarasota when her family headed south for sunshine and white-sandy beaches!

Now her beautiful family is preparing to welcome another addition — a baby girl! I can only imagine how beautiful baby Aurora will be! I cannot wait to meet her! Congrats guys! xxoo

“Today you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” -Dr. Suess

I have had so much fun watching these two amazing kids grow up! They each recently celebrated another birthday, and mom went all out. Giant trampoline, live animal show, tea party and more! So much fun watching them run around with friends and family, having their best day yet. But before they could party, it was picture time! Happy Birthday, Chase & Hannah! xxoo