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A Month of Wally-love: Day 29

Wally and I went with my parents over to Bremerton to visit Auntie Dacia today. On our way back we got crepes and sat in the sun at the marina park and had a little fun with the camera. I caught this image as Grandpa French prepared to toss Wally in the air. He likes playing airplane.

Day 29: February 20
What a gorgeous spring day!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 28

I would never have laid baby Abby down on wet grass in February. But I did it to Wally today.

Day 28: February 19
He apparently loved it. Did I do this to my son because he's a second child and I know he'll be ok, or because I'm a photographer and getting the shot I want is what's most important? Either way, I love this image.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 27

The kids and I headed down to Edmonds Landing for some pictures and sunshine this afternoon. We got a late start and ended up missing our nap window, but it was worth it. Apparently, Wallyman LOVES sand and digging in it and eating it. Big sis played with shells and sticks while I photographed Wally, and everyone had a great time.

Yes, it's a challenge to take two kids and my camera to the beach. The most difficult part was protecting my baby (the camera) while preventing my baby (Wally) from eating sand off his fingers. Each time Wally would put his hand up to his mouth I'd jump forward to stop him, making it impossible to get the shot I should have gotten -- Wally eating sand. So we'll settle for hands covered in sand.

Day 27: February 18
I'm sure he managed to get some in his mouth despite my best efforts. We'll know in a day or two.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 26

There's a weeping willow by the road near my house that I've always eyed for photos. I love the way sunlight shines through the swaying branches. Wally and Abby and I took the double Bob out for a stroll and saw that this willow is already turning green. Hooray! I put Wally in the grass under the tree and took photos as he proceeded to eat leaves and twigs and anything he could pry loose from the ground. My favorite shot from our mini-session doesn't have any branches in it, so I guess we'll have to go back another time.

Day 26: February 17
Hello eyes!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 25

Wally, Abby, and I walked around Greenlake this morning with my good friend, Caroline, who is expecting her second baby any day now. Caroline told me that she was pregnant just days after Wally was born, and all of a sudden she is ready to meet her new little guy. How is it that time passes so quickly? Wally is approaching seven months now. How did that happen? But at the same time, it's hard to remember life without him. Sigh.

I plopped Wally down on the gravel path next to the lake and grabbed a few photos. Of course all the passersby (and their dogs) were much more interesting than mama making noises. And the gravel! How can I compete?

Day 25: February 16
One of my favorite parts of this image is the vertical valley (what do you call that? Cupid's bow is the name of the lips, right?) between Wally's nose and mouth. I also like how the gravel photographs. (Is that what Wally is thinking here?)

A Month of Wally-love: Day 24

My arms are sore from carrying Wally and my camera all over Friday Harbor as we waited for our ferry to come in. There were so many fun places to shoot I didn't want to stop. Of course, that means it was extra difficult to choose just one shot for the day. I like having that problem.

Day 24: February 15
Love the colors and the lines and Wally's porcelain skin. Wally is quite the ham. People would walk by and ooh and ahh over my boy and he would look at them and smile and work the crowd. Such an entertainer already. Mama doesn't really mind -- except when I want him to look at me and he is too busy melting strangers' hearts.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 23

What a beautiful day to be in the islands! We took the kids down to a playground near the water and had a great time snapping pictures and playing. I've actually got a couple of Abby that I adore, but I'll have to share those another time. There are some great ones with grass and water and a curving path, but the favorite is this one -- hanging upside down from Trevor's lap.

Day 23: February 14
Love the colors -- especially of Wally's eyes -- and the teeth and the finger in his mouth. This boy LOVES to hang upside down.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 22

We're back! We had a wonderful time up at Roche Harbor with our friends and I'm having a ridiculously hard time choosing photos for each day we were gone...except for this day. I came SO close to fibbing and using an image from a different day for day 22, but I didn't. Saturday we scrambled to catch the ferry (and ended up taking the one after the one we wanted) and ended up arriving at Roche at dusk. A storm was brewing, but I was determined to get out and snap something to use for the day. So I grabbed Wally and my camera as Trevor unloaded the car and headed out to this dock, where I knew the last light of the day would be. Wally was hungry and I was kicking myself for not doing something earlier, so we took a few and gave up. There you go.

