Happy Birthday Nanny Pug!

We love you and can't wait to see you next weekend!

The Radio Flyer

Jackson's birthday is rapidly appraoching and Mema and Gpa brought him one of his presents early! The Radio Flyer Wagon. This is too cute! Thank you Mema and Gpa for everything! We all love you!

:) This is what life is all about!

You know, three years ago you couldn't have told me motherhood was as wonderfully fulfiling as it is. I thought my job was the be all end all and I'd just fit in a baby. Well, this picture right here throws that idea in the garbage disposal. Not only do I find motherhood overwhelmingly fulfilling it makes most everything else pale in comparison. Moments like these are priceless treasures!

In the laundry basket

Tonight after Jackson's bath we a had a few minutes before bedtime so we were in our living room playing with the ball and I was folding clothes. Jackson crawls over to the laundry basket and tries to pull up on it. (I obviously had to hold it because the 22+ pound little boy pulling on it would've tipped it over - anyway) So he is successful and pulls up on it... then he raises his left leg and tries to get In the basket. So we plop him in and he loves it in there. He pulled himself up, cruised along each side and had a good ole time. Who would've thought a laundry basket would be so fun!

By the way, we had to lower the mattress in his crib today. Don't want any monkeys to fall!

Happy Birthday Billy! We were thinking of you today!

Mr. B

I met a friend of mine at the Aquarium today and that was a neat experience. I had never been there. I think as Jackson gets a bit older he'll really enjoy it. This is a quick snap of my friend's 7 month old son. Isn't he just a cutie!?!

Intently listening

G'pa and Jackson are having a serious conversation!

Cutie in a basket!

I got "the basket" from Target all of my photographer friends talk about. I had to try it out.

Here he comes!

Jackson has learned to pull up in his crib. This morning after his bath, I put him in his crib, did the diaper thing and then went to clean up the bathroom. When I came back into his room, this is what I saw. Forgive the blurry flashy picture I was more about trying to capture it than I was technical competency. I had to laugh out loud on this one. :)

Talking to g'pa

Jackson was talking to G'pa today. The picture is a bit blurry but you get the picture. He was really into listening.

One of the punkin today

Those cheeks are just awesome!

Today was all about Luke

I took a practice round of Luke's Senior pictures today. I like the way they turned out!

Operation Smile

So I joined the PPA (Professional Photographer's Association) yesterday. They are associated with a phenomenal charity - Operation Smile. In case you aren't aware of what that is, I'll give you the elevator speech:

"Each year this incredible organization of more than 6,000 volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, and specialized health-care professionals, perform free reconstructive surgeries for children suffering with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. More than 100,000 children are born with a facial deformity each year in Operation Smile’s 26 partner countries."

Recording the faces of children and their families is one of my greatest pleasures. That’s why I believe so strongly in the work of Operation Smile. So, as part of helping the PPA raise money for Operation Smile, the PPA has organized Family Portrait Month in October. For each family session in October ( a great month for family photos for your Christmas Cards) I'll donate $25 of the Session Fee plus 10% of the gross sales amount. Pass the info along! It's a great cause and I'm proud to be part of this and can't wait to see how much money we can raise!

Jackson and Mama

I love this little man!!

My child with uncanny abilities

Today we learned Jackson can not only pick up toys with his hands, but also with his legs! We just laughed! Enjoy!

I've been waiting well over a year for this outfit

Ok, I bought this outfit shortly after finding out we were having a boy. I love it. It has seersucker shorts and the cutest stripe top. I think he looks adorable.

I am already thinking about my Christmas Cards

Ok, so I am already thinking about my Christmas Card. I wasn't totally thrilled with my pictures that went into my Christmas Cards last year ( I was busy learning what to do with a baby). So this year, I am participating in a Christmas Card swap on one of my photography message boards. Here are the three I've come up with. Now mind you, I am not crazy about these, but in order to have access to the others that the really good designers make, you have to make 3 - hence my feeble attempts. :)

Long time no post

So Aunt Kate reminded me today that it's been while since we posted. Busy work week with the audit, the single audit and the grant audit all going on. July is very busy! Mema was here yesterday and today and G-Pa came by yesterday too. Mema has this amazing ability to teach Jackson new tricks in no time. He learned to pull up in his crib and to catch a ball - with two hands. I quit reading the schedules when kids are supposed to do what so I am just guessing all is well. :) They stressed me out too much!

Here is a picture of Jackson and Daddy snuggling up on each other. I just love it!

Jackson is catching the ball here, so he is very intense - "laser focused" as we like to say.

Happy Baby

Mema and Jackson loving on each other - what fun! I am so thankful to have such a happy baby! Really, I am not exaggerating, he is so rarely upset or fussy. Wow - how many moms can say that? In one month and four days , Jackson will be one. Save the date, Saturday August 9 we're going to celebrate.

Aunt Kate - are you spoiling me?

Ok, we got another present from Aunt Kate today! 12, yes 12, videos about Christian Heroes. Yeah! Thank you Kate! You are such an awesome aunt. I love you!