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. 😉

“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

“…to those who wait.”

We’ve all heard it before and likely often, from our elders or friends…or the old Heinz Ketchup commercials. My dear friend, Becki, is a perfect example.

And not to say she hasn’t been blessed, because she has. Steven+Becki met and fell in love some five years ago and were married a couple years later. They have built a wonderful life, filled with family and friends, and they couldn’t wait to become parents.

Last year was a tougher one. But every morning when the sun rises, we’re reminded of the circle of life. That good things will come again. And when the timing was right, Becki learned she was pregnant.

Congratulations to Steven+Becki, your strength during the bad times and refusal to take for granted the good is inspirational. You’re going to be great parents.

*Abigail Grace was born on Father’s Day, just to sweeten the deal a little more. Mom+Dad are over the moon. And I hear she’s…well, perfect.

I recently got together with my Bestie to record another milestone in her son’s life — his six-month birthday! And boy oh boy, has he grown! He is sitting up on his own, has two teeth and has already begun mastering solid foods. Before we know it, he’ll be filling out college applications… though it is yet to be determined whether he’ll be a Gator or a Dawg. Happy First Half-Birthday, Riley!

It was still dark when we arrived at the first location for Crystal+Jeremy’s engagement shoot. We encourage our couples to choose the locations and themes, and this one was Jeremy’s choice. We were going for a little tailgating and a lot of love, hoping to take advantage of the morning glory that would soon peek over the trees. It was a pretty great backdrop for Jeremy’s bright blue Jeep, Crystal’s bright blue eyes and their Ohio State pride! (Crystal suggested I wait until the end of the shoot to tell Jeremy I’m a Wolverines fan… smart girl!)

In addition to their love for each other and the Buckeyes, Crystal+Jeremy also love the movies. And I mean, love them. When they’re not watching the game, it’s likely they’re catching the latest blockbuster. Crystal’s location choice was Downtown Sarasota and the Burns Court theater. It was a fun way to end a great day! And I could easily imagine the classic fairytale voice-over announcing, “…and they lived happily ever after.” I can’t wait to see the real thing.

Cheers to Crystal+Jeremy! Next year will be here before you know it!