Day 22: February 13
I love the grain of the wood and the lines of the dock. It looks like Wally is listening to the ominous wind in the trees.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 21

Oh, light, how I've missed you! The clouds parted and the rain subsided for a moment this afternoon. I saw sushine streaming across my floor and immediately stripped Wally down. After a few days of typical Seattle gray, I wasn't about to miss a shot at beautiful golden light.

Day 21: February 12

Love the eye contact and the fingers in Wally's mouth. I've tried and tried to hook him on a pacifier with no success, but every once in a while Wally will soothe himself with those two fingers. I also like the other hand that looks like he's giving a little wave.

Tomorrow afternoon we are heading up to Roche Harbor for the extended weekend, so though I'll be taking pictures each day, those posts won't be going up until Monday evening. I just don't want anyone thinking I'm slacking. Have a great weekend!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 20

Just messing around today. Abby and I made Valentines for her class this afternoon, so I thought we'd let this be Wally's Valentine to you all.

Day 20: February 11

A Month of Wally-love: Day 19

Today was gray and rainy, both outside and in my head, so my camera didn't make it out during the daylight. Wally and I attended our all-school meeting in the evening, and the combination of the speaker and time with friends, helped improve my mood significantly. That and watching Wally entertain several rows of moms with his smiles. When we got home, Wally was crying, hungry and tired, and I couldn't see how I would get my photo of the day in. He fell asleep nursing and I wasn't going to wake him just to get a photo (if it had been earlier, I would have, but this was at 10:30pm), so I decided that today would be the day when we'd snap (with Trevor's help) a nursing shot.

Those of you who know me are probably shocked that this is the first real nursing shot I've had taken. Clients often ask me for shots of them nursing their babies and I love when they do. Not many things are more sweet and tender and beautiful than the nursing relationship. But in the 2 1/2 years that I've been a nursing mama, I've never captured this image for myself. Until now! Thank you, Trevor, for helping me to get this.

Day 19: February 10
My favorite part of this image is my hand holding Wally's and the way his hand is curled around my thumb. But mostly I just love that this captures a moment of Wally-love.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 18

After dropping Abby off at preschool, Wally and I headed over to Bothell Landing for a run and some photos. Wally has been doing really well in the stroller; he pretty much fell asleep as soon as I buckled him in. When I finished my run, I woke Wally up and set him down on this brick walkway where he investigated the texture with his fingers. Every once in a while he'd look up to see the geese/ducks/pigeons/seagulls flying overhead, but those bricks really fascinated him.

Day 18: February 9

I was regretting putting Wally in brown when we arrived, but I like it with the red bricks. The striped socks and hat help, too.

This evening Wally started using his arms to push his whole body backwards across the wood floor. If he had been wearing clothes, he could have gotten pretty far!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 17

A quick shot that I love for today. Sweet cheeks, lips, nose, eyes -- this is one of my favorite views of Wallyman.

Day 17: February 8

Wally's little pilot caps are getting snug, so we're trying to get as much wear as possible out of them before packing them away.

And this is completely off topic, but today's post is my 100th! Thanks for reading/looking. To celebrate, I'll be rolling out a new blog format with BIG images and slick functionality very soon. I can't wait!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 16

Babies love to look at themselves. We used mirrors to soothe and distract Abby when she was younger, and now we're doing the same thing with Wally. As Auntie Lisa held Wally up to this mirror, he started playing and talking and trying to touch his mirror-Wallyman.

Day 16: February 7
Such a friendly boy. And look at all that hair!

A Month of Wally=love: Day 15

On a walk by the Edmonds ferry yesterday we came across some trees with bright green flowers blooming. That's right, flowers! Blooming! Spring is here! I immediately decided that I'd return with Wally and my camera. Today was GORGEOUS here in Edmonds, mild and sunny, and people out walking everywhere. We took a moment to get some shots of Wally with the blooms before taking the kids to the park by the water. It was hard to get Wally to look at me with so many other things to see, but I think this turned out perfectly. Doesn't he look captivated by something?

