As much as it breaks my heart to see her growing up so fast, I have to appreciate how much she can do and wants to do for herself. I love seeing the joy of accomplishment on that adorable little face.

What they are giving their children is priceless: a home full of happiness and unwavering love.   It has been a tremendous privilege of mine to photograph their family connections since their daughter was just a baby in mama's tummy. (You may recognize them here).

Four years since I first met them, they now have three children, and Maria still mothers her family with pure love, grace, and beauty. She sets the mark for me as a mother myself. When we walked out to their garden that night, I didn't quite comprehend what I was about to witness until I saw the the pictures. Maria pulled out her face painting supplies (she mentioned that was one of the things they loved to do together) and set to work on creating artwork on each of her children. It was such a beautiful scene--and at the risk of sounding like an artsy goob, I teared up when I got a chance to flip through the images from that night. But really, I have to wonder if she has *any* idea the kind of memories she's creating for her children every time she does things like this for them. She exudes devotion as a mother and as a wife. She is my shining example of everything a mommy should be. I am honored to know her and proud to call her a friend.

Okay, well once I got over the fact that the little guy greeted me with, "Are you coming to clean the house today?" *then* I had fun. But my gosh, I don't think I've ever laughed and played so much in one session!!! Of course, part of the deal was that I had to let the kids snap a few pics:

Not bad work, huh?

See, I told you we had FUN!!!

We seriously could not have more going on the day we did this newborn session. Walls freshly painted, furniture on order, repairmen to fix a broken window, etc., etc. Every time we'd get big sis geared up to play and baby sis comfy and cozy, someone new would ring the doorbell. At one point, the repairmen were stepping ever so gingerly with their big ol' steel toed boots around a little bundle of sleeping newborn in the doorway. So we just went with it and it turned out just fine. These girls are so beautiful and I just know they are going to be such good friends as they grow older!

Celebrated his birthday recently. It was nice to take a few minutes away from his siblings to just hang with him. He's so danged funny!!! And truly enjoys being on both sides of the camera. He has a tendency to fade into the background of this loud family at times, but when he's in the moment, he shines.

I love this kid.