Crista Acosta Photography »

I had the pleasure of meeting these three kiddos on Saturday to get some holiday pictures with their families.  We had great plans of going to a local park, but the weather had other plans.  I’ve decided to keep most of the big group shots just for the family to see, but here’s a sneak peek of the adorable kiddos.

First up, Mr. Smiley.  So adorable, and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen.

And this little girl has an amazingly spunky personality.  Despite giving me a run for my money, she gave me a big hug at the end of the session.  Too sweet! 

Last but not least, sweet Evan.  He wasn’t quite so sure about me at first.  

and just for fun… here’s what happens when you try to get a “group shot” of 4 adults and 3 crazy kids inside.  :P 

Don’t worry guys… I got some good shots too, just thought I’d share one of the (many!) funny outtakes! 

Tonight as I was putting L.A. to bed, it hit me so hard that it’s going by so fast.  He’s an amazing little boy, and I love watching him as he develops.  He’s crawling like a mad man, has his own little sense of humor and you can actually see his imagination growing… the other day C and I watched as he sat quietly turning the pages of a book, and on each page he would pretend there was a little treat and pick up his imaginary goody and put it in his mouth and say “Mmmm” happily.  It was all we could do to contain our laughter. 

For a moment though tonight, instead of being a baby on the cusp of toddlerhood he was cuddled up in my arms as I gave him his bedtime bottle.  While I rocked back and forth in the squeaky old chair, I started to sing him a song about how much he’s changed my life and how lucky we are to have him.  Midway through my song, he looked up at me in the darkness with his big brown eyes and smiled almost to say “Yeah, I love you too, Mom”.  My eyes welled up and tears started pouring down.  

The truth is, though I distinctly remember standing in the doorway of his empty nursery a year ago with my hand on my swollen belly imagining what it would be like when he arrived, it now seems like a lifetime ago.

Almost as if our life really began when he came, and I can’t remember what it was like before that.  As time goes on, my heart bursts with pride at the little boy he’s becoming and yet it breaks for the tiny baby he’ll never be again.  

So L.A., when you read this many years from now and I’ve become the annoying, embarrassing Mom I’m sure I’m destined to be at some point, know that I love you.  I loved you before you were here, and I love you in a way that I never realized I could ever love anyone.  You’re an incredible little boy, and while I wish I could freeze time and keep you small forever, I look forward to the adventure of watching you grow from the tiny baby your father and I stared at in awe for days on end to the man you will become.  Thank you for always reminding me how important each day is.  I love you sweet boy.   

The culprit : 

and the result :

L.A. has managed to infect not only us, but my MIL too (so so sorry!!!).  Whatever he had, it’s been no fun for the rest of us.  I had to use the opportunity though to grab our 52 week picture.

Week 28.

When I was still pregnant, a coworker and friend of mine said “Being a mom is the greatest thing in the world.  In that one moment you suddenly have someone who over the course of time will give you their love unconditionally, they will bring so much joy to your lives, and they will pass along every germ they come in contact with - so stock up on your vitamins!”

Truer words have never been spoken, as I sit here suffering from a terribly nasty cold that I’m certain a little 22 lb ball of slobbery kisses (I won’t name any names) has passed on to me.  The worst part is so many times over the weekend as he came lunging towards me with his runny nose, I said to myself “oh that’s not good… I’m gonna get sick”, but didn’t for a second let it deter me.  Smart move, sister. 

I’ve meant to keep up with the 52 week project, but well… life gets busy and it’s easy to let things slide.  I’m back on the horse though and I’m going to try to finish out the second half strong. 

Here’s a quick picture courtesy of C from the other night.  I think he might be giving me a run for my money with his skills. 

Week 27

C and I are in the midst of a debate on the topic of L.A.’s ‘do.  Quite frankly, it’s out of control and quite ridiculous.  For sentimental reasons, C is reluctant to cut it.  I’m not saying that I don’t feel a little nostalgia for his sweet baby mane, but I am saying, actually… I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves.

To cut or not to cut?

Today when we got home.  Just for reference, this was a “tame” day.

…and my awful photoshopped fake hair cut.  For the record, I don’t want to cut all of his hair off, I just think there is a little trimming to be done. 

So, weigh in.  Leave a comment… to cut, or not?

I’ve been lucky enough to watch Kristina’s beautiful belly grow from the very beginning, and it was my honor to get to document this time as she and Dave await their baby’s arrival.  This little boy has the coolest nursery I’ve ever seen, and I’m only showing a sneak peek of it here, because I have big plans for photographs in there when he gets here!  

Is this not the most adorably perfect belly you’ve ever seen?

I don’t normally share my very favorite images from sessions, but this time I couldn’t resist.  Umm… do you think these two sorta like each other a little bit?  I love pictures like this where you can actually feel the love. 

Not only does this little guy have the coolest nursery, his Daddy is an amazing guitar player.  What a lucky little dude to be born to such hip parents! 

Well, for awhile now I’ve been secretly (or not so secretly) worried about L.A.’s lack of movement, and utter disinterest in crawling, but lazy bones decided to take off this weekend.  He’s doing more of an army crawl and pushing off his right foot with his left peg leg dragging behind, but it’s definitely movement and he’s getting where he wants to go! 

This means C and I really need to get down with the baby proofing asap!