Three Months

On the 23rd Waldron turned three. months. old. That's a quarter of a year already! I know I sound like a broken record, but how is this happening so fast? Fall is here, so our naked outdoor shots have probably come to an end. I guess I'll have to put him in some clothes! But we can do naked shots inside to mama's heart's content. Here are a few:

The closeup to compare to two months and one month. His face continues to fill out. His hair is getting longer and is very even all over his head.

Little feet that are quickly growing out of all of Wally's socks.

This makes me smile. He's such a happy baby. Of course, when Mama puts the big black box in front of her face, those smiles disappear. This is the hat that Kelly made for him. It still fits, but just barely. Remember his newborn shot with it?

More contemplative and sweet.

And a bonus shot with big sis who continues to love her little bro. Now she says, "I love you, Wally." before she goes to bed every night.
My little guy is really waking up to the world these days. He has discovered his hands and he'll use them to grab or bat at items of interest -- usually mama's hair or shirt. Sometimes I'll catch him staring at his hands while he's in the swing. I can nearly always elicit a big, open-mouthed smile by standing Wally up on my lap and smiling at him. Lately, when I do this he'll jerk forward with his mouth open and try to eat my face. It's a fun game we play. This evening I was kissing his cheeks (fat mama kisses, not just little pecks) and he started laughing and let out the loudest squeal we've heard from him.

Our non-scientific measurements get Wally at 25 inches long at three months old, and we guess that he's about 13 3/4 pounds. Those 3-6 month onesies are on their way out and 6 month clothes are filtering into his wardrobe. I've started knitting baby hats (ostensibly for my newborn clients, but Wally and Abby will both benefit from Mama's new hobby), so you'll see him in some fun ones in the coming months.

Before Wally was born I worried about how attached I would feel to baby #2, a boy. I have to laugh about that now. Wally is so adorable, beautiful, and amazing, that I am overcome with love for him on a daily basis. And when he looks at me, I swear I see that love mirrored back at me. I am so lucky to be this baby boy's mama. If only his babyhood wouldn't fly by so quickly...

Seconds

Babies, babies, everywhere! So many of my friends are having babies this year, and for many of them (us), it is their second. Remember my friend Dawne from this post? We've been waiting and waiting for her to have her baby so we could find out the sex, and on Wednesday she gave birth to a beautiful boy. Dawne's birth story is wonderful and encouraging and thrilling, and I'm so glad that she had such a powerful experience. I think she'd agree with me when I say that seconds are fabulous! It's so nice to be able to relax and feel like you know what you're doing with your baby. There's more time to actually enjoy your baby instead of just worrying constantly.

Anyway, Cole Emerson (love that name!) turned four days old at seven o'clock this evening. Oh, how I love the new, new ones! He slept and slept for us. Here are a few from our afternoon.

Beautiful light and shadow.
A glowing foot.

I like how his ears are just a tad elfish here.

Father and son.

Mama and Cole. Someone wants a kiss!

The family of four shot can be pretty elusive. Big brother Sawyer didn't especially want to be in pictures, but I adore this shot.

Sigh.

A sort of sibling shot. I like that Cooper the dog is in this, too.

And my favorite of the day. I'm surprised that it is, but I can't stop looking at the colors and textures. Click on it and view it big. His mouth is such a PERFECT shape.

Congratulations on your gorgeous baby and family, Dawne! I'm looking forward to lots of playdates and watching Wally and Cole grow up together. Yay for seconds!

Breanna and Family

Remember Saundra and family? Well, on July 31st they added sweet Breanna to the mix. I was so happy to get the chance to photograph this little one -- getting to meet the babe inside the bump is such a happy thing. I'm typing this with one hand while Wally nurses, so I'm just going to get right to the photos.

Cheeks!
Beautiful Sienna with her baby sister. These girls have completely different coloring.

Love the swirl of hair.

The new family of four.

Ahhh. I know Breanna is crying here, but isn't this sweet?
Daddy and open-eyed daughter.

I've been loving this shot lately.

A bit of bum.

Mama and baby.

(Trev just took Wally so I can really type now.) I had so much fun chatting and sharing birth stories with Saundra and Bill. It's interesting to talk with another 2nd-time mom about all the changes in the family dynamic and the differences between this pregnancy/birth/newborn experience and the last. From what I can tell, Saundra, Bill, Sienna, and Breanna are adjusting to life as a foursome VERY well. Congratulations to you all, and thank you again for allowing me to meet Breanna!

PS. Yes, there will be photos of Wally up here soon!

Another growing family

I'll give you one try to guess this little girl's name.

I met adorable Lily and her family on Wednesday, eight days after she was born. This little one wasn't the sleepy newborn that is so common. She was wide-eyed and watching EVERYTHING for almost our whole session. We finally did catch the above image of her sleeping, and the one below. Love those open lips!

While mama (Amy) nursed and swaddled and shushed and jiggled (Happiest Baby on the Block eat your heart out!), I got to sit outside and watch big brother, Henry, ride his dirt bike. Can you believe this kiddo is only three?

Lily was six pounds five ounces when she was born, but she is one STRONG baby. See her hold her head up off of mama's shoulder to look out her favorite window? Amazing! She already has a look of wonder.

This could be my new favorite mom and babe shot. I love the expression on both of their faces, and Amy's eyes -- oh!

Of course we had to try for some family shots, but you know Henry would rather be riding his dirt bike or pointing out countries on his world map or eating mango or...ANYTHING else. I still like this one. Dad (Doug) has a great smile.
Since Henry was more interested in other things, we let father and daughter have some time together.

And then we brought Mama in. I knew this would be a favorite as soon as the shutter clicked.

Just as we were about to wrap things up (Lily was finished), Henry decided that his little sister WAS interesting and we got this shot -- my new favorite sibling photo. Great work, Henry!

Amy and Doug, thanks so much for letting me help you document this transitional time in your family. Lily is beautiful, Henry is hilarious ("shred it!"), and you both are wonderful parents. Congratulations!