Today L.A. and I went to meet with Melany and her sweet son Ryan. The boys weren’t quite sure what to make of each other at first, but they had both of us moms laughing hysterically with their antics.
Hmm…. what’s this?
I know, I’ll taste him!!
This is the only picture I have of both of them looking out of the MANY that I took today.
And here are few of sweet Ryan all by himself, because he’s just so dang cute!
Thanks for meeting up with us today, guys. We had a fun time!
I met Leyton’s mom when she was still pregnant and got to photograph her and her beautiful belly. I was scheduled to do Leyton’s newborn session, but due to some complications and a very scary start, I finally met him yesterday at 8 weeks old. This little boy truly is a miracle and a testament to the power of prayer.
“Close your eyes, my little one
Close your eyes, my child.
Put away your daily cares
Lay down your weary head
And rest.”
This is by far my favorite thing of being a mom thus far. The feeling of L.A.’s little head nuzzled into my neck makes my heart swell every time.
Week 18.
People often ask me if L.A. really likes the camera as much as he appears to in my pictures. Yes, of course he does. What a silly question.
Sheesh, what kind of mother do you think I am?
Last night as C and I were sitting outside enjoying a little fresh air, a delicious meal, and eachother’s company, he perused our local newspaper and came across an article about some families in our area that are hosting children from The Fresh Air Fund.
The organization has been around since 1877 and provides free summer vacations to children from New York City. For one week each summer the host family welcomes a child into their home and gives them a chance to explore life outside the city. The time they are here doesn’t have to involve extravagant outings, but rather fun things that we may often overlook. A game of catch in the backyard, a hike in a nature trail, a trip to the local library, ice cream down near the river.
Often the children are matched with families and wind up returning to the same home year after year, essentially becoming an extended family member. After a long discussion about it, C and I are hopeful that we can participate in the program next summer. I share this only in the hopes that one person reading this may become intrigued and participate as well. That would be one more little life who could be forever changed.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Our local newspaper, The Reminder has a section called “Speak Out” where people in the community can submit their thoughts. Mainly they are gripes about the town, people, and life in general. The other day someone submitted the above entry and I was so pleased to see such a simple message of positive thinking. As I was driving into work today, I was behind a station wagon that had the same bumper sticker on it. Someone must be trying to send me a message. I hear you, I’m listening.
As a mother, one of the things that I hope for is that despite what turns our lives may take, L.A. will always be able to turn to me in times of happiness, times of saddness, and all of the times in between. Relationships between parents and children can sometimes become challenging, and it is one of my biggest dreams and goals that we maintain a balance between understanding and love. I want him to know that no matter what, I really will always be right behind him.
Week 17.
C and I have the best baby ever. I was totally stressing about how he would handle the long car ride and the ferry trip over to MV, but he had absolutely no problem with it. He hung out in the sling and had a great time. We didn’t have much luck in the way of weather, but we were able to make it to the beach on the 4th.
I was not, however, able to get any eye contact at all the entire time we were at the beach.
Right after I took this picture, that little hand went directly into his mouth. If only I had a picture of that face.
He got lots of loving from his Granna
and sat around just looking cute.
Remember “Daunt Vixen” from an earlier post? Well this vacation L.A. wanted to love her up, and she wanted nothing to do with him. All weekend she would peek at him out of the corner of her eye and then quickly glance away. Finally, Grumpy got her to come over and sit near him and I caught this look on L.A.’s face. “Oh my gosh, that’s a big mouth you have!!!”