Day 15: February 6
Love the branches and the color in the background and the sun flare (SUN!). I know it's early and we'll probably get snow in March to make up for it, but for me, spring is here.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 14

I've taken several shots of Wally sleeping over the last two weeks, but they always seemed to get bumped by another image for the day. After taking him outside for shots all around Grandma's house, he fell asleep in her arms. We laid him down on the couch and got a sweet, sleeping photo of the day.

Day 14: February 5

So many things to love here. The absolute peace of his face, the hand curled by his chin, pink lips, veined eyelids, and of course eyelashes. All that is missing is a bum!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 13

OK, so if you didn't think I was obsessed before, you certainly will now. But I don't care. I love this bum! This makes me smile every time I look at it.

Day 13: February 4
This just says "baby" to me. The lifted knees, the feet that curve in and touch each other, the perfectly squeezable tush. Ahhh. My name is Jessica and I'm a bumaholic.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 12

Wally is going to LOVE these when he's older. Especially these ones where I exclaim over his adorable bum. You have probably noticed several shots taken at this door, but it's where our best light lives. I did clean the windows yesterday, but I ran out of newspaper (we don't subscribe, so all I had was the PCC mailer) before I could go over everything one last time. So yes, those are dirty windows, but you should have seen them before!

I know I was taking a bit of a risk having Wally naked on the rug, but I'm happy to say everything was still dry when we were finished. (Though two minutes after I put his diaper on he pooped, so I was REALLY lucky. -- it's those kinds of things that Wally is going to be thrilled about when he's 15.) I decided to get back to bareness today with this photo, and it paid off.

Day 12: February 3
Wally's skin is such a delicate pink color. And yes, I ADORE the bare bum, but it's the hand on the window, the reflection in the glass, the raised knee and toes that made this shot THE shot for today.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 11

Is this spring? I know the groundhog says it's still winter, but today's sunshine and warmth made it feel like spring is here. Abby, Wally, and I went outside to weed today in just our sweatshirts. Of course, Wally ended up on my back in the Ergo, so he was warm and cozy, but I loved not having to wear a coat.

There was no shortage of adorable Wally footage today, but I chose this image because it's so rare that I am in any photos with my kids. I think most moms are the designated photographers for their families and it's sad because that usually means that they don't get in front of the camera much. Add to that my complete loathing of seeing myself in photos and the fact that I am a professional photographer (so my husband always defers to me to take the photos), and you have children who will look back on their childhood images and never see their mother.

But that's not good, right? No matter how much I hate to be in front of the camera, I still do want my kids to have images to show them how much I love being with them. And I want to be able to look back when I'm 60 and see who I was during these amazing years. So I'm going to make an effort to get in front of the camera more. I've been wanting to capture the insanely excited face Wally makes before he smothers me with kisses, and today I just about caught it. My camera is resting on the bar of the deck and I'm reaching my arm out to push the shutter release, so this is awkward, but I love it. I love it!

Day 11: February 2
So what if you only see my chin and his head is cut off! I've got to do something with this image.

Emmeline turns one

I had tears in my eyes as I drove to this session. Exactly a year ago I had been driving to the hospital to photograph Emmeline's birth, and there I was driving to photograph Emmeline for her first birthday. Because her mama signed her up for my baby plan, I've seen Emmeline at three months, six months, and nine months, and now at one year. She has literally grown up in front of my lens. And now she's graduating!

Angel and Eric threw a birthday extravaganza at the Tulalip Resort, so I met them beforehand to do photos. Ordinarily I wouldn't recommend scheduling photos on the same day as a party, but with Angel's incredible gift for organization and planning, it seemed to work out really well. We started off in their beautiful hotel suite and then moved to the pool/atrium for a different locale.

There's something I love about this image, though I'm not sure what it is. The way she's kicking out a foot or holding her hand or investigating the rock -- something about it is so sweet. Oh, and Angel made this adorable dress.
Love the reflection in the glass and the leg chub.

Angel had requested a silhouette shot, similar to one we took of her when she was pregnant.

