Crista Acosta Photography »

Big blue eyes, perfectly creamy skin, gorgeous little smile, teetering balance trying to learn to sit up and hands that constantly make their way into the mouth… I just love this age.  Truth be told, I love all ages and this job allows me to enjoy them all. 

Without further adieu, here’s Jake. 

Ohhh those dimples!!!

and here is where we told Jake about his first Holiday season, he’s excited!  ;) 

C and I have been a bit lax on the baby proofing in our house.  We have a gate at the top of the stairs, the outlets are covered, and the cabinets are locked up for the most part, but we still have a bit more to do. 

So to smack us in the face with a wake up call, yesterday L.A. and I were playing in the living room and I got up to go put something on the stove in the kitchen.  Everything was all prepared, it was literally a “throw it all in the pot” trip.  I was probably in there a grand total of 45 seconds when I hear a strange noise.  With my heart in my throat, I ran back to the living room and frantically looked around… he wasn’t there. 

I hear a giggle to my right and look over to see L.A. at the TOP of our stairs.  I bolted up those stairs and swooped him up so quickly, my heart racing the whole time.  He thought it was all a big joke and was dissolving in laughter while I nearly had a heart attack.  :sigh:  Needless to say, the stairs will be blocked off from this point forward so please refrain from calling DCF on me.  I swear I’m a good mom. 

Tell me this little face doesn’t just scream mischief??

I’ve had quite the weekend, and kicked it off yesterday meeting up with this beautiful family.  I was disappointed to hear the rain pouring down early in the morning, but we were lucky enough that it let up for just long enough to get some great pictures.  First up, the sweet kiddos. 

And last up, the whole group together.  Megan and Kari, I know you thought I was crazy to drag you out here, but this series looks really great in both black and white and color!  

I know, I know… Some readers have politely pointed out that I’ve been MIA.  In my defense, this week was crazy at work and the little dude has been sick all week.  C has been home, so the two of them have been hanging out, and I’ll admit, I wish I could have been here too.  

To make it up to you, here’s a glimpse of my almost one year old little boy.  For the record, I’m in complete denial that his birthday is just 10 short days from now, so let’s not talk about that. 

I’ve been a lucky lady these days getting to shoot some of the most beautiful families… here are a cute little brother and sister that I got to meet this weekend.  

Seriously, check out this gene pool!!  Gorgeous.  :) 

If I thought this little guy was a cutie at his newborn session, he blew my socks off when I saw him for his 3 month portraits.  This is one of my favorite things about what I do… I just love to watch children grow and capture this time that is so extremely fleeting.  Enjoy your sneak peek!

and one of my personal favorites:

Many years from now my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will read about yesterday’s election and outcome in their history books.  To know that I participated in an election that is one of the most historic in American history moves me beyond words. 

To think that the civil war was just 150 short years ago, and regardless of the outcome of yesterday’s election – there would be someone in office who didn’t have the right to vote in the not so distant past.  That is America.

Today as I drove through the streets of our capitol city, I saw people standing proud on the corners solemnly waving the American flag, holding signs up with the name of our President elect, and one man in particular holding the newspaper high above his head as tears streamed down his face. 

Yesterday when I went to vote, I had L.A. in my arms, and as we walked out of the polling station I held him tightly and kissed him on the forehead knowing that this election is one that opens innumerous doors for his future.  To quote Senator Obama “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

Today I am beyond proud to be a part of this country, and incredibly inspired by what our future holds. 

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As a complete aside, yesterday alone I recieved over 10 submissions for the Holiday Cheer Contest!  I read through all of the touching stories, and admit it’s going to be very difficult to choose.  I’m amazed at the generosity and caring spirit of my readers.  Thank you to all who have participated thus far, and I look forward to any additional submissions!