Cordelia age 3

This little sweetheart is 3 now. Her mom is amazing, she made all the dresses in these photos! Cordelia was so good for her photo session. Well, she has had some practice, it was her 6th photo session with me! Since I've had my son he has made me a better photographer. What a gift! I have learned how a 2 or 3 year old thinks. I never knew before Jesse came along and would just go to photo sessions assuming the child would cooperate. I always have a plan now with this age. Yes I do use candy to bribe a little, I've learned that too, but kids who have photo sessions every year do remember me. I always bring them something special whether it's a ball of a special color to incorporate or a goodie bag. This way they look forward to their session year after year. Cordelia was so sweet. I took a plastic Easter egg, put two plastic rings in it and hid it in a bush. It was a fun game for her and when she opened it she ran over to her mom and gave her one of the rings and the biggest hug! Such a sweet child.

Jesse's friends

As I drove away from this family and house I started to cry. My friend Meredith recently had a 3rd baby and moved to Vermont all within a month. We use to live on the same block when Jesse was born and our children became close. This family was an integral part of my son's development. Before starting daycare we did a year of sharing childcare two days a week, so this house became a 2nd home to Jesse. Meredith home schools her kids and the house was enriched with children's activities and the kind of fun that made a 1-2 year old smile every time he was welcomed at the door. I think I cried for many reasons: Lucie was only 3 weeks old and it was my first and last time I will probably see her for a year or so. I got to just sit and let her sleep on my shoulder while I watched the children play around us. I have not felt that in a long time. An era seems gone in my son's life, he just turned 4 and I feel he is no longer a baby. I miss our times on Pulaski ave. the sounds, the feelings, the smells, all remind me of having a baby. Chickens!!!! I had chickens as a kid and love that Jesse got to experience them. The feeling of community and support were all something that I was fortunate to have in Jesse's young years. Meredith gave me so much motherly advice. I feel like I have great neighbors at my new house, but there is something about having one child and missing the house he was born into. I now know he will grow up so fast and that makes me cherish every moment as I see him frolic in the street with his current friends! Jesse will miss his old friends but he will always have the memories of his first ever friends! (Meredith, I hope you find your "community" again in Vermont and that you have wonderful new memories for your children.)

Jesse's 3rd birthday

My son Jesse just had his 3rd birthday party! I was able to take a few portraits before his party. I can't believe how grown up he is getting to be and wish he would stay little forever! We enjoyed the celebrations into Monday and went to Linvilla orchards on such a gorgeous day. Jesse is a lucky boy. Or we are lucky that is.

our wild pasture with cousins

Jesse's cousins came to the new house for a visit. He was so excited they live in Virginia and he cries every time they go home! Took them out in the wildflower pasture next to my house for a quick sunset shoot. You will see they were only "good" in one photo! Some funny expressions!

I'm looking forward to many fall time family sessions in this new location! Outdoor sessions will include props like tire swing, old fashion horse, pumpkins, apples, wildflowers, and maybe even a 1930 ford pick up truck! Keep an eye out for some upcoming special prices and mini session dates!