Goofing around back in the hotel room.

Another silhouette that I adore. See the line of Emmeline's cheek?

More love from Mama.
Getting prepped for some cake smashing.

And here she is about to taste cake for the first time. Gorgeous ladybugs!

Emmeline started off daintily sampling the ladybugs, but she got the hang of things after a bit. By the end she was even using her feet to explore the confection.

And a post-cake bath. These were some of my favorite of the day! Emmeline seems to be pretty at home in the water.

I'm so honored to have photographed Emmeline through her first year. Thank you, Angel and Eric for letting me help you document her milestones and watch her grow. I've also loved watching you grow as parents, and it is so good to see how over the moon you are for your little girl. Congratulations to you, and happy birthday to Emmeline!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 10

Sometimes when Wally claps, he'll pause and leave his hands clasped under his chin. Add a tilted head and smile and it's pretty irresistible. This is one of those images that I might not have ever gotten if I hadn't been making myself take new pictures every day.

Day 10: February 1
Love the neck creases and spot of drool on his lip.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 9

Just a short and sweet snapshot today. We had 10 minutes between my morning session and my afternoon engagement, so we took Wally out onto the deck in his hooded sweater to catch a smile.

Day 9: January 31
Blue, blue, blue! Happy boy.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 8

Bath time! Wally had fun clapping and splashing in the tub with big sis today. We even added some bubbles! Wally loves his baths and has since his very first bath in the sink of our cabin on Orcas.

Day 8: January 30
Love the wet lashes, the smile, and the water droplets flying.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 7

Wally started clapping today! I don't know what made him decide to try it -- I didn't think we were big clappers in our house, but apparently we clap enough for Wally to pick it up. He clapped during his pictures this afternoon and clapped on the dressing room floor while I tried on a dress (not a winner). Now he's clapping on the floor of our living room as he watches me edit photos. Next step, signing! He already gets excited when I sign "milk". It won't be long...

Day 7: January 29
A simple, sweet shot of my boy (and his bum). Apparently putting peanut butter on Wally's nose wasn't enough to entice Grandma's dog, Sophie, to get in on the photo action. That's ok. I like this the way it is.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 6

I thought the hardest part of this photo a day thing was going to be making sure I take pictures every day. It turns out that choosing just one is the hard part. I finally narrowed today's post down to this one.

Day 6: January 28
I love his profile and his open mouth and the curled up toes on his left foot. But just as I decided on the photo of the day, I was called on to get the camera out again for this.
Wally's first taste of solid food. While grocery shopping, Trev suggested we pick up an avocado for Wally. It sounded like fun, so I agreed, but I started having misgivings shortly after. He's my BABY and so far he has grown on 100% breastmilk. It makes me so happy to say that and see such an accomplishment. Especially after the difficulties we had with Abby gaining weight, seeing Wally's perfectly chubby thighs and dimpled hands brings huge satisfaction and pride.

All this is to say that we went ahead and gave Wally his first food tonight, and he seemed to do ok with it. I'm not anticipating any further experimentation for a while, though. It is just too much for Mama. It would be wonderful to be able to leave Wally when I go to photo sessions or preschool meetings or, gasp!, mom's night out, and not worry about how much pumped milk I've got, but those days are still a ways off. There's no hurry for Wally to get his nourishment from anywhere but Mama.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 5

More weeding outside on this gorgeous January day. (I was pretty busy with a newborn and lots of photography sessions at the end of the summer, so weeds were allowed to swallow our garden whole.) I brought out the wagon to amuse Abby, and of course snapped a few with Wally in it as well.

Day 5: January 27
There are shots with Abigail and with Wally smiling at the camera, but Trev and I both thought that this one stands out as the most interesting. Wally is holding Abby's Madeline doll (which he LOVES), and I think it is terribly sweet. Yes, I want Wally to love and care for dolls, just like his big sis does.

A Month of Wally-love: Day 4

We had a busy day. Wally spent the morning in the Ergo while we followed Abby around the Imagine Children's Museum in Everett (love that place!) and when we came home, he sat on a blanket outside while Abby and I weeded. Wally did some thatching of our grass/moss himself. Lots of fun shots to choose from today, but I chose this one to highlight his gorgeous lashes. They just keep growing and growing and pretty soon I think he'll give Abby some competition. Lucky boy.

