It really is incredible how quickly kids change.  Here is Jaxon at 8 weeks.

And here he is now, at one year.  This little guy wins the award for the quickest 12 month old on the planet.  I’ve seen a lot of kids this age, and I’ve never seen one move as fast as Jaxon.  Daddy would set him down, and boom – he was past me before I could blink.  He cracked me up how he’s such a little man and the spitting image of dad.  We met at Mercer Arboretum on what happened to be a very popular picture night.  Photographers were like ants at this place – photographers and prom groups :)   Needless to say, between Jaxon’s speed and the crowds, I had my work cut out for me.  I think it was worth it – just look at that face!

The one below cracks me up — he’s already perfected his daddy’s walk.

Hannah and Brian,  thank you so much for celebrating this milestone with me!  I didn’t think I could have that much fun chasing a one year old!

In college, I lived in a cute little yellow house with a red door in Hyde Park.  I have tons of great memories from that house, and most of them include one of my best friends, Shauna.  We knew each other before either of us had met our future husbands, suffered through pregnancy, or imagined life with toddlers — really, it was the good life. *wink*  No, really it was.  Back then, Shauna could make me laugh harder than anyone, we shared a house, clothes, our faith, and she witnessed many of the milestone moments in my life. It makes me happy that not much has changed – okay the clothes and the house part, but everything else is the same.  And while we don’t get to see each other as often as we might like,  **cue the cheesy michael w. smith soundtrack** friends are friends forever…

Shauna and Lily (and Eli in utero) made a quick trip to the Watson house, and we did a mini maternity session before they left town.  Of course, now I have Eli’s newborn photos, so those will be up next.  But how could I not show-off how amazing my friend looks pregnant – and how cute Lily is, of course!

Lindsay told me Sam’s nickname is “squirmy,” because he likes to move – so we did just that!  But he definitely exceeded my expectations when he decided he would sit and smile for a minute.  I may or may not have snorted like a pig to evoke that grin – I just can’t say.   We met at a park near Lindsay and Chris’s home with the Houston skyline as a backdrop and let Sam play before allowing him to celebrate one with a chocolate chip cupcake.

Happy Birthday to Sam on Friday!

Lindsay and Chris, it was such a pleasure meeting you three.  Sam is adorable, and his smile is infectious!  Thank you for allowing me to document this milestone.

I never take it for granted when a couple invites me into their home to photograph their new baby – especially their first born.  It’s such a privilege to get to capture this fleeting time, and I know it takes a great amount of trust to allow a complete stranger to handle your infant!  Of course, by the time I leave their homes, they no longer feel like strangers at all.  Lisa contacted me to photograph Logan, and I was thrilled, but a little worried that he was past the 12 day old newborn stage.  I warned her that we would try to capture those classic newborn images, but he might not sleep or cooperate with us.  Well he proved me wrong!  Logan was out like a light, and more than happy to comply with everything I wanted to try.  He’s so handsome, and I just love him in the basket with the little rosemary tree – new life, growing, changing, putting down roots.

Larry and Lisa, thank you for inviting me to capture your son! He’s a star – I can’t wait to show you the rest.