Day 4: January 26
Swoon!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 3

I tried to get a shot of Wally sleeping today, but big sis had other plans for us. So instead, here's Wally's monthly headshot.

Day 3: January 25

See his TWO teeth! He's learning how to use them, too. I just wish he wouldn't practice while nursing!

Meeting Mia

Mia was due on Christmas day but kept her family waiting until January 7th to make her arrival. I think her parents would say that this little one was worth the wait. And I'll bet that after you see these sweet blue eyes, you'll agree.

At just over two weeks old, Mia was more of a catnapper than a deep-sleeper. It's amazing how quickly those sleep patterns change. We did catch some sleepy images though. Love the hands curled by her face.

Proud mama and daddy.

Even though her sleeping periods were brief, she stayed pretty calm while she was awake.

And then she'd drift off again. It's hard to resist the heating pad and my constant shushing. This is one of my favorites from the day. I'd love to see this on a big canvas.

And oh! Awake again. Is she stretching or surrendering? Either way, it's hilarious.
Trying to eat daddy's nose.

A new mom and baby favorite. Sheryl and Mia smiling together. Gorgeous!

And at the very end of our session, we did some shots in the dress Sheryl came home with her parents in. I think every girl in my generation had a dress in this fabric, and one for her doll, too. Feeling safe and cozy in Grandma's arms, Mia drifted back off to sleep. Isn't this the definition of peace?

Congratulations Sheryl and Armando on your beautiful baby girl. She is picture perfect, and I had a wonderful time with you and your family. Enjoy!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 2

Day 2 and I'm already cheating by hooking two photos together. (Is it cheating if you are making your own rules?) We spent the afternoon at a house on Lake Sammamish celebrating my grandma's 80th, my aunt's 50th, and my cousin's 25th birthdays. I was so looking forward to shooting a ton, but the rain had other plans, so we did a quick couple of shots on the covered patio.

You may notice a drastic difference between these photos and every other shot you've seen of Wally. Know what it is? CLOTHES! I've made a deliberate effort to capture as much nakedness as possible and to keep Wally looking as BABY as possible. When I do dress him, it's usually in sleepers or one-piece outfits that only a baby can wear. But now that Wally is a whopping six months old, I suppose it's ok that I bring out some big boy clothes once in a while. He sure does look cute in them! Thanks Auntie Lisa and Uncle Nick for this whole outfit. Tomorrow we'll be back to baby boy clothes because Mama can only handle so much of this.

Day 2: January 24
I've also been putting Wally in as little blue as possible because it's just so typical for a boy. But wow, it sure makes his eyes pop!

A Month of Wally-love: Day 1

Wally turned six months old today. He's in the prime of his babyhood, and that makes Mama happy and sad. I'll say it again -- I can't believe he's getting so OLD! To celebrate these fleeting baby days, I've decided to do a photo a day for a month. (Not my idea -- I've seen other photographers do similar things with their children or just with photos in general.) I'll still be doing his regular six month photos (when? still not sure), but I'll also have my camera out every day to document things that might not ordinarily make it to the blog.

Day 1: January 23

I love the drool on his chin, the hint of bum, and the reflection on the floor. He didn't mind sitting on the cold floor with his naked bum, but as soon as I tried to put him on his tummy, he let me know that wasn't going to happen. Not that I blame him. Happy 6 months, Wallyman!

And the winners are...

With the most votes, first prize goes to #22, Sadie, for favorite image of 2009. Congratulations! She's won a free session to use before June 1st.
Our runner up is #8, Emmeline (3 months), who has won $50 to apply to her next session. Yay!

And finally, our random comment winner was chosen by the random number generator.

The ninth commenter (not counting duplicates) is itskacie. Email me at jessica@onetreephotography.com to claim your $50 toward a One Tree Photography session.

Thank you to everyone who voted and who said such nice things about all the images. What a great way to start 2010!